1

O-1

REGIONAL COOPERATION IN USE OF WATER ENERGY RESOURCES OF THE TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS OF CENTRAL ASIA
Inom Normatov1*

Institute of Water problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan12, Parvin Street, Dushanbe, 734002, Tajikistan. *Corresponding author e-mail: inomnor@gmail.com

In the Aral Sea Basin on the territory which is located five states, water resources are used basically for irrigation and water-power engineering. These water users demand different modes of regulation of a river drain. In interests of water-power engineering the greatest development of the electric power and accordingly use larges parts of an annual drain of the rivers in winter the cold period of year. For irrigation the greatest volume of water is required in the summer during the vegetative period. Regulation of a river drain is thus carried out by the large reservoirs. Thus all largest hydroelectric power stations are constructed in the countries of a zone of the drain formation - in upstream the rivers Amu Darya and Sir-Darya in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the main areas of the irrigated lands are located in states of the down stream of the rivers Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Zeravshan - the Transboundary River in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan by length of 877 km and the area of basin of 17.7 Th. km2. From total water intake of the Zeravshan river make is 4834 to the Republic of Tajikistan to come only 253 Mln. m3 (5.23 %). The area of the irrigated lands in the Zeravshan valley in the Tajikistan though not so large (about 20 Th. ha) but a tendency of its expansion by the assimilation of foothill territories is observed. It is necessary to notice that for the Republic of Tajikistan is perspective the energy potential of waterways of the Zeravshan river basin which according to [4 ] makes 11.8 Bln. kWth. In the presence of such rich energy potential suspended to the Zeravshan river Basin in Sugd area huge deficiency of the electric power is observed - 3-4 Bln. kWth /year which is covered by import of
2

the electric power from the Republic of Uzbekistan. The intensive grows of the Tajikistan population, presence of the large file of the fertile but not mastered lands suspended to upstream of the Zeravshan river demands principal processing of economic use of the Zeravshan rivers scheme. The mutual combination of interests of upstream and downstream countries of the Zeravshan River is quite achievable by building of the cascade of Hydropower station (HPS) with regulation of the river drain. It causes some discontent of the Republic of Uzbekistan connected by that realization of programs on development of a hydropower potential of the river by building a number of the water reservoirs leads to deficiency of water in vegetation period of agricultural crops. The cardinal solution of the conflict situation between an irrigation and water-power engineering is the greatest their joint development by building of new HPS with reservoirs. For water-power engineering it means increase in production of cheap and ecological pure energy and for an irrigation increase of depth of long-term regulation of a drain and water security of already mastered lands, and also possibility of development new. At presence of several HPS with reservoirs the top reservoir can work only in power mode, the bottom reservoir of the same volume can regulated a drain up to restoration of its natural regime. Especially it can provide drain regulation in interests of irrigation. At presence not two but many quantities of HPS with reservoirs the situation even more will improve. The solution of a problem of balanced use of two aspects: use of a hydroenergy potential of the Zarafshon River with full satisfaction of requirements of agriculture on water demands the deep feasibility report leaves on a plane of bilaterial negotiations of the adjoining countries. At the present stage in Global climate change by the most important monitoring and a behavior estimation hydro- and meteorological parameters of a river basin of Zarafshon to climate changes which allows to plan and adapt development and water-power engineering and agriculture taking into account forthcoming values of volume of the river water on immediate prospects is.

O-2 AGRIBUSINESS LABORATORY FOR RURAL ENERGY BY UTILIZING SCALAR DURIAN SEEDS (Durio zibethinus L) AS BIOETHANOL INDUSTRY THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY MODEL
Agung Wicaksono*1, Fitria Ummu Habibah2, Afrizal Rahardyan Pradana3
1

Agriculture Faculty, University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia, 2Medical Faculty , University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia 3 Agriculture Faculty, University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia Corresponding author e-mail: agung.wicaksono62@yahoo.cm

During this time, people rely on fossil fuels to meet fuel vehicles. However, fossil fuels are not renewable and increasingly depleted. In modern times such as now, the demand for fuel continues to rise and the world population is also increasing. On the other hand, the earth must also be preserved. One solution is the use of bioethanol as a fuel substitute. Bioethanol is a liquid produced from the fermentation of starch are broken down by microorganisms. In addition to environmentally friendly, renewable fuel that will reduce harmful gases that cause global warming. Alternative energy in the manufacture of bioethanol is to utilize the durian seeds. The starch content in the seeds of the durian is high enough to be able to produce ethanol. Durian seeds had 43.6 percent starch content. In a research note that the results obtained from starch was 18.46 percent durian seed cotyledons exact section. Because the starch content in the seeds of the durian is considered very high, it can be developed and used as bioethanol. Additionally the durian seeds as bioethanol will add value to the durian fruit. Bioethanol durian seeds will be developed through a strategy of rural industrial agribusiness (AIP).

O-3

MANURE AS PERSPECTIVE ALTERNATIVE OF SUPPLY OF MOUNTAIN REGIONS BY ELECTRIC POWER

Inom Normatov1*, Abdullo Rasulov1

Institute of Water problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan12, Parvin Street, Dushanbe, 734002, Tajikistan Correspondence author e-mail: inomnor@gmail.com

According to the world wide experiences, the anaerobic process is recommended as the most suitable one for treatment of the manure from the pig farms. The advantages of this method are numerous: the emission of disagreeable odor is significantly reduced; produced biogas can be used as a fuel or for generation of heat/electricity which economically valorize the process; the composition of the nutrients in the stabilized fertilizer is almost the same as the row waste; -emissions of methane are reduced. Considering the possible and applied solutions as well as the experiences from the treatment of the manure and the wastewater from the pig farms in Europe and all over the world, on one hand, and respecting the local and specific features of the of cattle-breeding farm in Kanibadam district on the other hand, the existing system for the treatment of the manure and waste water was analyzed and a new solution was proposed. In the elaboration of the solution, important request was to consider the existing situation and structures and to plan inclusion and upgrading of those structures. It was decided to apply a technology with anaerobic digestion and biogas production that can be used for energy generation. Republic of Tajikistan is one of the countries of the Central Asia, 93% of territory which occupy by mountains, possesses unique stocks of hydropower resources (527 Bln. kWth). However many areas and administrative centers test an acute shortage of the electric power especially in the winter period of year. It, first of all, is
4

connected by that the mountain relief and numerous mountain canyons create difficulties in carrying out and electric main adjustment. In most cases formation of flows and flooding destroy technical constructions and electricity transmission media. Nowadays maintenance of inhabitants of mountain districts and industrial and agroindustrial objects by electric power is one of priority lines of activity of power branch of Republic Tajikistan. Preliminary researches on a finding of alternative energy sources have shown that in mountain districts there are rich potential stocks of energy - the expanded network of cattle-breeding farm. For an estimation of possibility of use of manure in reception of the electric power we choose a typical dairy-cattle-breeding complex in one mountain areas of Tajikistan from 1200 goals of cattle. It has been established that at average value of manure of 12 kg per day of one goal of cattle on a farm it is formed more than 14 tons of manure that corresponds to 650 3 biogas equivalent to 1300 kWth to the electric power.

O-4

ECONOMICS OF SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION PUMP USE IN PAKISTAN ENERGY POLICY PERSPECTIVE
Sardar Mohazzam1*
1

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy,University of Delaware, USA. Corresponding author e-mail: Mohazzam@udel.edu

Pakistan is agriculture based country, with more than 47% of its populations livelihood is dependent on agriculture. The country earns 70 percent of its foreign exchange from agriculture sector; the share of agriculture sector in GDP is 24 %. The country with estimated population of 190 million has been declared food insecure. Due to severe power shortage, high fuel prices coupled with climate change is making the agriculture sector unsustainable. It is reported that there are 1100000 tube wells across the country among which 2,50,000 tube wells are energized by PEPCO system consuming 3000 MW of electricity. There is an increasing trend in installation of tube-wells, with limited availability of grid-based electricity which results in shift toward diesel tube-wells which are expensive and produces greenhouse gases (GHG). Depleting groundwater in Wheat and rice growing areas further deteriorates the situation and making the farming system unsustainable. Pakistan is blessed with solar and wind energy. According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (http://www.nrel.gov/international/ra_pakistan.html) Pakistan Solar radiation is 5 kWh / meter square /day in most of the agricultural areas which goes to 6.5 kWh / meter square / day in Baluchistan. The renewable energy source can be used as energy source for tube-wells. This paper is an attempt to assess the technical, financial and economic feasibility of Solar Irrigation pumps use in Pakistan. The paper will assess technical feasibility based on pump used, groundwater
5

table measurement and water requirement for the Rabi and Kharif crops. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for carbon emission reduction for using solar pumps will be used to assess the environmental viability, whereas, the negative health impacts by of thermal power and diesel based pumps will be used to incorporate the negative externalities. The financial feasibility and economic viability will be assessed on the basis of cost benefit analysis. Finally, the paper will conclude with the policy recommendations for the implementation of Solar power Irrigation pump use in Pakistan with special focus on Pakistans energy policy.

O-5

THE BIODIESL PRODUCTION FROM RESIDUAL ANIMAL FAT USING VARIOUS CATALYSTS
Adnan Skhawat Ali1*
1

GC University Lahore, Pakistan. Correspondence author e-mail: askhawat@gmail.com

Waste animal fat is considered a promising cheap alternative feedstock for biodiesel production that does not compete with food items. In addition, using waste animal fat as a feedstock is considered a waste management process. In order to contribute for a more sustainable biodiesel production, its synthesis from animal fat through different catalysts (NA, NaOH & KOH) was studied. The objective of the study was to utilize waste animal fat (beef & mutton) for biodiesel production because it was cheap, easily available and renewable raw material. The transesterification of animal fat with methanol and suitable catalyst (KOH) produces a biodiesel of high quality with good conversion rate. The process is easily feasible but the economical viability can be improved by reusing methanol and glycerin. Oil extracted from beef and mutton fat was analyzed by Gas Layer Chromatography for its fatty acids composition. Both mutton and beef fat showed 50-93% conversion rate of oil to biodiesel with 3:1 methanol to oil molar ratio and 1wt% of different catalysts like potassium hydroxide, sodium metal and sodium hydroxide at 60 oC. Biodiesel produced after transesterification reaction was analyzed for flash point <135 oC each, kinematic viscosity 1.74 & 1.59cSt, density 0.840 & 0.835, pour point 59oF & 57.2oF, calorific value 11568.7 & 10907.4BTU/lb and water content 1.0991 & 1.1725%vol for mutton and beef respectively. Properties of biodiesel were almost comparable to ASTM standards so it can be used as a fuel in vehicles.
6

O-6

PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM BRASSICA NAPUS OIL: CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION BY RSM

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

1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 2Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia. *Corresponding author: umer.rashid@yahoo.com

In the current work, response surface methodology (RSM), based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied to establish the optimum conditions for the methanolysis of Canola (Brassica napus) seed oil. Four process variables were evaluated at two levels (24 experimental design): the methanol:oil molar ratio (3:1-12:1), the catalyst concentration in relation to oil mass (0.25-1.25 wt% KOH), the reaction temperature (25-65C) and the alcoholysis reaction time (20120 min). Using RSM, quadratic polynomial equation was obtained by multiple regression analysis for predicting transesterification. The results indicates that methanol-oil-molar ratio, catalyst concentration and reaction temperature were the significant factors on the yield of fatty methyl esters. The reaction conditions for transesterification of B. napus crude oil for the response at which methyl esters content of the biodiesel were 95.7% was found to be 8:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 0.97 % catalyst concentration, 55 C reaction temperature and 70-min reaction time. A linear relationship was observed between the observed and predicted values. The biodiesel produced in the present study was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), which showed that it mainly contained four fatty acid methyl esters. The fuel properties of B. napus oil methyl esters (BOME), i.e. kinematic viscosity, oxidative stability, cloud point, pour point, cold filter plugging point, flash point, ash content, sulfur content, acid value and density were determined which were within the limit of biodiesel standards such as ASTM D6751 and EN 14214.

