Shafiq-ur-Rehman Shafiq-ur-Rehman | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) (original) (raw)
Papers by Shafiq-ur-Rehman Shafiq-ur-Rehman
The Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj) are the two parts of a Nigh... more The Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj) are the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islam, the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, took during a single night around the year 621. It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey.[1] A brief sketch of the story is in surah al-Isra of the Quran,[2] and other details come from the hadith, collections of the reports of the teachings, deeds and sayings of Muhammad. In the Isra part of the journey, Muhammad travels on the steed Buraq to "the farthest mosque" where he leads other prophets in prayer. He then ascends to heaven in the Mi'raj journey where he speaks to God, who gives Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayer. This remembrance of this journey is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.[3] *
1. Jump up ^ Martin, Richard C.; Arjomand, Saïd Amir; Hermansen, Marcia; Tayob, Abdulkader; Davis, Rochelle; Voll, John Obert, eds. (December 2, 2003). Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 482. ISBN 978-0-02-865603-8.
2. Quran 17:1 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)
3. Bradlow, Khadija (August 18, 2007). "A night journey through Jerusalem". Times Online. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
*From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The effects of Endosulfan, a widely used organochlorine pesticide world wide, on hematology, open... more The effects of Endosulfan, a widely used organochlorine pesticide world wide, on hematology, open-field behavior including motor activity, and oxidative stress (as MDA generation) in brain were investigated in mirror carp, Cyprinus carpiovar specularis. The efficacy of Selenium was also tested to examine whether this anti-oxidant could reverse the toxic implication of Endosulfan (1 microg/L) in fish. It has been observed that almost all the tested hematological features were found to be significantly declined at 120 hr, with maximum destructions at 240 hr exposure period. Several behavioral anomalies were also detected during the exposure period. The formation of MDA, identified as an index of oxidative stress, was progressively exaggerated by Endosulfan (as seen at 120 and 240 hr). Selenium, which is an essential nutrient and a powerful anti-oxidant, was found to have protection on Endosulfan-mediated deterioration of movement behavior and aggravated lipid peroxidation in brain of ...
Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremo... more Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the Himalayan valley as well as lifeline for the local population. It provides fish, vegetables and water for drinking and domestic use. Recently, Dal Lake experienced a rare carpeting of the red-bloom of a new species of Euglena shafiqii, Shafiq-ur-Rehman. It was ascribed due to pollution coming through effluents/runoff from human settlements, agricultural fields and catchments. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to examine the Dal Lake water at different stations for elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Sr, Zn and Cu. The red-bloom samples were also analyzed for K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, and V. Highest concentrations of elements were apparent in Astana (for K), Nishat Bagh (for Ca and Fe), Gagribal (for Sr), Nishat drain (for Zn and Cu) following with Gagribal (for K), Naseem Bagh (for Ca and Cu), Gagribal drain and Centaur (for Fe),...
Peace-Love-Brotherhood is my understanding of ISLAM. However, the Islam is (mis) interpreted by v... more Peace-Love-Brotherhood is my understanding of ISLAM. However, the Islam is (mis) interpreted by various agencies, religions, sects and thoughts according to their interest. The World is passing through the mania of Islamophobia.
