Hizbullah Khan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Hizbullah Khan
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
In recent years, the contamination of water by potentially poisonous elements (PPEs) has got one ... more In recent years, the contamination of water by potentially poisonous elements (PPEs) has got one of the major issues that undermine ecological systems as well as human health. The current examination is aimed at eliminating PPEs like zinc (Zn 2+), chromium (Cr 6+), lead (Pb 2+), and copper (Cu 2+) from aqueous solutions and vehicle-wash wastewater (VWW) utilizing biochar/bentonite/ waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET/C/Bt) and biochar/bentonite/waste polystyrene (wPS/C/ Bt) as an adsorbents. The adsorbents were investigated by surface area analyser, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. To investigate the adsorption of PPEs by synthesized wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt, different column and batch adsorption tests were conducted with varying different parameters such as pH, contact time, initial PPEs concentration, temperature and dose of adsorbents. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for determining the PPEs concentration in addition to the adsorption efficiencies of the composites were calculated under ideal conditions. The ideal conditions for the highest adsorption of PPEs of aqueous solution on the wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt adsorbents were found to be: pH 6 for Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ , pH 3 for Cr 6+ and pH 4 for Zn 2+ , adsorbent dose of 0.20 g, temperature 60°C, contact time of 90 min, and initial concentration of 30 mg L-1. Results demonstrated that highest removal of Pb 2+ , Cu 2+ , Cr 6+ , and Zn 2+ from aqueous solution achieved over wPET/C/Bt adsorbent was 89.06%, 86.30%, 90.10% and 92.43%, respectively, whereas that of wPS/C/Bt adsorbent was 84.69%, 79.80%, 77.56% and 82.80%, respectively. The highest removal in column tests was seen at an adsorbent bed height of 20 cm with the optimal flow rate of 3.56 mL min-1. Moreover, PPEs removal by wPET/C/Bt adsorbents was seen in the order of Zn 2+ < Pb 2+ < Cu 2+ < Cr 6+ , whereas that of wPS/C/Bt adsorbent was Cu 2+ > Zn 2+ > Cr 6+ > Pb 2+. The outcomes were likewise assessed by different kinetic as well as isotherm models. Root mean square error was also calculated for the validation of data. The adsorption process proceeded and fitted with Freundlich as well as Langmuir isotherm models and pseudo-second-order equation. The calculated values of thermodynamic factors, for example, entropy (ΔS°), Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) as well as enthalpy (ΔH°) demonstrate that the process of adsorption is endothermic, spontaneous as well as feasible in nature. Findings from this study suggest that wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt could be utilized as a promising adsorbent at the same time eliminating a number of PPEs from VWW.
Background: Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (pvama-1) is an important vaccine candidat... more Background: Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (pvama-1) is an important vaccine candidate. Assessment of the genetic composition of pvama-1 is preliminary important to better plan the vaccine designing strategies based on the antigen.Methods: Blood samples of 84 vivax malaria patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan were collected. The pvama-1 domain 1 (DI) region was amplified and sequenced. The QC based sequences raw data filtration was done using DNASTAR package. The downstream population genetic analyses were performed using MEGA4, DnaSP, Arlequin v3.5 and network.5.Results: The data analyses unveiled total 57 haplotypes of pvama-1 DI among 84 KP P. vivax samples with majorly prevalent H-14 and H-5haplotypes. Limited to moderate pairwise genetic distinction was observed among the samples collected from different districts of KP. Likewise, no geography-specific genetic correlation was inferred among KP samples. In context of worldwide available data, th...
Background: Childbearing woman needs to start the folic acid intake at least four weeks before co... more Background: Childbearing woman needs to start the folic acid intake at least four weeks before conception and continue it throughout the first trimester of pregnancy to help with the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Hence, counseling and awareness by health care professionals influence strongly in order to overcome these burdensome issues to the women and their families. Objectives: To determine the impact of counseling on childbearing age Women for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects by Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive survey design was carried out to conduct this study in the Obstetrical Outpatient departments of local teaching Hospitals of Lahore. A total of 300 pregnant women were studied to see the impact of counseling of healthcare professionals regarding supplementation of folic acid in order to minimize the Neural Tube Defects. Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used for the purpose. Data were collected ...