O-7 TRANSESTERIFICATION OF NON EDIBLE JATROPHA OIL TO BIODIESEL, STUDY OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIESEL-BIODIESEL BLENDS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT
Arslan Akram*1, Rafi Ullah Khan1, Arshid Mehmood Ali1, Ayyaz Muhammad2
1

Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan; 2King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Correspondence author e-mail: arslanakram.np@gmail.com

Two-step transesterification process was studied for the production of biodiesel from non edible clean jatropha curcas oil (CJCO) having high level of FFA content (11.32%). First step was the esterification with acid catalyst and FFA content were reduced from 11.32% to 1.13%. Second step was alkali based transesterification to convert pretreated oil to biodiesel. The yield of first and second step was 90.5% and 80.7% respectively. Biodiesel produced by this process was completely miscible with petro-diesel in every proportion and found to be environment friendly diesel because its exhausts contain lesser emissions of toxic and hazardous waste such as CO2, SOx, NOx as compared to petro diesel .Physico-chemical study of blends of biodiesel and petro-diesel was established which showed that blending reduced the density, specific gravity of biodiesel, flash point of petrodiesel was improved (which made the diesel a safe fuel), lower calorific value of biodiesel was improved.

O-8

ENERGY CRISIS OF PAKISTAN & POTENTIAL OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES IN PAKISTAN

Iqra Hamd1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ulHassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Energy is the blood in Countrys Life. Pakistan went through an extraordinary period of having surplus electricity from the late 1990s to 2004-05. However, since then, the country has been facing an acute shortage of electricity. Current energy crisis started in 2006-07 with a gradual widening in the demand and supply gap. These energy crises have be considered to be the worst of all such power crises that Pakistan has faced since its inception. It is generally believed that the present crisis is a self-imposed problem ensuing from years of bad management, rapid growth in demand, lack of proper vision for future and poor policies. Unfortunately, the scale of the problem has now grown beyond any immediate solution. The persistent shortage of electricity in the country has adversely affected the national economy. Industrial production has been severely hit; and also triggered social unrest which sometimes turns violent thus, creating law and order problems in many urban centers in the country. In this situation Pakistan must concentrate on generation of an appreciable amount of energy through renewable energy resources which have a huge potential. We have 346,000 MW of wind energy potential, 2.9 million MW of solar energy potential, 4,500 MW of small hydel potential, 4,000 MW of cogeneration/biomass, 2,000 MW of geothermal, 10,000 MW of off-grid applications and a large potential of alternative fuels. However, lack of institutional, information base technical capacity, policy challenges, poor infrastructure and market access, lack of social awareness, lack of investors and financial barriers required to be sorted out by long-term management and utilization of these potential energy resources in Pakistan.

O-9 TOXICITY ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS TOWARDS THE NON-TARGETED AQUATIC ORGANISMS BY EMPLOYING DIFFERENT BIOASSAYS (VIBRIO FISCHERI, TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS, AND DAPHNIA MAGNA)
Muhammad Rizwan Ashraf1*, Matthias Liess1, Gerrit Schrmann1
1

Department of Ecological chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ, Permoserstrae 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany. Corresponding author e-mail: ashraf-muhammad.rizwan@ufz.de

The prevalent occurrence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment and their increasing trend in the aquatic environment has increased the concern of toxicologists and ecologists about the impending threats to aquatic species. In this study, toxicity of 10 pharmaceutical compounds (Acetylsalicylic acid, Amoxicillin, Carbamezepine, Clofibric acid, Diclofenac, Erythromycin, Ibuprofen, Ofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole and Triclosan) has been determined with regard to bacterial 30-min bioluminescence inhibition, ciliates 48-h growth inhabitation and crustaceans 48h acute immobilization employing Vibrio fischeri, Tetrahymena pyriformis, and Daphnia magna. The results are discussed in terms of compound concentrations exerting 50% effect, EC 50. For these pharmaceutical compounds, the following EC50 value ranges have been observed: For Vibrio fischeri (30-min bioluminescence inhibition) 6.00 1007 M to 2.47 1004M, for Tetrahymena pyriformis 8.00 1007M to 3.55 1003M, and for Daphnia magna (48-h immobilization) 9.57 1007M to >3.42 1003M respectively. Employing narcosis models from literature for the organisms and endpoints under analysis, toxicity enhancement (Te) values were derived as ratio of its predicted narcosis EC50 over its experimentally determined EC50. The accordingly observed log Te values ranged for Vibrio fischeri from 1.08 to 4.46, for Tetrahymena pyriformis from 0.65 to 2.20, and for Daphnia magna from 1.95 to 3.12, respectively. Interestingly, some pharmaceuticals are even less toxic than baseline narcosis, suggesting an efficient metabolic detoxification. At the same time, however, there are also pharmaceuticals with substantial toxicity enhancements, which is most pronounced for Vibrio fischeri with a maximum Te value of almost 26,302. What has been learned so for from this study, is that, it is critical to make a confident prediction about the ecotoxicological effects of the pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment towards non-targeted aquatic organisms. The effects are very heterogeneous as results showed in different classes of pharmaceuticals towards the different organisms. The results even vary in a single class towards
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due to the specific mode of action; every substance has its own fate in aquatic environment. Excess toxicity (Te) values indirectly depend on the octanol/water partition coefficients, log Kow values, toxicity increase by decreasing the log Kow values. The bioassay with Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna both are useful tools to determine the toxicity of the pharmaceuticals as the both assays showed correlation r2 = 0.746 rather than the Tetrahymena pyriformis, which showed least sensitivity towards the pharmaceutical compounds by showing higher EC50 among all bioassays.

O-10 HEAVY METAL DETERMINATION IN THE SOIL AND VEGETATION OF A POLLUTED AND RELATIVELY LESS POLLUTED SITE OF DISTRICT ATTOCK
Mehwish Bashir1, Sofia Khalid1*
1

Fatima Jinnah Women University, The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: sofiarahim@hotmail.com

Heavy metals are available in different concentrations in the Earth crust and atmosphere. Heavy metals accumulate in the soil, water, plants and sediments. These are stable and cannot be degraded. Plants and soil are the cheapest way to study and explore the concentration of heavy metals. Present study was conducted to examine the heavy metals pollution in two areas of district Attock. An attempt has been made to compare the heavy metals concentrations (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn) in a relatively less polluted site (Khour City) and a polluted site (Khour Company). Samples of soil and plants were collected from both sites. From each site, four points were selected randomly for vegetation and soil sampling. Plant species included Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Calotropis procera, Ziziphus nummularia , Cynodon dactylon, Acacia senegal, Parthenium hysterophorus, Dalbergia sissoo and Desmostachya bipinnata. Heavy metals were detected in soil and vegetation of both areas. The Pb concentration was highest amongst other heavy metals in both soil and vegetation. In studied plant species heavy metals concentrations varied among different species. The level of heavy metal concentration in the area was in order Khour Company>Khour City. The increasing level of heavy metal contamination in the Khour Company area may be because of higher traffic density and industralization compared to Khour City.

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O-11 USING MID INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY AND PARTIAL-LEAST-SQUARES REGRESSION TO ESTIMATE SOIL ARSENIC CONTENT AT AN ARSENICCONTAMINATED SITE
Nabeel Khan Niazi1,2,*, Balwant Singh2
1

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (ISES),University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan 2 Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia *Corresponding author email: nabeel.niazi@uaf.edu.pk

The potential of mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares (PLS) regression was investigated to estimate the total As content in soil samples collected from a highly variable arsenic-contaminated cattle-dip site at Wollongbar in northern NSW, Australia. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples. The MIR-PLS calibration model excluding (n = 149) the spectral outliers showed an acceptable reliability (coefficient of determination, R2c = 0.75; residual prediction deviation, RPDc = 2.02) to estimate total arsenic (As) content in soil. For total As, the validation of final calibration model using a validation set ( n = 149) of unknown samples also resulted in a good acceptability with R2v = 0.67 and RPDv = 1.68. The MIR-PLS based model can provide a rapid estimate of total soil As content by taking into account the integrated effects of mineralogical and organic components of soils. This approach can be useful to estimate total soil As in various conditions; for example, where analysis of a large number of soil samples is required.

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O-12 EVALUATION OF WATER POLLUTION THROUGH ASSESSMENT OF BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN ORGANS OF FISH
Naumana Bashir1*, Salma Sultana1, Tayyaba Sultana1
1

Department of wildlife & Fisheries, Government College University, Faisalabad. Corresponding author e-mail: sal545pk@yahoo.com

Bioaccumulation of the three heavy metals lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was analyzed in water as well as in different organs like gills, liver and intestine of the sample and control fish. The fish (Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita) and water samples were taken for experimental work from three polluted site whereas control samples of fish and water were taken from fish hatchery, Satina Road, Faisalabad. The physiochemical parameters of polluted and control water were evaluated to determine the difference of quality in habitat. It was observed that water temperature and total solids were higher at polluted sites than control whereas water pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity were low at polluted sites than control. In the control water the concentrations of heavy metals ranged as Pb (0.14-1.34 mg/ l), Cu (0.15- 1.17 mg/ l) and Ni (0.15-1.08 mg/ l) whereas in the polluted water these were (3.02-4.88 mg/ l), (1.87- 4.95 mg/ l) and (1.16- 1.22 mg/ l), respectively. Among the three different polluted water sites, site exhibited significantly higher mean concentration of Pb (4.410.24 m/l), Cu (4.870.03 mg/l) and Ni (1.220.01 mg/l). The differences among all the three polluted sites for the Pb, Cu and Ni toxicity were significant (P < 0.05). The magnitude of Pb and Cu accumulation in organs of both the species of fish was liver > gills >intestine. The liver, gills and intestine of Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita had showed significant (P<0.001) differences in the amount of metal concentration. Both of the fish species at three sites had the maximum concentrations of Cu in the liver, followed by the gills. However, intestine was the organ that accumulated significantly lowest concentration of Cu. The gills accumulated usually higher amount of Ni followed by the liver and intestine, respectively. Both species showed the same pattern of bioaccumulation, but the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Usually Cyprinus carpio had significantly higher (P > 0.05) level of metal concentrations at all sites.