The growing INTOLERANCE is eating India like mite, destroying country’s ancient social fabric and... more The growing INTOLERANCE is eating India like mite, destroying country’s ancient social fabric and brotherhood. It amounts great danger to India’s freedom, democracy and stability. Intolerance is a kind of fascism, abhorrence and terrorism.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), Founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, was a great social act... more Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), Founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, was a great social activist and reformer. He worked hard for Muslim uplift and intellectual development through modern education and Islamic thought so that they can live a dignified life and contribute for betterment. With this painting, I offer my sincere tribute to him- Prof Shafiq-ur-Rehman (Khagawi), Srinagar, Kashmir (J&K) India.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 02/1999; 23(1):149-59. DOI:10.1016/S0278-5846(98)00086-4 • 4.03 Impact Factor
1. Stereotyped complex behaviours are present in a number of psychotic illnesses, neurological di... more 1. Stereotyped complex behaviours are present in a number of psychotic illnesses, neurological diseases and even can be generated in response to chemical environment (e.g., drugs or toxins). 2. The circadian rhythm of complex behaviours such as, rearing, preening, scratching and biting/licking was evaluated in an open-field situation in rats exposed to lead (2% lead acetate in drinking water for 30 days). 3. The circadian rhythm of rearing patterns showed depressions from 2 to 14 hr on day 3 and 13, and from 2-6 hr on day 23 (it elevated at 10 hr), whereas increased pattern was apparent at all test periods (except at 6 hr) on day 30. 4. Increased responses of circadian rhythm of preening behaviour were obtained at 18 hr (with decrease at 22 hr) on day 3, at 6 and 14-22 hr on day 13 and, at all the test periods on day 23 (except at 6 hr) and on day 30. 5. The rhythmic patterns of the scratching behaviour showed elevations at each test period as observed on day 3, 13, 23 and 30. The responses in lead-intoxicated rates, however, showed depressions in the light-period and augmentations in the dark-period. 6. The biting/licking behaviours indicated increased patterns of the circadian rhythm attaining a parabolic response, which were inconsistent to the scratching behaviour patterns. Amongst lead-intoxicated rats this behaviour exhibited depressed responses in light-period, whereas in dark-period it showed elevations.
Biological Trace Element Research 07/2013; 154(3):433-439. DOI:10.1007/s12011-013-9745-1 • 1.61 Impact Factor
Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmenta... more Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmental persistent toxin and health hazard affecting millions of people in all age groups. After entering bloodstream, 99 % of Pb is accumulated in erythrocytes and causes poisoning. Toxic Pb effects on erythrocytes membrane’s composition of phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl choline (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM), and phospholipids transmethylation were determined. Lipid peroxidation in Pb-exposed erythrocytes was evaluated as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in presence of Fe and vitamin E to understand severity of Pb toxicity and its mitigation. Pb (0.5–5.0 μM) degraded PS (12 to 31 %, P < 0.05–0.001) and elevated SM (19–51 %, P < 0.05–0.001). Composition of PC and PE were diminished (22 %) and elevated (29 %), respectively, with higher Pb exposure (5.0 μM, P < 0.001). Pb toxicity suppressed (P < 0.001) transmethylation of phospholipids in membranes (34, 41, and 50 %, respectively, with 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM). Pb-induced dose-related MDA production (P < 0.05–0.001) in erythrocytes was obtained, which was accentuated in presence of Fe (P < 0.05–0.001). The vitamin E mitigated (P < 0.05–0.01) the severity of Pb-induced lipid peroxidation. The ratio PS/SM showed maximum change of −27 (P < 0.01), −30 (P < 0.01), and −54 % (P < 0.001), respectively at 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM Pb exposures. Ratios PC/SM and PS/PE were at the second, whereas PE/PS at the third order. The study suggests that the mechanisms underlying distortion of compositional phospholipids, inhibition of transmethylation, and exasperated phospholipid peroxidative damage are the active phenomena of Pb toxicity in erythrocytes. Figure Composition of phospholipids classes in bilayer membrane surface were differentially disturbed by lead (0.5, 2.5 or 5.0 µM) interaction with human erythrocytes. Synthesis of PC from PE through trans-methylation process in bilayer membrane was steadily inhibited by increasing concentration of lead. The ratios PS/SM, PC/SM, PS/PE and PE/PS were significantly despoiled by Pb toxicity. Pb degraded PS and PC located in inner and outer surfaces of membrane bilayer and radically caused oxidative damage to erythrocytes. Pb-induced dose related oxidative stress in erythrocytes was accentuated in presence of pro-oxidant Fe II and mitigated by anti-oxidant Vitamin E
A bloom of Euglena was observed at the surface of Dal Lake, Kashmir, in the last week of June, 19... more A bloom of Euglena was observed at the surface of Dal Lake, Kashmir, in the last week of June, 1991. The species exhibited a circadian colour change, from green at dawn to blood-red during the day and again green at dusk. The present new species is, therefore, named Euglena shafiqii. It is distinguished from the cogenus by the structure and occurrence of Z-tubules, chromatophores, nucleus shape and by a coloured pulsating structure at the posterior end. A stress induced transformation from an elongated egg to a round shape is also peculiar. The light absorption spectra of the pigment showed λ maxima at 416, 441, 467 and 485 nm. The red bloom was found in the part of the lake basins which receives waste effluents.