Pakistan Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry, 2021
Water samples were collected from 43 sites of Tehsil Isa Khel areas in order to determine the phy... more Water samples were collected from 43 sites of Tehsil Isa Khel areas in order to determine the physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, M. alkalinity, chloride ion (Cl- ), and fluoride ion (F-) concentration. The obtained results show that in Tehsil Isa Khel, only in Kala Bagh city, Kala Bagh water scheme (w/s), Tola Bangi Khel w/s, Kot Chandna, Awan Wala, Gidran Wala, and Cheena Pora water is drinkable. Overall, electrical conductivity, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, fluoride levels in the water of Tehsil Isa Khel are very high and not fit for drinking, washing, and industrial purpose. The ultimate result of this study is helpful to address the leading cause of public health problems related to the deteriorated quality of drinking water, and an integrated approach is therefore required to provide safe drinking water to people in Tehsil Isa Khel.
PeerJ, 2021
Background Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2B6 gene lead ... more Background Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2B6 gene lead to decreased enzyme activity and have an impact on drug metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the patterns of genetic distinction across a hypervariable region of the CYP2B6 gene, known to contain important SNPs, i.e. rs4803419 and rs3745274, among five major ethnic groups of the Pakistani population. Methods Arlequin v3.5.DnaSPv6.12. and network 5 resources were used to analyze population genetic variance in the partial CYP2B6 gene sequences obtained from 104 human samples belonging to Punjabi, Pathan, Sindhi, Seraiki and Baloch ethnicities of Pakistan. The partial CYP2B6 gene region analyzed in the current study is previously known to possess important SNPs. Results The data analyses revealed that genetic variance among samples mainly came from differentiation within the ethnic groups. However, significant genetic variation was also found among the various ethnic gr...
A study was conducted in Entomology laboratory at Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture, Pesh... more A study was conducted in Entomology laboratory at Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during 2011 to assess the toxicity of fifteen (15) pesticides, on parasitism by Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) for which eggs were treated with pesticides The mean parasitism based on square root transformed values for field dose was for two most highly toxic Spiromesifen (2.406) and Abamectin (2.606), while moderately toxicity was shown by Spinetoram (2.932), Fiproni (l3.177), Acetamiprid (3.549), Heloxyfop-P-Methyl (4.206), and Myclubutanil (4.493). The 2X dose results showed that harmful pesticides were Spiromesifen (1.173), Fipronil (1.260), Abamectin (2.211) and Spinetoram (2.278), while Acetamiprid (2.932), Heloxyfop-P-Methyl (3.974), Myclubutanil (4.061), mixture of Trifloxystrobin and Tebuconazole, Spirotetramat (4.072) were moderately toxic. The 0.5X concentration results indicated that Abamectin (2.682) was harmful to parasitism, while Spinetoram (2.739), Spiromes...
Water, 2021
Pakistan possesses the fourth largest irrigation network in the world, serving 20.2 million hecta... more Pakistan possesses the fourth largest irrigation network in the world, serving 20.2 million hectares of cultivated land. With an increasing irrigated area, Pakistan is short of freshwater resources and faces severe water scarcity and food security challenges. This is the first comprehensive study on the water footprint (WF) of crop production in Peshawar Basin. WF is defined as the volume of freshwater required to produce goods and services. In this study, we assessed the blue and green water footprints (WFs) and annual blue and green water consumption of major crops (maize, rice, tobacco, wheat, barley, sugarcane, and sugar beet) in Peshawar Basin, Pakistan. The Global Water Footprint Assessment Standard (GWFAS) and AquaCrop model were used to model the daily WF of each crop from 1986 to 2015. In addition, the blue water scarcity, in the context of available surface water, and economic water productivity (EWP) of these crops were assessed. The 30 year average blue and green WFs of ...
Water Science and Technology, 2021
Serious environmental deterioration caused by synthetic waste plastics, and the pollution of fres... more Serious environmental deterioration caused by synthetic waste plastics, and the pollution of freshwater resources are the most alarming and marked challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, immense scientific efforts are being made towards the management of waste plastics and treatment of polluted water. The current study reports on the utilization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET) and waste polystyrene (wPS) for fabrication of activated carbon (AC) and its application for the removal of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollutants from water. AC was prepared from wPET and wPS by carbonization under a N2 atmosphere followed by chemical activation with 1 M KOH and 1 M HCl. The AC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption of PAHs from aqueous solutions through AC was examined by batch adsorption tests. The optimum parameters for maximum adsorption of PAHs were found to be: ...