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O-12 RISK ASSESSMENT OF LEACHATES FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE DUMPING SITES ON SOIL AND GROUND WATER QUALITY IN GUJRANWALA DIVISION
Mabroor Hassan1, Syed Shahid Ali1*
1

Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, H-10 Islamabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: e-mail: Shahid.syed@iiu.edu.pk; mabroor18@gmail.com

Waste generation has increased tremendously in developing countries due to population growth, pattern of consumption and consumerism and other lifestyle changes. However, a large amount of different categories of waste generated is disposed off in open dump sites without segregation at source. The disposal of household organic waste continues along hazardous waste that could result in making it more toxic and carcinogenic. It causes contamination through microbial byproducts present in leachates and hence, deteriorates soil and ground water quality. This study was designed to assess the effects of leachate on soil and water from aged open dump sites during pre- and postrain season in 2011-12. The ground water and soil samples were analyzed and evaluated for heavy metals, organic compounds and other contaminants (APHA, 2005; Rayan et al., 2001). The physico-chemical characterization of soil samples collected from open dumping sites of both Sialkot and Gujranwala city confirmed the presence of macro inorganic components, high total organic carbon, and heavy metals. The heavy metal concentration present in soil was in order of: Zn>Fe>Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd>Co>Pb whereas As and Hg was not detected. As a whole, the site wise contamination order was Gujranwala-B > Gujranwala-A whereas Sialkot-A >Sialkot-B. Collectively, Gujranwala samples irrespective of water or soil were significantly contaminated as compared to Sialkot samples. On the other hand, the damaging environmental prospect associated with leaching of toxic chemicals was the contamination of adjacent water bodies and ground water. It was found that most of the pre-rain samples had pH value near to or higher than WHO/NEQS
14

standards in both cities while TDS, EC, hardness, nitrate, sulfates, chlorides and phosphates concentrations were found to be within WHO/NEQS permissible standards. The heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, Co and Pb) were detected in higher concentration than NEQS/WHO standards in most of water samples. The presence of high concentration of heavy metals, i.e., Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni was the indication of deleterious effects on ground water quality due to wate dumping sites. Moreover, people living in that area are at risk of toxic effects of heavy metals due to accumulation of metals in receipt of soils and release of concentrated leachate to the environment which further become potential source of entry into the food web.

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

Muhammad Shahid1*, Muhammad Bilal1, Muhammad Arif1, Muhammad Aslam1, Muhammad Nadeem1
1

Department of Environmental Science, COMSATS Vehari, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: muhammadshahid@ciitvehari.edu.pk

Pesticides are common pollutant of rural areas and are determent to people's health and environment. About 2.5 million tons of pesticides per year are used worldwide to control the pests. The use of pesticides is increasing with the passage of time due to increased demand of food from growing population. The same trend of increased annual consumption of pesticides is observed in Pakistan. In addition to protect plants from pests, pesticide use deteriorates soil physico-chemical properties and microbial activities. In Pakistan, about 80% of total pesticides used are being sprayed on cotton crops. Vehari, a cotton-growing heart of the Indus Valley, contributes 12-18 % to the total cotton production of Pakistan. The district is also considered as the major utilizer of pesticides. The increased use of pesticides in this area has caused several environmental concerns, but are still unexposed due to lack of awareness in local community and facilities for analysis. The present study was carried out to analyse pesticide percolation in Vehari region soil. The surface soil samples are collected from 9 sites of cotton area in Vehari region (3 sites from each Tehsil, i.e., Vehari, Mailsi, Burrewala). Then the soil samples are analysed for chemical analysis (pH, texture, total organic carbon and electrical conductivity) and pesticides contents. The four pesticides analysed include: Acephate, Profenofos, Trichlorfon and Endosulfan.

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O-14 DEVASTATION OF OMEGA FATTY ACIDS IN THE FLESH OF INDIAN MAJOR CARPS DUE TO FRESHWATER POLLUTION
Bilal Hussain*1, Tayyaba Sultana1, Salma Sultana1, Farhat Jabeen1, Naureen Aziz Qureshi1
1

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Govt. College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author email: profbilal@yahoo.com

Contaminants in fish are of particular interest not only because of potential risk to human as being ultimate consumer but also for devastation of the meat quality. Water from River Chenab was analyzed for water quality parameters (WQP) from three sampling sites designated as highly polluted, less polluted and Control devoid of any pollution. These WQP were analyzed to find out their effects on fish fatty acid profile. River water receiving Chakbandi drain, District Jhang (31.570345 and 72.533798) becomes highly polluted as witnessed through high levels of salinity, conductivity, pH, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, SO42- and Phenols. Atomic absorption spectrophotometery showed higher levels of contaminations for Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr and Sn in the River water. Fatty acids in the fish meat were detected by gas chromatography using Flame Ionization Detector. Fish from unpolluted environment showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, as for example Catla catla (73%), Labeo rohita (67%) and Cirrhina mrigala (62%). Fish from polluted and less polluted environment showed unsaturated fatty acids, as Catla catla (37%), Labeo rohita (12%), Cirrhina mrigala (24%) and Catla catla (52%), Labeo rohita (31%), Cirrhina mrigala (23%) respectively. Fatty acids C8:0, C12:0, C20:0, C16:1(n-7), C16:1(n-9), C20:1(n-9), C18:2(n-6), C18:4(n-3), C20:5(n-3) and C22:4(n-6) were found missing in the flesh of fishes obtained from area of higher pollution. Fatty acids C16:1(n-7), C20:1(n-9) and C20:5(n-3) were exclusively found in considerable amount only in Catla catla, but missing in both Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala even in less polluted environment. Present study provided clear indication about fish contamination accompanied by annihilation of omega fatty acids and quality of fish meat being affected even because of lower intensity of pollution.

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O-15 DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS FOUND IN DIFFERENT SIZES OF TUBE WELLS OF DISTRICT PISHIN BALUCHISTAN PAKISTAN
Afrasiab Khan Tareen1*, Imrana Niaz Sultan2, Mohammad Waseem Khan2, Mohammad Ashraf3
1

Center for Research and Development Quetta, 2Department of Life Sciences, BUITEMS, Quetta, 3CVH Hospital Quetta. Correspondence author e-mail: afrasiabkhan2004@hotmail.com

A study was designed to determine the quantities of heavy metals such as (Antimony, Cobalt, Arsenic, Chromium, Sodium, Calcium, Lead, Aluminum, Iron) in water samples obtained from tube wells having different depths in district Pishin, Baluchistan, Pakistan. A total of 50 fresh water samples were collected and different parameters such as depth of tube well, location of tube well, age of tube well, pH, electrical conductivity, population burden and use of fertilizers in the vicinity of tube wells were correlated with the quantities of heavy metals. The study findings shows that age of tube well had no impact on quantities of studied heavy metals. It was found that depth of tube wells had significant impact on quantities of heavy metals, when compared with heavy metals such as Iron, Antimony, Chromium and Aluminum the values were found to be higher in quantities in tube wells of lower depth and as the depth of tube wells increased the contents of theses metals decreased significantly. Chromium, Cobalt, Antimony, Iron and Aluminum were found in higher concentration than standard recommended values. Arsenic was found in all samples collected from tube wells of main Pishin city and chromium was found in all samples collected from tube wells where fruit orchards were present. The presence of arsenic in the samples may be attributed to the population burden, where as presence of chromium may be attributed to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the vicinity of tube wells. In general it is concluded that the quantities of heavy metals such as Iron, Aluminum, Antimony, Chromium and Cobalt were found in higher than recommended level which is an alarming indication for the drinking water for public use. pH and conductivity were found higher in shallow depths of tube wells.

17

O-16

EFFECT OF POLLUTION ON THE VEGETATION OF THE BHIMBER (MACHIA) AZAD KASHMIR

Mehwish Maqbool1, Muhammad Ishtiaq1*, Tanveer Hussain1

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan Corresponding author: Email: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

This is the first attempt to determine the effect of polluted water on the vegetation of the Machia and its allied area in Bhimber, Azad Kashmir during 2004-2005. For this investigation the highly industrialized urban location of 500 Sq. meter polluted area was selected. It has 5-6 industries of soap, steel, textile, pharmaceutical and leather, which are secreting polluted water in the affected area. Heavy metal emissions in the isolated polluted area have detrimental effect on the vegetation of 500 sq. meter selected area. The result reflects that the accumulations of heavy metals deposition have eliminated the 94 species from the area and only fifteen species have flourished in the polluted area. Floristic survey of the Machia and allied area indicates that there are 111 plant species present belonging to 97 genera and 41 families including 83 herbs, 17 trees and 11 shrubs. Poaceae is the dominant family following the Asteraceae. There are about 72 medicinal, 29 food and fodder, 19 are fuel and constructive plants with 14 vegetables. 15 species are resident to loamy, 200 ppm. Potassium, 16 ppm. Phosphorous, 2.45% organic matter and 42% saturation. Trees have been disappeared from the polluted area and most resistant species are, Datura, Innoxia, Ricinus Communus, Cassia Obtuqifolia, Cynodon dactylon and Calatrotis procira. The biologically effective results of pollution can only be determined by carrying out measurements on organization themselves, the most suitable indicator organisms are plants. The polluted water in this area have eliminated all the trees and 94 important plants of diverse utility from the area.

18

O-17 BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CELL TOWER RADIATION

Anurag Misra1*, Sanjay Misra1
Department of Physics DBS College, Kanpur, India. Correspondence author e-mail: anuraaghm@yahoo.com
1

Our technology advances at incredible speed. Most of the development has definitely resulted in global shrinkage. Today the amount of microwave our planet swims in far surpasses the output of the sun. The energy associated with electromagnetic radiation (nonionizing) is proportional to frequency. The mobile phones and mobile towers sprouting are studied in the presentation .High power transmission lines carrying current and passing over fields have effected cattle as strong magnetic field is developed around , power frequency (50/60 Hz) are produced around wires. Recent studies are showing that there is a significant decline in the number of bird sparrow and honey bees which is also an outcome of microwaves. All vital organs have melatonin and serotonin receptors, the studies have shown the reduction in melatonin in presence of strong fields. The neurological effect and blood brain barrier disturbance has been studied in humans. .The study was carried out at Kanpur (India) and data of leading cellular operators are compiled, which indicate the rise in density of radiation in highly populated areas. Field survey data indicated some serious disorders in humans who are sitting around or below the towers for around 10 hrs every day for past 5 years. Even though more evidence is required before we draw a conclusion we can practice some safe methodology to reduce the impact not only on us but on environment as whole.

19

O-18 IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS ON KARNAFULLY RIVER

Muhammad Abdur Rahaman*1, Md. Edrise Ali2
Director, Bangladesh Research Initiatives of Environment-Society, House#15, Block#E, Zakir Hossein Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh; 2Department of Chemistry, CHittagong College, CHittagong, Bangladesh Corresponding author e-mail: rana_ygef@yahoo.com
1

Chittagong is the second largest city of Bangladesh which is known as commercial capital city of the country. Most of the industries of the country are situated in Chittagong. The city is situated on the bank of Karnafully River. Industrial pollution is common feature in this city. Most of the industries throw their industrial effluent in the Karnafully River through different water channels. The specific object of the study is to find out the pollution level in different point Karnafully River which is governed by industrial effluent. The study was conducted in 7 kilometer of the river which is adjacent to the Chittagong City. Different water quality parameters were examined to investigate the water pollution level. The study data has collected from the study area through Key Informants Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion, in depth interview, experts opinion, check list, aerial photography study, personal observation, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), household survey, PH meter, salinity meter, water quality parameter analysis etc. Published and unpublished information on water quality, water pollution, point and non-point source of pollution, industrial location collected from Department of Environment (DoE), Water Development Board, Ministry of Industry, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute (BSTI). Some points of the river is in worse situation due to industrial pollution.