International Humboldt Kolleg 2013, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University... more International Humboldt Kolleg 2013, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
TRACE ELEMENTAL DETRMINATION IN RED-BLOOM (E. shafiqii) AND DAL LAKE, KASHMIR VALLEY WATER BY TOTAL REFLECTION X-RAY FLUOROSCSENCE SPECTROMETRY
Shafiq-ur-Rehman1*, Sangita Dhara2, N.L. Misra2, Shaheen1 and Alok Srivastava3
1. Division of Environmental Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Kashmir), Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-191121, J&K, India
2. Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India
3. Department of Chemistry, Punjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
* Correspondence
Abstract: Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the Himalayan valley as well as lifeline for the local population. It provides fish, vegetables and water for drinking and domestic use. Recently, Dal Lake experienced a rare carpeting of the red-bloom of a new species of Euglena shafiqii, Shafiq-ur-Rehman. It was ascribed due to pollution coming through effluents/runoff from human settlements, agricultural fields and catchments. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to examine the Dal Lake water at different stations for elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Sr, Zn and Cu. The red-bloom samples were also analyzed for K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, and V. Highest concentrations of elements were apparent in Astana (for K), Nishat Bagh (for Ca and Fe), Gagribal (for Sr), Nishat drain (for Zn and Cu) following with Gagribal (for K), Naseem Bagh (for Ca and Cu), Gagribal drain and Centaur (for Fe), Nishat Bagh and Astana (for Sr and Zn). The red-bloom of Euglena shafiqii was found to contain high levels of the elements, Fe and Mn. TXRF could be successfully applied for this meticulous study for the determination of a wide range of trace elements to examine the damages taking place in a lake ecosystem. This study has shown the potential of TXRF to study the emergence of the new species like Euglena shafiqii, biological circadian rhythm of different colours as indicator of pollution.
Lipid peroxides formation and motor activity were studied in fish under lead exposure for a perio... more Lipid peroxides formation and motor activity were studied in fish under lead exposure for a period of 30 days. The in vitro studies of lead exposure were also performed in fish brain homogenates. Spontaneous motor activity of fish was affected by lead exposure (50/igjL). The behaviors were increased in fish during the first three days with jerky movements and then as spontaneous movements between 16 and 30 days of lead exposure. Lipid peroxidation, which is measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive species, was increased by 52% on 15 days and 156% on 30 days oflead exposure (50 /ig(L). The effects oflead exposure (50 /ig) were also observed in in vitro fish brain homogenates (1 mL, 5% wjv) alone, in presence of pro-oxidant system (as iron 100/ig) or anti-oxidant system (as (X-tocopherol, 100/ig). Steady state increments of lipid peroxidation were apparent up to the concentration of 40 /ig oflead treatment in brain homogenates, which subsequently #The paper was presented in parts at attained a plateau up to the treatment of 100Ilg lead. Lead at the concentration of 50 Ilg promoted lipid peroxidation by 225%. Iron-induced lipid peroxidation was 135% as compared to control. Lead neurotoxicity was further aggravated by iron by 33%, while the combined impact was 476% higher when compared with the control (i.e., untreated brain homogenates). Alpha-tocopherol reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation by 31%. Moreover, treatment of ex-tocopherol also suppressed the lead neurotoxicity by 53%. These findings suggest that lead intoxication increases spontaneous motor activity and lipid peroxides in brain offish in chronic exposure. I, therefore, speculate that presence of iron may accentuate lead neurotoxicity, while on the other hand, treatment with biological anti-oxidant ex-tocopherol may provide relief from lead neurotoxicity.