International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2019
Assessing water pollution at basin level is a challenging task. In this study, the environmental ... more Assessing water pollution at basin level is a challenging task. In this study, the environmental sustainability of grey water footprints (WF grey) of Peshawar Basin in Pakistan was analysed. The release of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from point and non-point sources during the period 1986 to 2015 were studied. Water pollution level (WPL) for normal and 10%-50% future reduced runoff in Kabul River as a result of construction of dams was considered. Methodologies described in Water Footprint Assessment Manual and Grey Water Footprint Accounting Guidelines were followed. Results showed that 30-year annual average of N and P discharges were 24.5×10 3 t/a and 10.9×10 4 t/a respectively. The discharge of N and P from non-point sources contribute 97% and 99% respectively. N related WF grey was 50×10 8 m 3 /a and 50×10 9 m 3 /a for P. WPL of N was within the sustainable limit for all reduced runoff scenarios while P-related WPL for normal runoff exceeded sustainable limits and was worse in each reduced runoff scenario. This study confirms the deteriorated water quality of Kabul River and the findings may be helpful for future planning and water resource management of the basin.
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2018
The present study was planned to explore the selective desulphurization efficiency of the acid-mo... more The present study was planned to explore the selective desulphurization efficiency of the acid-modified activated charcoal (AC) as an adsorbent. The oil samples selected were the model oil and the commercial kerosene & diesel. The adsorption capacity of the AC was evaluated for the removal of one of the sulfur analogs i.e. dibenzothiophene (DBT) present in the fuel samples under a set of experimental conditions. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the DBT desulphurization were studied. It was observed that the adsorption firmly followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. Moreover, the experimental value of the amount of DBT adsorbed at equilibrium "q e " was nearly equal to the value calculated from the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied and the experimental data best fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. Compared to other commercially available adsorbents, the acid-modified AC was found to be cost-effective, highly efficient and selective for the DBT removal from the model as well as real petroleum based oils.
Journal of environmental sciences (China), 2018
Fecal bacteria contaminate water resources and result in associated waterborne diseases. This stu... more Fecal bacteria contaminate water resources and result in associated waterborne diseases. This study assessed drinking water quality and evaluated their potential health risks in Swat, Pakistan. Ground and surface drinking water were randomly collected from upstream to downstream in the River Swat watershed and analyzed for fecal contamination using fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli) and physiochemical parameters (potential of hydrogen, turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, color, odor and taste). The physiochemical parameters were within their safe limits except in a few locations, whereas, the fecal contaminations in drinking water resources exceeded the drinking water quality standards of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), 2008 and World Health Organization (WHO), 2011. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed that downstream urbanization trend, minimum distance between water sources and pit latrines/sewerage systems...
Reviews on environmental health, Jan 6, 2018
Context Materials which exceed the balance of their production and destruction lead to the deteri... more Context Materials which exceed the balance of their production and destruction lead to the deterioration in the environment. Plastic is one such material which poses a big threat to the environment. A huge amount of plastic is produced and dumped into the environment which does not readily degrade naturally. In this paper, we address the organization of a large body of literature published on the management of waste plastics being the most challenging issue of the modern world. Objectives To address the issue of the management of waste plastics, there is a dire need to organize the literature published in this field. This paper presents a systematic literature review on plastic waste, its fate and biodegradation in the environment. The objective is to make conclusions on possible practical techniques to lessen the effects of plastic waste on the environment. Method A systematic literature review protocol was followed for conducting the present study [Kitchenham B, Brereton OP, Budge...
Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Apr 17, 2014
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal ... more Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 coal miners of Cherat, District Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan, from July 2012 to June 2013. Coal miners who worked for more than six months were included. Medical camps were arranged in study areas in which Pulmonary Function Tests and CXR was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. The demographic variables were also noted on a semi structured proforma. Results: The medical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately 71% (n=284) of coal miners have sign and symptoms of occupational respiratory health problems. The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of coal workers pneumoconiosis (49.50%) i.e. about 47% (n=188) on Chest X-rays (P/A View) and 52.50% (n=210) on Pulmonary Function Tests has findings of coal workers pneumoconiosis. Only 31.75% (n=127) of coal miners have normal pulmonary function tests and 35% (n=140) have normal chest x-ray findings during medical assessment. Conclusion: The prevalence of the pneumoconiosis was high (49.50%) among the Cherat coal miners; and needs proper consideration and attention from the health sector and mining department in order to reduce the high burden of pneumoconiosis among coal miners.
Hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (... more Hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) are the most dangerous contaminants, accumulate in the environment and cause serious damages to ecosystems and human health. Generally, heavy metals are released in to environment through different natural and anthropogenic process and could contaminate the available atmosphere, hydrosphere, upper exosphere (soil) and even biosphere of the earth. Therefore, keeping in view the sources (i.e., natural and anthropogenic) this book was designed to investigate the environmental concentrations of heavy metals in agricultural soils and available foodstuffs (i.e., food crops, milk and water), where mafic and ultramafic rocks of Kohistan island arc (KIA) Indus suture zone (ISZ) and metasedimentary rocks of Indian plate (IP) are exposed. Further the book potentially assesses heavy metals bioaccumulation in human blood via foodstuffs consumption and their potential hea...
The Scientific World Journal, 2015
The ash ofC. polygonoides(locally called balanza) was collected from Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtun... more The ash ofC. polygonoides(locally called balanza) was collected from Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and was utilized as biosorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. The ash was used as biosorbent without any physical or chemical treatment. The biosorbent was characterized by using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size and surface area were measured using particle size analyzer and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation (BET), respectively. The SEM and BET results expressed that the adsorbent has porous nature. Effects of various conditions such as initial concentration of methylene blue (MB), initial pH, contact time, dosage of biosorbent, and stirring rate were also investigated for the adsorption process. The rate of the adsorption of MB on biomass sample was fast, and equilibrium has been achieved within 1 hour. The kinetics o...
Molecules, 2013
A series of N-pivaloyl-N′-(alkyl/aryl)-N′′-pyridylguanidine of general formula C 4 H 9 CONHC(NR 1... more A series of N-pivaloyl-N′-(alkyl/aryl)-N′′-pyridylguanidine of general formula C 4 H 9 CONHC(NR 1 R 2)NPy have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in the case of compounds 7 and 11, by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized guanidines were tested for antitumor activities against potato tumor, and showed excellent inhibition against Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT10)-induced tumor. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these new compounds against various bacterial and fungal strains were also investigated.
Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2013
The concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (M... more The concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were investigated in drinking water sources (surface and groundwater) collected from Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The potential health risk of heavy metals to the local population and their possible source apportionment were also studied. Heavy metal concentrations were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrometer and compared with permissible limits set by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were higher than their respective permissible limits, while Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations were observed within their respective limits set by Pak-EPA and WHO. Health risk indicators such as chronic daily intake (CDI) and health risk index (HRI) were calculated for adults and children separately. CDIs and HRIs of heavy metals were found in the order of Cr > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb and Cd > Ni > Mn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn, respectively. HRIs of selected heavy metals in the drinking water were less than 1, indicating no health risk to the local people. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses showed that geologic and anthropogenic activities were the possible sources of water contamination with heavy metals in the study area.