20

O-19 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF HEAVY METALS IN EFFLUENTS OF SMALL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PESHAWAR ON SOIL, WATER AND PLANTS
Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Daulat Khan2, Haleema Attaullah3, Mahmood Alam Khan2, Mohammad Hizbullah Khan2
1

Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan, 2Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 3Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar *Corresponding author email: tariqusaeed@gmail.com

Mans influence on the earth and its resources has increased at an unprecedented rate since the advent of industrial revolution in 18th century. Human activities are now affecting some of the most basic climatic and biological cycles of the planet. The increased use of natural resources for human needs generates solid wastes, toxic effluents and gaseous emissions adversely affecting human and environment. The present study was conducted to investigate and evaluate the impacts of industrial effluents of Small Industrial Estate, Kohat Road Peshawar, on the quality of water, soils and plants in the adjoining area. Investigations were conducted to determine the magnitude of heavy metals concentration in Industrial effluents, soils and plants and compared it with the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for Industrial effluents and World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of these metals in soils and plants respectively. Samples at three different sites i.e. Canal water (CW), Industrial Effluents (IE) and Mixed water (MW) (Canal water + Industrial effluents + municipal waste) were taken. Soil samples were collected at two (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) depths. Results revealed that the temperature, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) values for all the three types of water were within the permissible limit of NEQS, while values of total suspended solids (TTS) were higher. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) values were low for Canal water but exceeded the permissible limits of NEQS for IE and MW. The concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in soil irrigated with CW and MW exceeded WHO permissible limit in 0% , 100%, 70%, 100%, 0% and 100 %, 100%, 100%, 100%, 40% at 0-15 cm depth respectively, whereas, at the depth of 15-30 cm, the concentration were 0%, 100%, 70%, 100%, 0% and 50%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 20% respectively. Plants receiving Canal water showed higher concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn and Fe, thereby exceeding WHO permissible limit in 100%, 100%, 100%, 90%, 100% and 100%, while those irrigated with Mixed water showed higher level in 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 80% respectively. The concentration of Cr, Cd and Ni in soil at both the depths and that of Cu in plants for CW and MW of irrigation was found within the permissible limit of WHO. It was revealed through interaction with the local people that the canal water under study was not used for human consumption but was only used for irrigation purposes. The canal water was also used for swimming in summer season by the local community, which caused diseases like dysentery, typhoid fever and cholera. The results indicated that the amount of heavy metals in water in excess of the NEQS,
21

have certainly increased the concentration of most of the heavy metals in soil and plants. In conclusion it is suggested that in order to avoid water, soil and plants pollution, the industrial effluents and municipal wastewater should be treated before discharge to irrigation channels to irrigate the fields.

O-20 EFFECT OF CHROMIUM TOXICITY ON PLANT GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN BARLEY AS AFFECTED BY NITROGEN FORM
Shafaqat Ali1,2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2,Saima Aslam Bharwana2, Sabir Hussain2, Zaheer Abbas Virk2, Shahbaz Ali Khan2, Guoping Zhang1*
1

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China 2 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: zhanggp@zju.edu.cn

The effect of nitrogen forms on growth, photosynthesis and physiological processes of barley plants under chromium stress was studied with a hydroponic experiment. The treatments consisted of three chromium (Cr) levels (0, 75 and 100 M) and three N forms ((NH4)2SO4, urea and Ca (NO3)2. N forms in the absence of Cr had significant effect on plant growth, biomass, physiological and biochemical changes. The Ca (NO3)2 fed plants had higher plant growth and biomass, followed by urea. Cr stress caused a significant reduction in growth and biomass in all three N forms. In comparison with the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants, the Ca (NO3)2 fed plants had higher plant height, dry biomass, tillers per plant, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), cellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), PAR utilization efficiency (PARUE), photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), the contents of chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, root dehydrogenase activity. Cr toxicity caused oxidative stress in all three forms of N, while the Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had less oxidative stress than the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants. Moreover, the Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had higher soluble protein, proline, free amino acid contents, activities of antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, POD, APX, CAT and GR and contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including GSH and ASC than the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants. In addition, the Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had higher N and lower Cr concentrations in all plant tissues than the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants. The conclusion is that Ca(NO3)2 is a better fertilizer for the Cr-contaminated soils for barley production.

22

O-21 TECHNOSOLS TO RECLAIM INDUSTRIAL WASTELANDS: DEPTH DISTRIBUTION OF ABUNDANCE AND ACTIVITY OF N-CYCLING MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES
Farhan Hafeez1,2, Fabrice Martin-Laurent1,2, Aym Spor1,2, Marie-Christine Breuil1,2, Christophe Schwartz3, Laurent Philippot1,2
1

INRA, Soil and Environmental Microbiology, F-21065 Dijon Cedex; 2Universit de Bourgogne, F-21065 Dijon Cedex, 3 Nancy-Universit, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, UMR INRA/INPL 1120, BP 172, F-54505 Vanduvre-lsNancy cedex. Correspondance author: lodhijee@hotmail.com

Construction of Technosols through assemblage of treated soil and recycled wastes is an innovative option for the restoration of degraded lands and re-use of industrial wastes. Recent studies have evidenced that Technosols could support soil functions such as primary production but the knowledge about other ecosystemic services, such as nutrient cycling, is limited. In this work, we investigated the abundance and the activity of microbial communities involved in N-cycling in different horizons (015, 1535, 3570 cm) of two types of Technosols constructed to reclaim an industrial wasteland. The estimation by real-time PCR of the abundances of the different microbial guilds indicated a significant depth effect in both Technosols on the abundances of the total bacterial and crenarchaeal community and of the ammonia-oxidizing and denitrifying communities. Activity measurements revealed higher denitrification than nitrification rates, which were also affected by Technosol depth. Potential denitrification and nitrification were correlated with Technosol physicochemical properties but also with the abundances of the nirS denitrification gene and bacterial amoA gene, respectively. The type of Technosols influenced both the abundance and the activity of the denitrifier community but not the ammonia-oxidizers, which underlines the importance of a better understanding of microbial communities in Technosols to maximize their potential for fulfilling soil ecosystemic functions.

23

O-22 POTENTIAL OF ACTIVATED CARBONS DEVELOPED FROM DALBERGIA SISSOO AND CEDRUS DEODARA FOR THE TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER
Muhammad Farhan*1, Abdul Wahid2, Amina Kanwal3
1

Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan 2 Department of Environmental Science, Bahhu Din Zakaria University, Multan, Pakistan 3 Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: muhammadfarhan@fccollege.edu.pk

The amount and toxicity of domestic wastewater is increasing due to population explosion and rapid urbanization. This untreated domestic wastewater is badly affecting the ecosystem. In the present study, we have tried to develop activated carbon based abatement technique for domestic wastewater. Dalbergia sissoo and Cedrus deodara saw dust was used for the preparation of activated carbons (ACs), using different activating agents (BaCl2, H3PO4, and H2SO4). The efficiency and potential of developed ACs for Color, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal was investigated in batch mode experimentation. Different operating parameters like contact time, COD and BOD load, pH and activated carbon amount were also investigated. Statistical analysis showed that every AC is significantly diverse in their potential for domestic wastewater treatment. Dalbergia sissoo based AC was most proficient; reduced 87% COD, 87% BOD and 93% color. The results of this study can be utilized for the establishment of large scale treatment plant. The quality of wastewaters after treatment was found to be appropriate for direct discharge into streams for irrigation purpose. This experimentation successfully addressed the local problem of wastewater pollution, using locally available byproducts of furniture industry.

24

O-23 EVALUATION OF ADSORPTION POTENTIAL OF PEELS AND FRUIT OF WATER CHESTNUTS FOR REACTIVE YELLOW DYE AND ESTIMATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF WATER CHESTNUTS
Maryam Yousaf *1, Raziya Nadeem1, Muzna Saeed1
Corresponding author e-mail: chemistmaryam542@gmail.com

Dyes are the first noxious waste to be visually recognized, but one of the most difficult contagion to remove because of their synthetic origin, recalcitrant and mainly complex conjugated aromatic structure. So presented precise work is intended to look at the process of adsorption for the removal of reactive azo dye using indigenous water chestnuts fruit and peels as a sorbent. A reactive Yellow 42 (RY 42) dye was taken as model azo based reactive dye. Comparative study of free, immobilized anionic surfactant modified peels and fruit of water chestnuts revealed that sorbent have higher sorption potential for RY 42 in free form as compared to immobilized and pretreated form. Pretreatment and immobilization reduced the sorption potential of sorbent. Following trend in sorption capacity (mgg-1) was observed for RY 42 WCN F (30.77) > WCN F bead (25.66) > WCN P (22.10) >WCN P bead (18.77) > SDS-WCN P(15.04) > SDS-WCN P bead(13.60) > SDS-WCN F(11.66) > SDS-WCN F bead (10.70) > Plane bead(7.87) at optimized operating variables like pH and dye concentration at 1.0 and 50 ppm. Equilibrium time was optimized at 60 min while it was delayed for the beads up to 120 min. Pseudo-second order kinetic model ascertain that sorption of dye over this indigenous adsorbent is governed by dye concentration and active sites over sorbent. While applicability of Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models over the equilibrium data disclosed that sorption is monolayer and multilayer coverage of sorbate. Result obtained will be statistically analyzed using regression line. Surface analysis of water chestnuts will be carried out using SEM/EDX to determine the possible interaction between the dye and adsorbent. Need of biological active agents focused on determination of Phenolic, Flavonoid and DPPH radical scavenging activity of WCN P and WCN F. Results of assays show that higher TPC in WCN P (143.620.01 mg/g) than WCN F (93.17 0.02 mg/g), while lower TFC contents in WCN F (35. 9 0.01mg/g) than (21.90.1) WCN P. Maximum DPPH scavenging activity observed was 75.80.01 % and 22.9 0.04% for WCN P and WCN F respectively.

25

O-24 REMOVAL OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS) IN CONTAMINATED SOILS VIA CHEMICAL OXIDATION TREATMENTS
M. Usman1,2,3 *, P. Faure3, C. Ruby2, K. Hanna4
1 2

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan. Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour lEnvironnement, LCPME, UMR 7564 CNRSUniversit de Lorraine, 405 rue de Vandoeuvre, 54600, Villers Les Nancy, France. 3 Gologie et Gestion des Ressources Minrales et Energtiques, G2R, UMR 7566, CNRSUniversit de Lorraine, 54506, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France. 4 Ecole Nationale Suprieure de Chimie de Rennes, UMR CNRS 6226 "Sciences Chimiques de Rennes", Avenue du Gnral Leclerc, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France. *Corresponding author e-mail: musmanch@yahoo.com

Soil pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a major environmental issue. Pesticides bearing hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs; , , and ) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were selected as target compounds in this study. Removal of POPs is widely studied due to its importance in environment. In the present laboratory study, batch experiments were performed for hydrocarbon degradation by using magnetite catalyzed Fentonlike (FL) and activated persulfate (AP) oxidation. Soluble FeII was also used as a catalyst. Lindane contaminated soil was originated from a pesticide dumping site. PAH degradation was studied in two soils originating from coking plant sites at circumneutral pH. Organic analyses were performed by GCMS and FTIR. Significant abatement of hydrocarbons (80-90%) was achieved in batch reactors after chemical oxidation (FL and AP) while soluble FeII was unable to act as a catalyst for hydrocarbons. No such differences were observed for lindane as both (soluble FeII and magnetite) were less efficient at circumneutral pH. Soluble FeII was effective to degrade at acidic pH. No significant by products were observed during oxidation experiment underscoring the complete degradation of hydrocarbons. No selective degradation was observed for FL with almost similar efficiency towards all hydrocarbons. However, AP showed less reactivity towards higher molecular weight PAHs. Among four HCHs, HCH was highly recalcitrant. Results of this study demonstrated chemical oxidation can effectively degrade the persistent organic compounds. This study has important implications for in-situ remediation of contaminated soils.