Among heavy metals of industrial and toxicological importance, lead, zinc and copper have probabl... more Among heavy metals of industrial and toxicological importance, lead, zinc and copper have probably the widest distribution in the human environment. These metal ions have a non-homogeneous pattern of distribution in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown that the normal concentration of these metal ions in the CNS is disturbed following zinc-intoxication. In the present study, the authors have demonstrated the effect of lead alone and in combination with zinc or copper on the regional concentration of zinc, copper and lead ions in the CNS and blood.
Pencil Drawing of Lass Portrait
The Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj) are the two parts of a Nigh... more The Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj) are the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islam, the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, took during a single night around the year 621. It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey.[1] A brief sketch of the story is in surah al-Isra of the Quran,[2] and other details come from the hadith, collections of the reports of the teachings, deeds and sayings of Muhammad. In the Isra part of the journey, Muhammad travels on the steed Buraq to "the farthest mosque" where he leads other prophets in prayer. He then ascends to heaven in the Mi'raj journey where he speaks to God, who gives Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayer. This remembrance of this journey is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.[3] *
1. Jump up ^ Martin, Richard C.; Arjomand, Saïd Amir; Hermansen, Marcia; Tayob, Abdulkader; Davis, Rochelle; Voll, John Obert, eds. (December 2, 2003). Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 482. ISBN 978-0-02-865603-8.
2. Quran 17:1 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)
3. Bradlow, Khadija (August 18, 2007). "A night journey through Jerusalem". Times Online. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
*From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The effects of Endosulfan, a widely used organochlorine pesticide world wide, on hematology, open... more The effects of Endosulfan, a widely used organochlorine pesticide world wide, on hematology, open-field behavior including motor activity, and oxidative stress (as MDA generation) in brain were investigated in mirror carp, Cyprinus carpiovar specularis. The efficacy of Selenium was also tested to examine whether this anti-oxidant could reverse the toxic implication of Endosulfan (1 microg/L) in fish. It has been observed that almost all the tested hematological features were found to be significantly declined at 120 hr, with maximum destructions at 240 hr exposure period. Several behavioral anomalies were also detected during the exposure period. The formation of MDA, identified as an index of oxidative stress, was progressively exaggerated by Endosulfan (as seen at 120 and 240 hr). Selenium, which is an essential nutrient and a powerful anti-oxidant, was found to have protection on Endosulfan-mediated deterioration of movement behavior and aggravated lipid peroxidation in brain of ...
Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremo... more Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the Himalayan valley as well as lifeline for the local population. It provides fish, vegetables and water for drinking and domestic use. Recently, Dal Lake experienced a rare carpeting of the red-bloom of a new species of Euglena shafiqii, Shafiq-ur-Rehman. It was ascribed due to pollution coming through effluents/runoff from human settlements, agricultural fields and catchments. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to examine the Dal Lake water at different stations for elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Sr, Zn and Cu. The red-bloom samples were also analyzed for K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, and V. Highest concentrations of elements were apparent in Astana (for K), Nishat Bagh (for Ca and Fe), Gagribal (for Sr), Nishat drain (for Zn and Cu) following with Gagribal (for K), Naseem Bagh (for Ca and Cu), Gagribal drain and Centaur (for Fe),...
Peace-Love-Brotherhood is my understanding of ISLAM. However, the Islam is (mis) interpreted by v... more Peace-Love-Brotherhood is my understanding of ISLAM. However, the Islam is (mis) interpreted by various agencies, religions, sects and thoughts according to their interest. The World is passing through the mania of Islamophobia.