![Research paper thumbnail of [(Methylcarbamothioyl)disulfanyl]methyl N -methylcarbamodithioate](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/90887724/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2010
Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2008
Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 2009
Influence of gamma irradiation and colored polyethylene packaging on the selected parameters, nam... more Influence of gamma irradiation and colored polyethylene packaging on the selected parameters, namely moisture, proteins, fiber, fats and shelf life of palm date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was studied. The date samples were irradiated with 20, 50, 100, 200 and 300 krads, respectively. The treated and whole samples were packed in blue, green, yellow, black and white polyethylene bags. The moisture contents of date were very close in all packed and treated date samples with irregular changes. In proteins, the decrease is higher in the first 3 months, whereas in the last 3 months no prominent difference was noticed. Maximum protein decrease was recorded for control samples in the blue packaging, i.e., the decrease is from 2.32 to 0.1%. Minimum decrease (2.32-1.4%) was recorded for samples in white and yellow packaging, at doses of 300 and 200 krads, respectively. The fiber contents of date samples irradiated with 20, 50, 100, 200 and 300 krads and packed in white packaging decrease as 2.33, 2.37, 2.36, 2.34 and 2.31%, respectively.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
In recent years, the contamination of water by potentially poisonous elements (PPEs) has got one ... more In recent years, the contamination of water by potentially poisonous elements (PPEs) has got one of the major issues that undermine ecological systems as well as human health. The current examination is aimed at eliminating PPEs like zinc (Zn 2+), chromium (Cr 6+), lead (Pb 2+), and copper (Cu 2+) from aqueous solutions and vehicle-wash wastewater (VWW) utilizing biochar/bentonite/ waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET/C/Bt) and biochar/bentonite/waste polystyrene (wPS/C/ Bt) as an adsorbents. The adsorbents were investigated by surface area analyser, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. To investigate the adsorption of PPEs by synthesized wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt, different column and batch adsorption tests were conducted with varying different parameters such as pH, contact time, initial PPEs concentration, temperature and dose of adsorbents. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for determining the PPEs concentration in addition to the adsorption efficiencies of the composites were calculated under ideal conditions. The ideal conditions for the highest adsorption of PPEs of aqueous solution on the wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt adsorbents were found to be: pH 6 for Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ , pH 3 for Cr 6+ and pH 4 for Zn 2+ , adsorbent dose of 0.20 g, temperature 60°C, contact time of 90 min, and initial concentration of 30 mg L-1. Results demonstrated that highest removal of Pb 2+ , Cu 2+ , Cr 6+ , and Zn 2+ from aqueous solution achieved over wPET/C/Bt adsorbent was 89.06%, 86.30%, 90.10% and 92.43%, respectively, whereas that of wPS/C/Bt adsorbent was 84.69%, 79.80%, 77.56% and 82.80%, respectively. The highest removal in column tests was seen at an adsorbent bed height of 20 cm with the optimal flow rate of 3.56 mL min-1. Moreover, PPEs removal by wPET/C/Bt adsorbents was seen in the order of Zn 2+ < Pb 2+ < Cu 2+ < Cr 6+ , whereas that of wPS/C/Bt adsorbent was Cu 2+ > Zn 2+ > Cr 6+ > Pb 2+. The outcomes were likewise assessed by different kinetic as well as isotherm models. Root mean square error was also calculated for the validation of data. The adsorption process proceeded and fitted with Freundlich as well as Langmuir isotherm models and pseudo-second-order equation. The calculated values of thermodynamic factors, for example, entropy (ΔS°), Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) as well as enthalpy (ΔH°) demonstrate that the process of adsorption is endothermic, spontaneous as well as feasible in nature. Findings from this study suggest that wPET/C/Bt and wPS/C/Bt could be utilized as a promising adsorbent at the same time eliminating a number of PPEs from VWW.
Background: Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (pvama-1) is an important vaccine candidat... more Background: Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (pvama-1) is an important vaccine candidate. Assessment of the genetic composition of pvama-1 is preliminary important to better plan the vaccine designing strategies based on the antigen.Methods: Blood samples of 84 vivax malaria patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan were collected. The pvama-1 domain 1 (DI) region was amplified and sequenced. The QC based sequences raw data filtration was done using DNASTAR package. The downstream population genetic analyses were performed using MEGA4, DnaSP, Arlequin v3.5 and network.5.Results: The data analyses unveiled total 57 haplotypes of pvama-1 DI among 84 KP P. vivax samples with majorly prevalent H-14 and H-5haplotypes. Limited to moderate pairwise genetic distinction was observed among the samples collected from different districts of KP. Likewise, no geography-specific genetic correlation was inferred among KP samples. In context of worldwide available data, th...
Background: Childbearing woman needs to start the folic acid intake at least four weeks before co... more Background: Childbearing woman needs to start the folic acid intake at least four weeks before conception and continue it throughout the first trimester of pregnancy to help with the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Hence, counseling and awareness by health care professionals influence strongly in order to overcome these burdensome issues to the women and their families. Objectives: To determine the impact of counseling on childbearing age Women for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects by Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive survey design was carried out to conduct this study in the Obstetrical Outpatient departments of local teaching Hospitals of Lahore. A total of 300 pregnant women were studied to see the impact of counseling of healthcare professionals regarding supplementation of folic acid in order to minimize the Neural Tube Defects. Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used for the purpose. Data were collected ...