26

O-25 REDUCTION OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM BY BACTERIAL COLUMN FORMATION

Aniqa Naeem1, Rida Batool1*, Nazia Jamil1
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus Lahore-54590, Pakistan *Corresponding author e-mail: ridazaidi_1@yahoo.com

Cr(VI) is among one of the toxic metal detectable in earth crust. It is highly toxic to all the living organisms due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Some microorganisms have ability to reduce it into less toxic Cr(III) form efficiently. In order to study the contribution of microbes towards Cr(VI) reduction an indigenous chromium-resistant bacterial strain A8 was isolated from a tannery effluent. It was identified as, cellulosimicrobium sp. on the basis of morphological, biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It could tolerate up to 1800gml-1 of K2CrO4 and showed optimum reduction (98.6%) of Cr(VI) at the conc. of 900gml-1 at pH 7 and incubation temperature of 37C aerobically. Cell-free enzyme assay exhibited the reduction of Cr (VI) in-vitro. Four synthetic materials: sand, PVC, stone and rubber tubing were used as solid support in order to evaluate the ability of the isolated chromium resistant bacterial strain for biofilm formation. In column experiment among bacterial film coated materials, sand exhibited an excellent Cr(VI) reduction (96%), PVC pipe and rubber tubing showed 94.5% and 90% reduction potential of Cr(VI) respectively while minimum reduction potential of Cr(VI) was observed in case of stone that was 88.4% after 96 hours of incubation. Fluorescent microscopy also revealed that bacterial biofilm was distributed thoroughly on the surface of sand particles. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed mainly the involvement of the glycerol units, polysaccharides and CN (alkyl) functional groups of isolated chromium resistant bacterial strain (A8) in the reduction of Cr(VI).

27

O-26 MICROBIAL COMMUNITY STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY SOIL BALLS USED FOR STREAM WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Abdur Rahim Khan1*, Gun-Seok Park1, Ihsan Ullah1, Jong-Hui Lim1, Jin-Ho Shin1, Jae-Ho Shin*1
1

School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea Corresponding author e-mail: jhshin1@gmail.com

To improve the stream water quality, different methods are employed which involve physical, chemical and biological processes. Recently people use soil ball with effective microbes for stream water quality improvement. However, the pH of these soil balls is acidic (pH 4.0) which are not suitable for diverse microbes growth. As well the soil balls are not hard enough and quickly dissociate under the stream water. In order to overcome this problem, various materials were added to increase the strength as well pH of soil balls. As a result the hardness of soil balls as well pH 7.0 was increased almost three folds in comparison with pH 4.0 of the soil balls. Additionally microbial community was determined from soil balls whole metagenomic DNA using personal genome machine (Ion Torrent). The raw data were analyzed through the MG-RAST server. The microbial community of pH 4.0 sample was represented by 96.1% Bacteria, 2.7% Eukaryota, and 1% Archaea while the pH 7.0 sample was represented by 67.7% Bacteria, 31.6% Eukaryota, and 0.2% Viruses. Especially in comparison to pH 4.0 sample, the Eukaryotic community diversity increased highly in pH 7.0 sample. These results suggest that our method is effective by increasing the stability of soil balls as well change in community from prokaryotes to eukaryotes which may improve the stream water quality.
*

28

O-27 GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR TRICHLOROPROPANE DEGRADATION

Ghufrana Samin1, 2, Martina Pavlova1, Muhammad Irfan Arif1, Jiri Damborsky1, Dick B. Janssen1
1

Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. 2 University of Engineering and Technology, Faisalabad Campus Corresponding author e-mail: g.samin@rug.nl

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a toxic compound that has caused serious groundwater pollution at chemical waste disposal sites. The availability of bacteria that can degrade this compound would allow the development of bioreactors for TCP removal from contaminated groundwater. However, many attempts to isolate such an organism by classical enrichments failed. A possible degradation pathway would start with hydrolytic dehalogenation of TCP to 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol (DCP), followed by further oxidative metabolism (Fig. 1). To obtain such an organism that degrades TCP, we used an engineered haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA31) with improved TCP degradation activity. The enzyme was expressed constitutively under control of the dhlA promoter and introduced into the genome of the DCP degrading bacterium Pseudomonas putida MC4 by using a transposon delivery system. The transposon-located antibiotic marker was subsequently removed using a resolvase step. Haloalkane dehalogenase was well expressed in the genetically engineered bacterium MC4-5222 and was exported to the periplasm even though no signal sequence was present. Growth of the engineered bacterium on TCP was indeed observed, and all organic chlorine was released as inorganic chloride. The genetically engineered TCP-degrading strain is stable, free of any additional plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance marker and has the ability to completely mineralize TCP with quantitative stoichiometric release of inorganic chloride. The application of the strain in lab-scale bioreactors is under investigation.

Figure 1: Proposed degradation pathway of TCP by strain MC4.

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O-28 CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL DECOLORIZATION OF REACTIVE RED S3R DYE BY THE STRAINS ISOLATED FROM THE EFFLUENTS OF DIFFERENT TEXTILE INDUSTRIES OF FAISALABAD
Monika Younas, Rabia Najme, Khurram Mall, Shafaqat Ali, Zahid Maqbool, Sabir Hussain1*
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan * Corresponding author e-mail: sabirgcuf@gmail.com

Discharge of wastewaters loaded with azo dyes into natural streams and rivers poses a severe problem, as dyes are toxic for aquatic life and are damaging the aesthetic nature of the environment. Therefore, it is need of the hour to treat the dye loaded wastewaters before their discharge. Because of being relatively environmental friendly, the use of biological techniques for wastewater treatment has attracted worldwide attention. The present study was conducted to isolate dye degrading bacterial strains from the wastewaters of diverse textile industries located in Faisalabad. Initially, numerous strains were isolated and screened using liquid mineral salt medium (MSM) enriched with reactive red S3R azo dye a as source of carbon. The most efficient isolate M41 was selected to study the effect of different incubation and environmental conditions on the decolorization activity. This isolate was found to show optimal decolorization activity at pH 8.5 in the presence of yeast extract as an additional nutritional source under static conditions at 30 C.

30

O-29 OPTIMIZING SAMPLING STRATEGY FOR MEASUREMENT OF BIOMASS PROPERTIES DURING FULL SCALE COMPOSTING
Yumna Sadef1,2*, Tjalfe Gorm Poulsen1, Kai Bester2
1

Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark 2 Department of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Correspondence author e-mail: ys@bio.aau.dk

Biomass to be composted often consists of a very heterogeneous mixture of different materials such as yard waste, sewage sludge, straw, food waste and other organic materials. Collection of representative compost samples is therefore difficult especially under full-scale conditions. The key problem is that of scale. The sample size (mass) used in for instance contaminant concentration measurements is usually on the order of a few grams while the mass of a full scale compost pile is on the order of hundreds of tons. The desired sample particle size is on the order of 1 mm while particle sizes of the materials being composted under full-scale conditions is on the order of tens of centimeters. This study was therefore conducted to develop and optimize a strategy for sampling in compost and similar materials under full-scale conditions. The aim was to minimize the measurement uncertainty with respect to material properties such as nutrient and contaminant concentrations. Optimization was conducted considering multiple parameters such as the number of turnings of the compost pile before sampling, the number of samples collected, the mass of each sample, sample homogenization, particle size reduction, and the number of replicate measurements conducted. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated based on measurements of water content, inorganic matter content, and nutrient (N, P) content. Experiments were conducted using a 2k factorial design. For each parameter measurement variability was determined as a function of sampling strategy. These data were then used to identify the optimal sampling strategy. The optimal strategy was then applied in organic contaminant concentration measurements and estimation of measurement variability.

31

O-30 GROWTH RESPONSE OF OKRA IN CHROMIUM CONTAMINATED SOIL INOCULATED WITH CHROMIUM REDUCING BACTERIA Zahid Maqbool*1,2, Naeem Asghar1, Sabir Hussain2, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Khalid1, Aftab Wajid3
1

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 2Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, 3Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad * Corresponding author e-mail: zahidgcuf@gmail.com

Chromium released from the leather and different other industries, is one of the heavy metals, contaminating the soil and water resources. Among different oxidation states of chromium, hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is more toxic as compare to trivalent chromium [Cr (III)] because of its comparatively higher solubility. It causes various detrimental effects on the plants by affecting their physiological processes. Natures has gifted certain bacteria capable of degrading these heavy metals and promote the plant growth under stressed conditions directly or indirectly by lowering the ethylene level, producing certain harmones, improving the nutrient availability. In chromium contaminated soil, plant growth can be improved by the reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) which is carried out by chromium reducing bacteria. So to evaluate the potential of bacteria for growth promotion of okra in chromium contaminated soil and the transformation of Cr (VI) to Cr (III), a pot experiment was conducted. Okra seed were inoculated with ten different bacterial isolates capable of reducing hexavalent chromium and were sown in soil having 30.46 ppm initial concentration of hexavalent chromium. Results showed that inoculation of bacterial isolates significantly enhanced the growth and yield of okra, however, K-13 bacterial isolate was found to be more efficient as compare to other isolates. This bacterial isolate had shown 77.5%, 72%, 2.5 fold, 2.9 and 4.4 fold, 1.4 and 2.5 fold, 3.9 and 6.5 fold increase in shoot length, root length, number of pods per plant, fresh and dry weight of shoot, fresh and dry weight of fruit, fresh and dry weight of root, respectively, as compared to un-inoculated control. This bacterial isolate was also found to carry out maximum Cr (VI) reduction (69.7%). It was also observed that vegetative parts retained more chromium as compare to reproductive parts. This study revealed that bacterial isolates can be used as a tool for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil as well as to improve the soil health which ultimately improves the plant growth.

32

O-31 ELECTRO-CHEMICAL DETOXIFICATION OF SYNTHETIC DYES USING DIFFERENT ELECTRODES IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ELECTROLYTE
Farrukh Raza Amin*1, Romana Khan1, Abdul Jabbar2
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSAT Institute of Information Technology, Abottabad Pakistan 2 Department of Chemistry, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: farrukhraza19@gmail.com

Dyes are widely used in the textile industry to color the natural fibers. The toxicity of the dyes is of considerable interest due to the ecotoxicological and environmental problems. Dyes cause major diseases to human beings and animals. The electrochemical reduction of the dye has been investigated in aqueous solution using an electrochemical cell, spectrophotometer and controlled potential electrolysis (9.00 V). Optimum conditions for dye discoloration by controlled potential electrolysis use an alkaline medium using cathodic stripping spectrophotometer. A linear calibration graph was obtained using accumulation times of zero time, 2, 4, 6 and 8 minutes respectively and an accumulation potential of 9.00 Volts. Electrochemical treatment showed to be very efficient in removing dyes color (Reactive Dyes) 90-99.3 %.

33

O-32 AGRICULTURE UNDER STRESS FROM AIR POLLUTION EMITTING FROM VEHICULAR AND INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN
Muhammad Nauman Ahmad1*, Patrick Bker2, Lisa Emberson2, Hamid Ullah Shah1 and Mike Ashmore2
1

Agricultural Chemistry Department, Khyber Pukhtoon Khwah Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan 2 Environment Department, University of York, York, YO10 5DD *Corresponding author email: drnumanahmad@aup.edu.pk

Air pollution has increased rapidly with no knowledge of its effects on agricultural crops in the Northern region of Pakistan. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on agricultural crops in Peshawar through field surveys. The HF concentrations from about 450 brick kilns around Peshawar, measured using passive samplers were higher in summer than in winter in areas close to brick kiln fields. The mean summer concentration was 0.2g HF m-3, with maximum of 0.3g HF m-3 in May. Severe HF injuries to mango, apricot and plum leaves, in form of necrotic leaf margins and tipburn, were found near the brick kiln fields. The fluoride content of fruit leaves, wheat grains and spinach was significantly higher in the brick kiln area than at control sites. It was also observed that the local community people were not aware of the toxic effects of air pollution on crops. It was concluded that HF is s significant pollutant in Peshawar, especially for summer crops and can change the climatic conditions for the local crops. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct more detailed studies to determine the magnitude of damage caused by HF in the Peshawar region and to educate people about this danger and alerting of the consequences that can jeopardise their future food security.