The growing INTOLERANCE is eating India like mite, destroying country’s ancient social fabric and... more The growing INTOLERANCE is eating India like mite, destroying country’s ancient social fabric and brotherhood. It amounts great danger to India’s freedom, democracy and stability. Intolerance is a kind of fascism, abhorrence and terrorism.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), Founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, was a great social act... more Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), Founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, was a great social activist and reformer. He worked hard for Muslim uplift and intellectual development through modern education and Islamic thought so that they can live a dignified life and contribute for betterment. With this painting, I offer my sincere tribute to him- Prof Shafiq-ur-Rehman (Khagawi), Srinagar, Kashmir (J&K) India.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 02/1999; 23(1):149-59. DOI:10.1016/S0278-5846(98)00086-4 • 4.03 Impact Factor
1. Stereotyped complex behaviours are present in a number of psychotic illnesses, neurological di... more 1. Stereotyped complex behaviours are present in a number of psychotic illnesses, neurological diseases and even can be generated in response to chemical environment (e.g., drugs or toxins). 2. The circadian rhythm of complex behaviours such as, rearing, preening, scratching and biting/licking was evaluated in an open-field situation in rats exposed to lead (2% lead acetate in drinking water for 30 days). 3. The circadian rhythm of rearing patterns showed depressions from 2 to 14 hr on day 3 and 13, and from 2-6 hr on day 23 (it elevated at 10 hr), whereas increased pattern was apparent at all test periods (except at 6 hr) on day 30. 4. Increased responses of circadian rhythm of preening behaviour were obtained at 18 hr (with decrease at 22 hr) on day 3, at 6 and 14-22 hr on day 13 and, at all the test periods on day 23 (except at 6 hr) and on day 30. 5. The rhythmic patterns of the scratching behaviour showed elevations at each test period as observed on day 3, 13, 23 and 30. The responses in lead-intoxicated rates, however, showed depressions in the light-period and augmentations in the dark-period. 6. The biting/licking behaviours indicated increased patterns of the circadian rhythm attaining a parabolic response, which were inconsistent to the scratching behaviour patterns. Amongst lead-intoxicated rats this behaviour exhibited depressed responses in light-period, whereas in dark-period it showed elevations.
Biological Trace Element Research 07/2013; 154(3):433-439. DOI:10.1007/s12011-013-9745-1 • 1.61 Impact Factor
Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmenta... more Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmental persistent toxin and health hazard affecting millions of people in all age groups. After entering bloodstream, 99 % of Pb is accumulated in erythrocytes and causes poisoning. Toxic Pb effects on erythrocytes membrane’s composition of phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl choline (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM), and phospholipids transmethylation were determined. Lipid peroxidation in Pb-exposed erythrocytes was evaluated as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in presence of Fe and vitamin E to understand severity of Pb toxicity and its mitigation. Pb (0.5–5.0 μM) degraded PS (12 to 31 %, P < 0.05–0.001) and elevated SM (19–51 %, P < 0.05–0.001). Composition of PC and PE were diminished (22 %) and elevated (29 %), respectively, with higher Pb exposure (5.0 μM, P < 0.001). Pb toxicity suppressed (P < 0.001) transmethylation of phospholipids in membranes (34, 41, and 50 %, respectively, with 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM). Pb-induced dose-related MDA production (P < 0.05–0.001) in erythrocytes was obtained, which was accentuated in presence of Fe (P < 0.05–0.001). The vitamin E mitigated (P < 0.05–0.01) the severity of Pb-induced lipid peroxidation. The ratio PS/SM showed maximum change of −27 (P < 0.01), −30 (P < 