Pakistan Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry, 2021
Water samples were collected from 43 sites of Tehsil Isa Khel areas in order to determine the phy... more Water samples were collected from 43 sites of Tehsil Isa Khel areas in order to determine the physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, M. alkalinity, chloride ion (Cl- ), and fluoride ion (F-) concentration. The obtained results show that in Tehsil Isa Khel, only in Kala Bagh city, Kala Bagh water scheme (w/s), Tola Bangi Khel w/s, Kot Chandna, Awan Wala, Gidran Wala, and Cheena Pora water is drinkable. Overall, electrical conductivity, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, fluoride levels in the water of Tehsil Isa Khel are very high and not fit for drinking, washing, and industrial purpose. The ultimate result of this study is helpful to address the leading cause of public health problems related to the deteriorated quality of drinking water, and an integrated approach is therefore required to provide safe drinking water to people in Tehsil Isa Khel.
PeerJ, 2021
Background Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2B6 gene lead ... more Background Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2B6 gene lead to decreased enzyme activity and have an impact on drug metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the patterns of genetic distinction across a hypervariable region of the CYP2B6 gene, known to contain important SNPs, i.e. rs4803419 and rs3745274, among five major ethnic groups of the Pakistani population. Methods Arlequin v3.5.DnaSPv6.12. and network 5 resources were used to analyze population genetic variance in the partial CYP2B6 gene sequences obtained from 104 human samples belonging to Punjabi, Pathan, Sindhi, Seraiki and Baloch ethnicities of Pakistan. The partial CYP2B6 gene region analyzed in the current study is previously known to possess important SNPs. Results The data analyses revealed that genetic variance among samples mainly came from differentiation within the ethnic groups. However, significant genetic variation was also found among the various ethnic gr...
A study was conducted in Entomology laboratory at Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture, Pesh... more A study was conducted in Entomology laboratory at Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during 2011 to assess the toxicity of fifteen (15) pesticides, on parasitism by Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) for which eggs were treated with pesticides The mean parasitism based on square root transformed values for field dose was for two most highly toxic Spiromesifen (2.406) and Abamectin (2.606), while moderately toxicity was shown by Spinetoram (2.932), Fiproni (l3.177), Acetamiprid (3.549), Heloxyfop-P-Methyl (4.206), and Myclubutanil (4.493). The 2X dose results showed that harmful pesticides were Spiromesifen (1.173), Fipronil (1.260), Abamectin (2.211) and Spinetoram (2.278), while Acetamiprid (2.932), Heloxyfop-P-Methyl (3.974), Myclubutanil (4.061), mixture of Trifloxystrobin and Tebuconazole, Spirotetramat (4.072) were moderately toxic. The 0.5X concentration results indicated that Abamectin (2.682) was harmful to parasitism, while Spinetoram (2.739), Spiromes...
Water, 2021
Pakistan possesses the fourth largest irrigation network in the world, serving 20.2 million hecta... more Pakistan possesses the fourth largest irrigation network in the world, serving 20.2 million hectares of cultivated land. With an increasing irrigated area, Pakistan is short of freshwater resources and faces severe water scarcity and food security challenges. This is the first comprehensive study on the water footprint (WF) of crop production in Peshawar Basin. WF is defined as the volume of freshwater required to produce goods and services. In this study, we assessed the blue and green water footprints (WFs) and annual blue and green water consumption of major crops (maize, rice, tobacco, wheat, barley, sugarcane, and sugar beet) in Peshawar Basin, Pakistan. The Global Water Footprint Assessment Standard (GWFAS) and AquaCrop model were used to model the daily WF of each crop from 1986 to 2015. In addition, the blue water scarcity, in the context of available surface water, and economic water productivity (EWP) of these crops were assessed. The 30 year average blue and green WFs of ...
Water Science and Technology, 2021
Serious environmental deterioration caused by synthetic waste plastics, and the pollution of fres... more Serious environmental deterioration caused by synthetic waste plastics, and the pollution of freshwater resources are the most alarming and marked challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, immense scientific efforts are being made towards the management of waste plastics and treatment of polluted water. The current study reports on the utilization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET) and waste polystyrene (wPS) for fabrication of activated carbon (AC) and its application for the removal of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollutants from water. AC was prepared from wPET and wPS by carbonization under a N2 atmosphere followed by chemical activation with 1 M KOH and 1 M HCl. The AC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption of PAHs from aqueous solutions through AC was examined by batch adsorption tests. The optimum parameters for maximum adsorption of PAHs were found to be: ...