34

O-33 CLIMATE CHANGE AND FUTURE FOOD SECURITY: ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF AMBIENT OZONE ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MUNG BEAN (Vigna radiate, MN-98) USING ETHYLENE DIUREA (EDU) IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN
Waqar Aman1, Muhammad Nauman Ahmad1*, Hamid Ullah Shah1 and Patrick Bcker2
2

KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEIY), University of York, UK *Corresponding author email: drnumanahmad@aup.edu.pk

Mung bean (Vigna radiata, MN-98) grown in pots and exposed to ambient air at a field-site in Peshawar (Northern Pakistan) was subjected to EDU (ethylene diurea) to assess ozone effects on the yield and quality of this important legume. The experiment the first of its kind in Northern Pakistan - was carried out according to a standardised protocol from March to June, 2011. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded half-hourly and ozone was measured using passive samplers (double-sampling, four-weekly time steps). Weekly foliar injury assessments were conducted, followed by a final harvest on day 84 of the experiment. The total biomass, seed weight, no. of pods, length of pods and roots were recorded. Passive samplers results revealed that the mean ozone concentration was significantly lower (24.2ppb) in March and April as compared to May and June (49ppb). Leaf marginal necrosis were recorded in both EDU and non-EDU treated plants in May and June that might be due to severe exposure to direct sunlight. No ozone visible injury was reported during the entire experiment. However, the number and biomass of pods were significantly reduced in non-EDU treated plants as compared to EDU treated plants. The biomass of shoots, leaves and the root length increased significantly in EDU treated plants. Seed weight was significantly reduced (20%) in non-EDU treated plants. The overall plant biomass was significantly higher (30 %) in EDU treated as compared to non-EDU treated plants. It was concluded that a) there was a close positive relationship between the ozone concentration and temperature and b) ozone is a threat to local summer legumes grown in Pakistan, with potentially negative impacts on food security in the region.

35

O-34 MONITORING ATMOSPHERIC FLUORIDE IN VEGETATION AROUND BRICK-KILNS OF MUZAFFARGARH CITY A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB
BINISH KHALIQ1, ABDUL WAHID2*, MAQSOOD AHMAD3
1

Institute of Pure & Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, 2Department of Environmental Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, 3Environment Protection Department, Govt. of the Punjab, Gujranwala, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: bena_002@yahoo.com

Present study was carried out to assess effects of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on locally important vegetables grown around the brick-kilns of Muzaffargarh (Southern Punjab, Pakistan). For this purpose, vegetables were grouped into four categories i.e., root-vegetables, inflorescencevegetables, fruit-vegetables and leafy-vegetables. This study was carried out site-wise and transectwise from the brick-kilns in order to highlight the significance of the wind direction that usually carries atmospheric pollutants beyond the regional and local boundaries. Fluoride concentrations were found in nearly all vegetables in statistically significant quantities and were mostly higher than the prescribed HF limits set by the World Health Organization and Air Quality Standards (2006). It is worth noting that leafy and fruit vegetables were more sensitive than other ones, and accumulation of fluoride decreased when moving away from the brick-kilns. It was concluded from this preliminary study that atmospheric HF was definitely accumulated in the nearby vegetation of brick-kilns above threshold concentrations and if these plants/plant parts are consumed by humans/animals can cause serious illnesses leading to cancer as well.

36

O-35 AKAGANITE PRECIPITATION IN SOIL UNDER SALINE-ACID SULFATE CONDITIONS

Irshad Bibi1,3*, Balwant Singh1, Ewen Silvester2
2

Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Wodonga, Victoria 3690, Australia 3 Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: irshad.niazi81@gmail.com

The prevalence of sulfidic sediments in inland wetlands has been only recently recognised in many parts of the world. The exposure of sulfidic sediments in these wetlands due to natural and human induced drying events has resulted in the oxidation of iron sulfide minerals, the formation of secondary iron minerals characteristic of acid sulfate soils (ASS) and the release of highly acidic solutions. The objective of this study was to determine the mineralogy and morphology of sediments collected from the oxidised surface horizon (05 cm) of an inland acid sulfate soil located in south-western New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Random powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) techniques were used to characterise the minerals present in these sediments. Akaganite was identified as the major mineral phase in the sediments; K-jarosite was also determined in small amounts in some sediments. The minor amounts of jarosite formed at the study site are predicted to be a product of transformation of previously precipitated akaganite. The XRD patterns of sequentially washed (Epure water-0.01 M HCl-0.01 M EDTA) sediment samples showed all akaganite peaks; the Rietveld refinement of these patterns also revealed a predominance of akaganite. The chemical analyses of the original and washed sediments using STEM-EDS clearly showed the presence of akaganite as a pure mineral phase with an average Fe/Cl mole ratio of 6.7 and a structural formula of Fe8O8(OH)6.8(Cl)1.2. These findings show that the extreme saline-acidic solutions (pH ~ 2, EC = 216 dS/m) at the Bottle Bend lagoon provide ideal conditions for the crystallization of this rarely forming mineral. The formation of secondary iron minerals (such as akaganite) is of particular significance due to their high reactive surface areas and their ability to affect the mobility and bioavailability of metals in the environment through adsorption and coprecipitation processes.

37

O-36

BIOMASS BURNING TRACERS IN ORGANIC AEROSOLS, COLLECTED FROM SOUTH OF SWEDEN Murtaza Hyder1*, Jan ke Jnsson2

Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), 2Centre for analysis and synthesis, Department of chemistry, Lund University, Sweden Correspondence author e-mail: smsmurtaza@yahoo.com.au

One of the important sources of airborne particulate matter is fuel burning. Plant matter, or biomass, has served as one of the primary energy forms utilized by humans for essential activities. The knowledge about the contribution of different sources to atmospheric aerosols is of great importance. Analysis of the tracer molecules from organic aerosol is helpful in determining the contribution of different sources to atmospheric aerosols. Levoglucosan and other anhydro-sugars are believed to be important tracers produced from pyrolysis of cellulosic part of wood while lignin pyrolysis yields various characteristic compounds like phenols, aldehyde, ketones, carboxylic acids and alcohols, for which structure can be traced back to the lignin characteristic monomers. Syringic Acid, Vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid are some aromatic acids with OCH3 and OH substituent on phenyl ring that have been found in biomass burning smoke in various studies. In present study we analyzed biomass-burning tracers in aerosol samples collected from southern part of Sweden. Sampling was carried out for complete one year on weekly basis. Samples were extracted using dichloromethane and methanol mixture with ultrasonic assistance. Concentrated extracts were derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) containing 1 % trimethylsilyl chloride. Analysis for biomass burning tracers, levoglucosan, mannosan, glactosan, syringic acid, vanillic acid, and salicylic acid was done using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Levoglucosan concentration was found in a range of 2 153 (average 46.7) ng.m-3, for mannosan, it was 0.3 14.8 (average 4) ng.m-3, and for glactosan, it was 0.3 19.3 (average 5.2) ng.m-3. Individual concentrations of vanillic acid, syringic acid and salicylic acid were found below 3 ng.m-3. Mannosan was found 2.2 19.5 % with an average 9.9 % of levoglucosan concentration. While glactosan concentration was 5.1 19.4 % with an average of 11.6 % of levoglucosan. Levoglucosan was found to account for 0.12 14.1 % of OC with an average of 3.6 %. Collective contribution of syringic acid, vanillic acid and salicylic acid to OC was less than 0.5 %. All the tracers analysed, shown an increasing trend in the concentration during winter times and a good correlation was found among them.

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O-37 THE ROLE OF WRF LAND SURFACE SCHEMES ON WEATHER SIMULATIONS IN DELHI REGION
Sarika Jain1*, Rupender Singh2, Ramesh Raghava3
1, 3

Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 2Netaji Subash Institute of Technology, Dwarka, Delhi Corresponding author e-mail: sarika33jain@gmail.com

In this paper we are analysing the effect of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) land surface schemes (LSMs) on weather simulation in Delhi region. The widely used WRF model provides a few land surface schemes (LSMs) to compute heat and moisture fluxes over land surface. The LSMs differ in complexity and approaches used. In order to assess their role on weather simulations in the Delhi region, we performed WRF simulations for 30 km resolution domains over the Delhi region. We used the four LSMs provided with WRF: 6-layer Rapid Update Cycle (RUC), 5-layer thermal diffusion, 2-layer Pleim-Xiu scheme (together with the Pleim-Xiu surface layer and the ACM boundary layer models), and 4-layer Noah scheme. We focused on summers of 2009. The RUC scheme showed stronger-wind, warmer, and drier biases. The Pleim-Xiu scheme is giving best result for the temperature and Wind Speed. Thermal Scheme is giving best results for Relative humidity. So we can say that if we compare only LSPs by keeping other schemes same then Pleim is the scheme which is giving best results for Temperature (Cumulative PDF - Pleim Xiu Scheme error < 3 degree is approx. 60%) and Wind Speed. Thermal Scheme is giving good results for Relative Humidity. Weather underground provides local & long range Weather Forecast, weather reports, maps & tropical weather conditions for locations worldwide. The simulation results are compared to the weather Underground measurement data.

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O-38 ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR PARTICULATE MATTER POLLUTANT IN SIALKOT AND ITS SOCIO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL IMPACTS
Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1*, Muhammad Danish1 , Muhammad Zubair1 , Nadeem Zafer1, Ahtisham Raza2, Mahrban Ashiq1, Saad Afzal1
1

Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan, 2 Integrated Environmental Laboratory, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: muhammad.waseem@uog.edu.pk

Present study deals with the estimation of the outdoor particulate matter pollution in Sialkot city of Pakistan to evaluate its associated socio-epidemiological impacts. Using iso-kinetic conditions particulate matter was estimated. PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM 10.0 concentrations were ranged from 282 528 g/m3, 360 677 g/m3, 382 724g/m3, 440 843 g/m3 , respectively. China Chowk was found to be the most polluted area with highest levels of particulate matter. Particulate matter load in the ambient air of Sialkot city was depicted to be noncompliance with NEQS guideline values. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) ascertained significant difference among PM concentrations at all sampling points on average basis with p-value < 0.05. Flue, cough, eye and skin problems were the most common epidemiological impacts being faced by the general public by 25.4%, 37.3%, 20.9% and 16.4%, respectively.

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O-39 A MICROBIALLY-BASED MODEL OF C AND N CYCLES WHERE SOIL MICROBES AND PLANT ACT IN SYNCHRONY- CONSEQUENCE FOR ECOSYSTEM RESPONSE TO GLOBAL CHANGE
Nazia Perveen1*, Sbastien Barot1, Gal Alvarez1, Sbastien Fontaine1
1

INRA, UR874 Unit Recherche dEcosystme Prairial, n5, Chemin de Beaulieu 63039, Clermont Ferrand. Corresponding author e-mail: nazia.perveen@clermont.inra.fr

Integration of priming effect (PE) in agroecosystem models is central challenge to predict consequences of global change on ecosystem carbon (C) fluxes and feedback on climate, and to design new agricultural practices with minimum use of fertilizers. PE corresponds to the acceleration of mineralization of recalcitrant soil organic matter (SOM) after addition of fresh organic matter (FOM) to soil that leads to the stimulation of soil microbes. Over the last decade many models were built to simulate PE. However, PE has never been inserted in plant-soil model to analyze its consequences on ecosystem properties. The objective of this work is to build a simple model of soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics by taking into account PE, soil-plant relations and plant-microbial interactions. Our approach is to integrate the plant in the model of Fontaine and Barot (2005) and to analyze it mathematically at equilibrium followed by numerical simulations. Taking together, our results suggest that PE is the necessary universal mechanism through which nutrients are shared between plant and micro-organisms via a bank mechanism. In a permanent vegetation cover, this mechanism helps to synchronize the availability of soluble nutrients to plant requirements during temporal fluctuations and the existence of decomposers in their limitations by C or a limiting mineral nutrient. Our results can allow designing highly-efficient food production system that will minimize nutrient losses (leaching and denitrification) and fertilizer application while leading to long-term SOM accumulation. .