0.01), and −54 % (P < 0.001), respectively at 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM Pb exposures. Ratios PC/SM and PS/PE were at the second, whereas PE/PS at the third order. The study suggests that the mechanisms underlying distortion of compositional phospholipids, inhibition of transmethylation, and exasperated phospholipid peroxidative damage are the active phenomena of Pb toxicity in erythrocytes. Figure Composition of phospholipids classes in bilayer membrane surface were differentially disturbed by lead (0.5, 2.5 or 5.0 µM) interaction with human erythrocytes. Synthesis of PC from PE through trans-methylation process in bilayer membrane was steadily inhibited by increasing concentration of lead. The ratios PS/SM, PC/SM, PS/PE and PE/PS were significantly despoiled by Pb toxicity. Pb degraded PS and PC located in inner and outer surfaces of membrane bilayer and radically caused oxidative damage to erythrocytes. Pb-induced dose related oxidative stress in erythrocytes was accentuated in presence of pro-oxidant Fe II and mitigated by anti-oxidant Vitamin E
A bloom of Euglena was observed at the surface of Dal Lake, Kashmir, in the last week of June, 19... more A bloom of Euglena was observed at the surface of Dal Lake, Kashmir, in the last week of June, 1991. The species exhibited a circadian colour change, from green at dawn to blood-red during the day and again green at dusk. The present new species is, therefore, named Euglena shafiqii. It is distinguished from the cogenus by the structure and occurrence of Z-tubules, chromatophores, nucleus shape and by a coloured pulsating structure at the posterior end. A stress induced transformation from an elongated egg to a round shape is also peculiar. The light absorption spectra of the pigment showed λ maxima at 416, 441, 467 and 485 nm. The red bloom was found in the part of the lake basins which receives waste effluents.
International Humboldt Kolleg 2013, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University... more International Humboldt Kolleg 2013, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
TRACE ELEMENTAL DETRMINATION IN RED-BLOOM (E. shafiqii) AND DAL LAKE, KASHMIR VALLEY WATER BY TOTAL REFLECTION X-RAY FLUOROSCSENCE SPECTROMETRY
Shafiq-ur-Rehman1*, Sangita Dhara2, N.L. Misra2, Shaheen1 and Alok Srivastava3
1. Division of Environmental Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Kashmir), Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-191121, J&K, India
2. Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India
3. Department of Chemistry, Punjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
* Correspondence
Abstract: Dal Lake is located in Srinagar in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the Himalayan valley as well as lifeline for the local population. It provides fish, vegetables and water for drinking and domestic use. Recently, Dal Lake experienced a rare carpeting of the red-bloom of a new species of Euglena shafiqii, Shafiq-ur-Rehman. It was ascribed due to pollution coming through effluents/runoff from human settlements, agricultural fields and catchments. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to examine the Dal Lake water at different stations for elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Sr, Zn and Cu. The red-bloom samples were also analyzed for K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, and V. Highest concentrations of elements were apparent in Astana (for K), Nishat Bagh (for Ca and Fe), Gagribal (for Sr), Nishat drain (for Zn and Cu) following with Gagribal (for K), Naseem Bagh (for Ca and Cu), Gagribal drain and Centaur (for Fe), Nishat Bagh and Astana (for Sr and Zn). The red-bloom of Euglena shafiqii was found to contain high levels of the elements, Fe and Mn. TXRF could be successfully applied for this meticulous study for the determination of a wide range of trace elements to examine the damages taking place in a lake ecosystem. This study has shown the potential of TXRF to study the emergence of the new species like Euglena shafiqii, biological circadian rhythm of different colours as indicator of pollution.