International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2019
Assessing water pollution at basin level is a challenging task. In this study, the environmental ... more Assessing water pollution at basin level is a challenging task. In this study, the environmental sustainability of grey water footprints (WF grey) of Peshawar Basin in Pakistan was analysed. The release of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from point and non-point sources during the period 1986 to 2015 were studied. Water pollution level (WPL) for normal and 10%-50% future reduced runoff in Kabul River as a result of construction of dams was considered. Methodologies described in Water Footprint Assessment Manual and Grey Water Footprint Accounting Guidelines were followed. Results showed that 30-year annual average of N and P discharges were 24.5×10 3 t/a and 10.9×10 4 t/a respectively. The discharge of N and P from non-point sources contribute 97% and 99% respectively. N related WF grey was 50×10 8 m 3 /a and 50×10 9 m 3 /a for P. WPL of N was within the sustainable limit for all reduced runoff scenarios while P-related WPL for normal runoff exceeded sustainable limits and was worse in each reduced runoff scenario. This study confirms the deteriorated water quality of Kabul River and the findings may be helpful for future planning and water resource management of the basin.
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2018
The present study was planned to explore the selective desulphurization efficiency of the acid-mo... more The present study was planned to explore the selective desulphurization efficiency of the acid-modified activated charcoal (AC) as an adsorbent. The oil samples selected were the model oil and the commercial kerosene & diesel. The adsorption capacity of the AC was evaluated for the removal of one of the sulfur analogs i.e. dibenzothiophene (DBT) present in the fuel samples under a set of experimental conditions. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the DBT desulphurization were studied. It was observed that the adsorption firmly followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. Moreover, the experimental value of the amount of DBT adsorbed at equilibrium "q e " was nearly equal to the value calculated from the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied and the experimental data best fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. Compared to other commercially available adsorbents, the acid-modified AC was found to be cost-effective, highly efficient and selective for the DBT removal from the model as well as real petroleum based oils.
Journal of environmental sciences (China), 2018
Fecal bacteria contaminate water resources and result in associated waterborne diseases. This stu... more Fecal bacteria contaminate water resources and result in associated waterborne diseases. This study assessed drinking water quality and evaluated their potential health risks in Swat, Pakistan. Ground and surface drinking water were randomly collected from upstream to downstream in the River Swat watershed and analyzed for fecal contamination using fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli) and physiochemical parameters (potential of hydrogen, turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, color, odor and taste). The physiochemical parameters were within their safe limits except in a few locations, whereas, the fecal contaminations in drinking water resources exceeded the drinking water quality standards of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), 2008 and World Health Organization (WHO), 2011. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed that downstream urbanization trend, minimum distance between water sources and pit latrines/sewerage systems...
Reviews on environmental health, Jan 6, 2018
Context Materials which exceed the balance of their production and destruction lead to the deteri... more Context Materials which exceed the balance of their production and destruction lead to the deterioration in the environment. Plastic is one such material which poses a big threat to the environment. A huge amount of plastic is produced and dumped into the environment which does not readily degrade naturally. In this paper, we address the organization of a large body of literature published on the management of waste plastics being the most challenging issue of the modern world. Objectives To address the issue of the management of waste plastics, there is a dire need to organize the literature published in this field. This paper presents a systematic literature review on plastic waste, its fate and biodegradation in the environment. The objective is to make conclusions on possible practical techniques to lessen the effects of plastic waste on the environment. Method A systematic literature review protocol was followed for conducting the present study [Kitchenham B, Brereton OP, Budge...
Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Apr 17, 2014
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal ... more Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 coal miners of Cherat, District Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan, from July 2012 to June 2013. Coal miners who worked for more than six months were included. Medical camps were arranged in study areas in which Pulmonary Function Tests and CXR was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. The demographic variables were also noted on a semi structured proforma. Results: The medical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately 71% (n=284) of coal miners have sign and symptoms of occupational respiratory health problems. The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of coal workers pneumoconiosis (49.50%) i.e. about 47% (n=188) on Chest X-rays (P/A View) and 52.50% (n=210) on Pulmonary Function Tests has findings of coal workers pneumoconiosis. Only 31.75% (n=127) of coal miners have normal pulmonary function tests and 35% (n=140) have normal chest x-ray findings during medical assessment. Conclusion: The prevalence of the pneumoconiosis was high (49.50%) among the Cherat coal miners; and needs proper consideration and attention from the health sector and mining department in order to reduce the high burden of pneumoconiosis among coal miners.
Hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (... more Hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) are the most dangerous contaminants, accumulate in the environment and cause serious damages to ecosystems and human health. Generally, heavy metals are released in to environment through different natural and anthropogenic process and could contaminate the available atmosphere, hydrosphere, upper exosphere (soil) and even biosphere of the earth. Therefore, keeping in view the sources (i.e., natural and anthropogenic) this book was designed to investigate the environmental concentrations of heavy metals in agricultural soils and available foodstuffs (i.e., food crops, milk and water), where mafic and ultramafic rocks of Kohistan island arc (KIA) Indus suture zone (ISZ) and metasedimentary rocks of Indian plate (IP) are exposed. Further the book potentially assesses heavy metals bioaccumulation in human blood via foodstuffs consumption and their potential hea...
The Scientific World Journal, 2015
The ash ofC. polygonoides(locally called balanza) was collected from Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtun... more The ash ofC. polygonoides(locally called balanza) was collected from Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and was utilized as biosorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. The ash was used as biosorbent without any physical or chemical treatment. The biosorbent was characterized by using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size and surface area were measured using particle size analyzer and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation (BET), respectively. The SEM and BET results expressed that the adsorbent has porous nature. Effects of various conditions such as initial concentration of methylene blue (MB), initial pH, contact time, dosage of biosorbent, and stirring rate were also investigated for the adsorption process. The rate of the adsorption of MB on biomass sample was fast, and equilibrium has been achieved within 1 hour. The kinetics o...
Molecules, 2013
A series of N-pivaloyl-N′-(alkyl/aryl)-N′′-pyridylguanidine of general formula C 4 H 9 CONHC(NR 1... more A series of N-pivaloyl-N′-(alkyl/aryl)-N′′-pyridylguanidine of general formula C 4 H 9 CONHC(NR 1 R 2)NPy have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in the case of compounds 7 and 11, by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized guanidines were tested for antitumor activities against potato tumor, and showed excellent inhibition against Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT10)-induced tumor. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these new compounds against various bacterial and fungal strains were also investigated.
Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2013
The concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (M... more The concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were investigated in drinking water sources (surface and groundwater) collected from Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The potential health risk of heavy metals to the local population and their possible source apportionment were also studied. Heavy metal concentrations were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrometer and compared with permissible limits set by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were higher than their respective permissible limits, while Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations were observed within their respective limits set by Pak-EPA and WHO. Health risk indicators such as chronic daily intake (CDI) and health risk index (HRI) were calculated for adults and children separately. CDIs and HRIs of heavy metals were found in the order of Cr > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb and Cd > Ni > Mn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn, respectively. HRIs of selected heavy metals in the drinking water were less than 1, indicating no health risk to the local people. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses showed that geologic and anthropogenic activities were the possible sources of water contamination with heavy metals in the study area.
Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2010
Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2008
Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 2009
Influence of gamma irradiation and colored polyethylene packaging on the selected parameters, nam... more Influence of gamma irradiation and colored polyethylene packaging on the selected parameters, namely moisture, proteins, fiber, fats and shelf life of palm date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was studied. The date samples were irradiated with 20, 50, 100, 200 and 300 krads, respectively. The treated and whole samples were packed in blue, green, yellow, black and white polyethylene bags. The moisture contents of date were very close in all packed and treated date samples with irregular changes. In proteins, the decrease is higher in the first 3 months, whereas in the last 3 months no prominent difference was noticed. Maximum protein decrease was recorded for control samples in the blue packaging, i.e., the decrease is from 2.32 to 0.1%. Minimum decrease (2.32-1.4%) was recorded for samples in white and yellow packaging, at doses of 300 and 200 krads, respectively. The fiber contents of date samples irradiated with 20, 50, 100, 200 and 300 krads and packed in white packaging decrease as 2.33, 2.37, 2.36, 2.34 and 2.31%, respectively.