41

O-40 EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM

Muhammad Sanaullah1,2*, Cornelia Rumpel1 and Abad Chabbi1,3
1

ISES, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; 2BIOEMCO, CNRS-INRA-Universit Paris VI, Thiverval-Grignon, France; 3UEFE, INRA Poitou-Charentes, Lusignan, France. Corresponding author e-mail: sanasial@gmail.com

Warm and dry climate caused by anthropogenic climatic changes may alter plant biochemical composition and ultimately its decomposition behavior in soil. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of future warming and summer drought on the biochemical composition of aerial litter from forage plants and the potential mineralization of this modified material in soil. Our conceptual approach was based on the sampling of aerial forage plant litter of two grassland species (Festuca arundinacea and Dactylis glomerata) at the end of spring and in summer. Moreover, we sampled plant material exposed to elevated temperature by infrared heating of the canopy (+6C) during summer. We analyzed for elemental and stable carbon isotope composition of this material as well as lignin and non-cellulosic neutral carbohydrate contents. The mineralization potential of the forage litter in soil was evaluated under optimum laboratory conditions. Additionally, we examined their effect on the potential mineralization of native soil organic matter (SOM). Drought stress significantly changed the elemental and isotopic composition of both plant species with increased N contents and lower C/N ratio. The 13C values also clearly indicated consistent variations in stomatal conductance during the dry summer period. This increased N contents and lower C/N ratio resulted in higher mineralization of drought affected plant material. In contrast, there was no significant of heating on plant elemental and isotopic compositions, while plant biochemical composition changed under elevated temperature. Priming effects of plant material subjected to climatic stresses seems to be governed by alterations in plant chemical composition rather than stoichiometry. So, different mineralization rates of plant materials produced under different climatic conditions might indicate their altered trends towards carbon sequestration in soil.

42

O-41 DID THE CLIMATE OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN BECOME WARMER DURING THE PAST 30 YEARS (1981-2010)?
Farhat Abbas1*
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: farhat@gcuf.edu.pk

Prolonged droughts and uneven monsoons have adversely affected socioeconomic and environmental conditions of Pakistan especially of the Punjab province. The objective of this modeling approach is to evaluate climate change patterns by analyzing time series data of climate extremes (minimum and maximum temperatures) data. Thirty years (1981-2010) of climate extremes data were collected from five representative cities across Punjab, i.e., Multan, Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi, Thirteen temperature indices, established by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection, Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDMI), were calculated using above data and RClimDex software. Mann-Kendall Test and Sen's Slope Estimates were used to detect rare, general, and prevailing climate trends. The results indicated consistent patterns of global warming over most of the province. Overall, extremely warm events have increased and the extremely cold temperature events have decreased for the analysis period. Cool nights have significantly decreased and hot nights have significantly increased. All the cities experienced the most number of cold spells during 1984. Regionally averaged per decade summer days (when temperature was > 25oC) and tropical nights (when temperature was > 20oC) were computed to increase by 5 and 8, respectively.

43

O-42 HOW DOES RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AFFECT PLANT RESPONSE TO OZONE?

Muhammad Adrees 1,2 *, Sally Power2 , Farhat Abbas1
1

Departmetn of Environmental Science, Government College University, Faisalabad Pakistan 38000; 2 Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY. Corresponding author e-mail: madrees@gcuf.edu.pk

Nitrogen deposition may modify the effects of increasing tropospheric ozone on plant communities. Our evidence suggests that negative responses to ozone are exacerbated under conditions of high N availability. This highlights the importance of considering interactions between pollutants in the evaluation of critical levels (or loads) for semi-natural ecosystems. During the last century, concentrations of ozone (O3) in the troposphere have risen considerably as a result of anthropogenic activities. O3 is an important phytotoxic air pollutant, with current ambient concentrations high enough to cause visible O3 injury and detrimental effects on plant growth in many parts of the world. Some evidence exists to suggest that environmental factors such as soil fertility and nitrogen deposition may influence plant sensitivity to O3. An experiment was, therefore, established to examine the effects of these two global change issues, in combination. Two plant species Trifolium repens and Festuca ovina were exposed to O3 under differing levels of N addition to address the question of how soil resource availability (nitrogen status) affects plant response to O3 in a grasslegume mixture. Mixed species pots were exposed to ozone in a series of 16 open top chambers at Silwood Park (Ascot) for a period of 16 weeks. Ozone exposure was carried out from 9am-6pm daily, with target concentrations of 0 ppb, 30 ppb, 60 ppb and 90 ppb (resulting in seasonal AOT40 values from 0 25,492 ppb.h). In addition, weekly applications of Hoaglands solution with nitrogen levels equivalent to 0 or 50 kg N ha-1 were given to pairs of pots over the course of the experiment. Plant performance was monitored during the exposure period, after which aboveground plant material was harvested, separated into living, senescent or dead material and then oven dried and weighed. Below ground biomass was also measured, following root washing. Results show a negative effect of O3 and N on above-ground biomass of T. repens and positive effects of both pollutants on the biomass of F. ovina. Aboveground biomass reductions of 80.6% (HO3+N) and 70% (HO3-N) for T. repens indicate greater effects of ozone in high N treatments. Below-ground biomass also showed a significant decrease in ozone treatments (44.6%, HighO3+N and 35.8% HighO3-N) compared with filtered air. Overall, results suggest that N deposition may exacerbate the effects of O3 on legumes, driving changes in plant productivity and community composition.

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O-43 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN PAKISTAN ON SNOW AND GLACIER MELTING USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
Amjad Ali*1, Ather Ashraf1, Rashid Saleem2
1

Center of Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab Lahore; 2 Institute of geology, University of the Punjab Lahore Corresponding author email: amjad.gisdeveloper@gmail.com

Due to climate change and global warming, frozen water resources have been losing their mass at an unprecedented rate, not only, reducing the ice and glacier mass but increasing the number and extent of glacial lakes.. The global warming can have a strong impact on river flows in Pakistan. This may be due to the melting of snow and glaciers at a higher rate and changes in precipitation patterns. Now snow occurs in late winter and disappears in early summer, hence, reducing the residency period to complete metamorphic processes for conversion into ice and glacier. Snow and glacier volume and snow covered area decreasing day by day due to climate change. Glaciers are quit sensitive to climate change therefore, the studies and monitoring of glacier has gained importance and a lot of work has been conducted all over the world during recent years. As a case study climate change impact assessment on glacier melting were studies at Mangla catchment area using the advancement of remote sensing and GIS. Due to periodic Revisits of satellites over the area of interest, it is now convenient to monitor the snow cover at regular intervals. Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a reliable sensor, due to its spatial, temporal and radiometric resolution. In addition elevation data from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) is used for the production of Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The temporal snow cover is derived from Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI). Temperature data of various years is being used to identify the impact of climate variability on snow cover. Temporal analysis of snow cover using spatial analysis tools revealed variations in snow cover of the study area during different year 2000 to 2011 data. The results of present study show good agreement between temperature change and snow and glacier melting. As global warming increase frozen reservoirs of waters are decreasing.

45

O-44 UNUSUAL RAINFALL PATTERN DURING MONSOON PERIOD IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT WHICH FLASH FLOODING IN NORTHERN ASIA AND RIVERINE FLOODING IN SOUTHERN ASIA UNDER SCOPE OF GIS
Muhammad Arslan*1, Muhammad Tauseef1, Mehtab Gul1, Iftikhar Ahmad2
2

College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jhang Road, Faisalabad. Corresponding author email: arsilan324@gmail.com

Flooding is a serious, devastating, and catastrophic hazard that many countries face regularly. During 2010, uplifting of monsoon, trade winds, to higher altitudes caused 34 days fuel recharge from Arabian sea which resulted in intense rainfall after condensation. Justified reason was synergistic effect of uplifting of monsoon and blocking event in jet stream. In the second half of July, Blocking Even froze the meander of Jet stream over Europe and Asia. Extreme rainfall occurred in Upper Asia and catastrophic flooding was reported in south Asia. Uplifting of Monsoon with moisture content was continued upto this period (app. 34 days) and more and more trade winds came from Indian Ocean. In the start of July, 2010, changes in monsoon pattern caused the most severe flooding in Pakistans history. It has been estimated that, by using flood simulation and GIS overlays technique with original waterways, changes in monsoon pattern caused one fifth of the country to be inundated. Flooding remained continued in late July and rainwater from the highlands enters into major rivers which affected nearby areas of Indus River. In the late July, In the late July, calamity was observed in major areas of Sindh. Heavy monsoon rains affected one fifth of total area of Pakistan which was inundated and rest of was in danger. In early August, flood waters began to recede in the southern provinces. Level of water in the Indus River continued to rise more and more, however, as it travelled southward, flooding in eight districts of Punjab and thousands of communities along Indus River occurred. More than 250 mm of rain fell over a 36-hour period. Abeyant policies by PID caused destruction in Jacobabad which was not normal Indus waterway. Finally, the first week of August became worst week of extreme flooding and land sliding in Pakistan. However, these floods were big source of hydel energy from which energy plan of Pakistan can be ameliorated if simulation was taken on time. Simulation analysis explains that such climate changes are very often in future as well which may help to meet energy crisis as well as water deterioration. Associated reasons behind these floods were monsoon winds moved to higher altitude caused more fuel recharge from Arabian Sea and integrated unusual holding patterns in the jet stream caused weather systems stopped, violation of Indus Water Treaty 1960, and heightening Monsoon activity by the la Nia phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean.

46

O-45 RAINFALL-RUNOFF MODEL UNCERTAINTY USING SATELLITE BASED RAINFALL DATA IN A MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FRAMEWORK
Haris Akram Bhatti1,2*, Tom Rientjes1, Wouter Verhoef1, Alemseged T. Haile3
1

Department of Water Resources, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; 2Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan; 3African Climate Policy Centre, UN Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Corresponding author e-mail: bhatti23984@itc.nl

In this study, we test the high resolution satellite rainfall product (CMORPH) (Joyce et al., 2004) for rainfall-runoff modeling. The study area is the Gilgil Abbey catchment, Ethiopia that has relatively low density of rain gauge stations. For rainfall-runoff modeling, we selected the lumped conceptual, water balance based HBV model (Lindstrm et al., 1997). The study aims to assess how model parameter uncertainty is affected when gauged rainfall model input is replaced by satellite based rainfall estimates. For uncertainty assessments, we rely on a multi-objective optimization framework. The specific objectives of this research are (i) to evaluate accuracy of the CMORPH rainfall product (ii) to evaluate HBV model performance for a) gauged rainfall input data, b) CMORPH input data and c) bias corrected CMORPH input data and (iii) to assess model parameter uncertainty for these three cases. For parameter uncertainty assessment, we selected the Multi ALgorithm Genetically Adaptive Method (AMALGAM) for multi-objective optimization (Vrugt and Robinson, 2007). This algorithm incorporates the attributes of several optimization algorithms and gives reliable and efficient solution to multi-objective optimization problems (Zhang et al., 2009). Model performance is assessed by Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NS) (Nash and Sutcliffe, 1970), Relative Volumetric Error (RVE) and a weighted combination of NSE and RVE objective functions. Results of this study help to better understand the efficiency and application of CMORPH rainfall products for rainfall-runoff modeling and water resources assessments in general.