Lipid peroxides formation and motor activity were studied in fish under lead exposure for a perio... more Lipid peroxides formation and motor activity were studied in fish under lead exposure for a period of 30 days. The in vitro studies of lead exposure were also performed in fish brain homogenates. Spontaneous motor activity of fish was affected by lead exposure (50/igjL). The behaviors were increased in fish during the first three days with jerky movements and then as spontaneous movements between 16 and 30 days of lead exposure. Lipid peroxidation, which is measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive species, was increased by 52% on 15 days and 156% on 30 days oflead exposure (50 /ig(L). The effects oflead exposure (50 /ig) were also observed in in vitro fish brain homogenates (1 mL, 5% wjv) alone, in presence of pro-oxidant system (as iron 100/ig) or anti-oxidant system (as (X-tocopherol, 100/ig). Steady state increments of lipid peroxidation were apparent up to the concentration of 40 /ig oflead treatment in brain homogenates, which subsequently #The paper was presented in parts at attained a plateau up to the treatment of 100Ilg lead. Lead at the concentration of 50 Ilg promoted lipid peroxidation by 225%. Iron-induced lipid peroxidation was 135% as compared to control. Lead neurotoxicity was further aggravated by iron by 33%, while the combined impact was 476% higher when compared with the control (i.e., untreated brain homogenates). Alpha-tocopherol reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation by 31%. Moreover, treatment of ex-tocopherol also suppressed the lead neurotoxicity by 53%. These findings suggest that lead intoxication increases spontaneous motor activity and lipid peroxides in brain offish in chronic exposure. I, therefore, speculate that presence of iron may accentuate lead neurotoxicity, while on the other hand, treatment with biological anti-oxidant ex-tocopherol may provide relief from lead neurotoxicity.
Among heavy metals of industrial and toxicological importance, lead, zinc and copper have probabl... more Among heavy metals of industrial and toxicological importance, lead, zinc and copper have probably the widest distribution in the human environment. These metal ions have a non-homogeneous pattern of distribution in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown that the normal concentration of these metal ions in the CNS is disturbed following zinc-intoxication. In the present study, the authors have demonstrated the effect of lead alone and in combination with zinc or copper on the regional concentration of zinc, copper and lead ions in the CNS and blood.
Pencil Drawing of Lass Portrait
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is ever increasing with swelling population and urbanization while sp... more Municipal solid waste (MSW) is ever increasing with swelling population and urbanization while space for disposal decreasing. Generally, landfills around the periphery of a city require large area. However, the MSW materials in landfills creates negative environmental impacts and health hazards by emitting odor, toxic vapours and airborne bacteria and, harmful leachable containing toxic heavy metals, etc. Unsurprisingly, these circumstances invite public anger, aggressive media debates and political outrage against the administration. To avoid such undesirable event or damage, alternate clean green- methodology for disposal of MSW (garbage) is necessarily needed for the sustainable environment and human health in the present situation in Srinagar where area for landfill is less and garbage is seriously increasing. The matter is discussed.
This is a painting using acrylic paint, color pencil and ink to create a portrait of the Songbird... more This is a painting using acrylic paint, color pencil and ink to create a portrait of the Songbird in a singing mood. The picture was taken with Sony C6602 camera at focal length of 4.1 mm, shutter speed of 1/1250 sec, aperture of f/2.4 and ISO of 800. ©Shafiq-ur Rehman.
"If there is heaven on earth; it is here, it is here, it is here", couplet was spoken by Mughal E... more "If there is heaven on earth; it is here, it is here, it is here", couplet was spoken by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for Kashmir in seventeenth century and they ring true even today. Located between the Karakoram and the Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir Valley is no doubt the most beautiful destination in India. Surrounded by Mughal gardens, Dal Lake, the iconic beauty of the Kashmir valley, is one of the most graceful lakes of India.
After morning reading of newspaper, I found a little space at the last page of the newspaper; I p... more After morning reading of newspaper, I found a little space at the last page of the newspaper; I picked a pencil and began sketching when I finished―it was a portrait with innocent eyes, calm and …... #PortraitSketck #Shafiq-ur-Rehman Srinagar
Horse earned special status throughout the human civilization as natural companion. Horses have b... more Horse earned special status throughout the human civilization as natural companion. Horses have been offering great contributions to mankind whether in war, movement, agriculture, productivity or developments. So, affection of man to horse and loyalty of horse to man historically seemed to be a real fact. Power, grace, beauty, notability, strength, freedom and peace are the common symbolic meaning of Horses. And the white Horses represent light, sun, day, vitality, illumination, resurrection, messenger of birth and purity. I painted these thunder white Horses running on the beach with the acrylic on the paper (27.5x34.5 cm).