47

O-46 A GIS BASED DRASTIC MODEL FOR ASSESSING GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY

Sajid Rashid Ahmad*1, Rashid Saleem1
1

Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author email: sajidpu@yahoo.com

The materialization of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies has substantially eased the problems of groundwater. Groundwater is a key resource for global agricultural production but is vulnerable to a changing climate. Proper utilization of these can provide more vital information in managing such inadequate resource. GIS can help to integrate, analyze and represent spatial information and database of any resource, which could be easily used for planning of resource development, environmental protection and scientific researches and investigations. A preliminary assessment of vulnerability to groundwater contamination in Lahore district was undertaken to assess the impact on groundwater. The Information on the hydraulic confinement, overlying strata in terms of their depth of water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography and hydraulic conductivity was incorporated into the DRASTIC model, to produce groundwater vulnerability maps. GIS was used for indexing and overlaying the different data sources to create a groundwater vulnerability map. The integration of such groundwater features of different periods and their analysis with structural features provided some newer information on geo-system processes and their interface dynamics with hydro-systems, from which, certain strategies were suggested for better groundwater management.

48

O-47

REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR DENGUE EPIDEMIC RISK MAPPING IN LAHORE
Bilal Tariq1*, Arjumand Z. Zaidi2

Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi Campus; 2Assitant Professor, Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi Campus Corresponding author email: bilaltariq8@hotmail.com

Over the last two decades, dengue fever has become a major mosquito borne disease in Pakistan. Dengue outbreaks were reported in the major cities of Pakistan especially in Lahore where the number of dengue cases increases radically in 2011 making it the worst epidemic disease in the national history. This situation has emerged as a serious threat to public health and managing and controlling risks of dengue outbreaks are being given a serious consideration by the concerned local and provincial departments. It has been observed that dengue virus grows in specific climatic conditions and there are some environmental factors (EFs) that promote its growth. The objective of this paper is to propose an advance approach to identify the risk prone areas by linking these factors with dengue outbreaks using satellite data and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. The Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS techniques used in this study are proven to be more efficient and cost effective as compared to the traditional approaches. Information provided in terms of spatial and temporal distribution patterns of dengue fever outbreaks in Lahore and its relationships with EFs are helpful in developing dengue risk maps. Assessment of dengue risk maps based on EFs, investigates the dengue risk prone areas of Lahore. These maps will help concerned departments in managing dengue outbreaks in a more informed and effective manner. The EFs used for this study are Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), precipitation, air temperature and humidity. The results show that most of the cases occurred in residential areas near hospitals and those areas that have received heavy rainfall followed by high NDVI and high temperatures.

49

O-48 MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIO IN PAKISTAN
Luqman Atique1*, Abdul Malik1, Shahid Mehmood1
1

Department of Meteorology, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad Corresponding author email: luqman_atique@comsats.edu.pk

Climate change is a present day reality and the developing countries like Pakistan are most at risk. Warming of our climate system is beyond any doubt and unambiguous as concluded in the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007. Over the last one hundred years (1905-2006), the world has warmed up by three-quarters of a degree Celsius. Human are exposed to climate change directly through the weather patterns and indirectly through changes in air, water, food, ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and infrastructure. The IPCC has warned and anticipated widespread increase in extreme precipitation with greater risks of flooding owing to intense precipitation over Pakistan. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to adverse vagaries of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change has turned out to be the key priority issue for the country particularly for urban areas as the cities are more vulnerable due to a high concentration of population and economic activities in a relatively small space. This demands capacity building of cities to develop and implement adaptation measures. Population and infrastructure in the far and wide of Pakistan will be particularly vulnerable to flooding from extreme precipitation. Poor planning has contributed to a reduction of the resilience of ecosystem services on which populace depends. Climate change will make life in the cities more and more miserable, unless measures for adaptation and control of environmental degradation are taken immediately. It is pertinent to assess the capacity of citys infrastructure and services to cope with climate change and climate related disasters as the situation would lead to social issues such as migration, competition and conflicts. The ultimate objective of adaptation is to decrease the vulnerability of ecosystems and societies. There is need for systematic sector-based work where climate-related issues typically include disciplines, sectors and administrative regions and, therefore, cannot be dealt with within single sectors or organizations. Hence dedicated efforts are needed to bridge the gaps between sectoral organizations, in order to share relevant information concerning risks and their management as well as achieve efficiencies and synergies. This study suggests and arrives at climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in context of current climate change scenario in Pakistan and more importantly the adaptation strategies for sustainable agricultural practices based on a participative vulnerability assessment and identification of adaptation measures that aim to provide valuable insights to policy makers, urban planners, local governmental organization and stakeholders. To meet the challenges of climate change in Pakistan, the planning process should comprise of the following steps: (1) identify current and future climate changes as accurately as possible; (2) assess the vulnerabilities and risks especially the poor communities; (3) develop an adaptation strategy using risk based prioritization schemes; (4) identify opportunities for co-benefits and synergies across sectors; and (5) adaptation options to be identified based on past experience and extensive public and expert consultations.

50

O-49 SEABUCKTHORN RESOURCE - FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ECO PRESERVATION OF HIGH ALTITUDE / COLD DESERT AREAS
DP Attrey1*
1

Amity Institute of Seabuckthorn Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, NOIDA-201303 Corresponding author e-mail: dpattrey@amity.edu

Seabuckthorn (SBT) plays an important role in the sustainable development and eco-preservation of high altitude/cold desert areas. SBT is natures bio factory, having >200 bioactive components, 32 types of fatty acids, 36 types of flavonoides and phenols and 24 kinds of minerals and trace elements. It has huge potential for conversion into health foods and medicines. Important biomolecules include the vitamins, organic acids; flavonoides, phenols; carotenoides; sterols; betaine; 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); coumarin and ursolic acid etc. More than 90 % total fatty acids are essential viz Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Role of SBT as Neuroprotective, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Radio protective, Anti inflammatory, Anti oxidant, Anti microbial, Anti Ulcerative, Immunomodulator and even as anti diabetic has been reported. A number of products having health, medicinal and cosmetic benefits can be developed from SBT fruits and leaves through value addition. Enhancing SBT resource through cultivation will go a long way in economic development of cold desert areas. India and Pakistan have 11500 and 5000 ha area under wild SBT resource respectively. Only a few plant species can survive in cold desert areas due to adverse climatic conditions. Soil and water erosion are major problems of hilly mountains. SBT can effectively prevent soil erosion and surface run-off, since it has an extensive root system which helps it in tolerating moisture stress and protects it from strong winds. That is why SBT is an ideal plant for flood protection on river banks or checking the streams, wasteland development, sand dune fixation and control of soil erosion through wind and water. Seabuckthorn roots contain nodules which are produced by symbiotic mycorrhizal fungusFrankia, which help in nitrogen fixation and improvement in soil fertility. Siltation process of rivers is likely to be reduced substantially with SBT plantation through prevention of land slides. This plant could be propagated near all the major rivers in the Himalayas, so that the Himalayan eco-system will be protected. SBT is not just a plant with nutritional, health and medicinal properties; it also has great economic value, besides providing significant environmental benefits in many countries e.g. to combat desertification and preventing soil erosion in China; to improve soil quality in Germany; to reclaim wastelands in Poland and to enhance wildlife habitats in Canada etc. SBT plants help the flora and fauna by providing adequate food, thermal cover, protection, nesting site for songbirds and excellent escape cover for upland game birds. Once established, SBT propagates very fast on its own through suckers. Mixed farming of SBT with maize, potato and fruit trees can result in an increased yield of revenue. Residues of fruit, pulp and leaves could be used as an excellent source of fodder for cattle. It will also enhance employment opportunities and sustainable development of cold desert areas through its cultivation in waste lands without much investment. Development and commercialization of Leh Berry Juice has laid the foundation of a sustainable SBT industry in India. The revenue generated from value added products of SBT can ensure a good quality of life to the people of these cold desert areas on sustainable basis.

51

O-50 COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGEMENT: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN NEPAL
Nirmal Kumar BK1*
1

Human and Natural Resource Studies Centre, Balkuamri, Guwarko Chowk, Kathamndu University, Nepal Corresponding author e-mail: nirmalkumarbk@yahoo.com

Community forestry management practice is recognized as important climate change adaptation and potential mitigation strategy, by climate change policy and National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) in Nepal. Based on the paper presenters 10 years long experience in the issues and the study of six community forest user groups, three from each of DFID/UK and CARE supported groups, the finding shows that the practice is initiated and groups are formed to address the issues of natural hazards and mal-adaptation practices the local people followed previously both in responses to changes in local forest ecosystem and to socio-economic condition due to climate change. The practices of forest management not only increase the adaptation of forest through restoration of forest ecosystem, but also is suitable mechanism for planned, decentralized, cost effective, linked and inclusive adaptation strategies to poor and marginalized member of the groups. However, the people who are member of the groups have opportunity to get benefit from the benefit of management including adaptation fund while there are some households/communities are excluded from the groups. Also, limitation on extraction of forest products is in some instances undermining the livelihoods strategies of the forest dependant people limiting their adaptation capacity. There are also issues of resource access with members in particular can be constrained by poorly aligned jurisdiction. Simultaneously, the community forestry management promotes entry points for pro-poor mitigation strategies. The growing stock of forest particularly in hills increased and the community forestry user groups have established resource distribution system based on wealth ranking of the groups, the mitigation strategies specifically the REDD mechanism may benefit to the poor category of the users. However, we find that the executive committees of CFUGs are politicized and the political ideology affects resource distribution. Also, there are high value forest trees, the illegal sale of which offers considerable financial intensives. So, particularly in the Terai, the conservation and management of forest may be competing with very high opportunity costs. Also, there are significant issues of land tenure conflicts between people and Government, VDCs (Village Development Committee), and communities, the result of which does not favor the protection, management and conservation of forest. The findings suggest that climate
change friendly approach needs to integrate in the policy of constitutions and operational plan preparation process of community forest management. As the groups are growing as a local adaption funding institutions, the role of CFUGs should also be linked with sources of credit and low-interest loans. In addition, to increase the community forest for mitigation, climate change sensitive forest management guidelines needs to developed and linked with national forestry activities.

52

O-51 WASTEWATER RECYCLING FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Tejwant Singh Brar1*
1

School Of Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, U.P., India. Corresponding author e-mail: brartejwant@yahoo.com

The urban population in India is presently about 27.8% of the total population (Census of India, 2001) and is expected to reach 50% by 2050 at the present growth rate. This number would be 820 million by 2050 (Agrawal, C.S., Mittal, S., Goyal, H., 2000), which would further aggravate the currently strained water resources in the urban areas. There is a rapid increase in demand of water supply which has resulted in increase in wastewater and untreated sewage (The National Commission On Urbanisation, 1988). The wastewater, disposal has resulted in many environmental problems such as the contamination and pollution of ground water, pollution of water bodies etc. the situation is particularly very grim in small and medium towns (Central Pollution Control Board, 2001). In this paper case study of Patiala city has been undertaken to review and analyze the effects of disposal of untreated wastewater on the urban stream and ground water quality. This paper gives categorical analysis of present scenario and various technologies available for restoring the water quality of urban streams and ground water. A comparison has been made between the centralized wastewater treatment system (CTS) and decentralized wastewater treatment system (DTS) on the quality of water disposed off in the streams and their respective economic viability in different situations.

53

O-52 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BY RECHARGING THE AQUIFER WITH CAPTURED RAINWATER OR STREAM WATER
Muhammad Yasin Khan1*
Independent Renewable & Environment Professional, 2180-Block 17, St. # 3 Chichawatni 57200-Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: shamsitawanai@hotmail.com

Environmental pollution and presence of underground hard water is causing unavailability of safe drinking water in Pakistan. Groundwater is the main resource of drinking, irrigation and industrial use. Groundwater is charged by surface water, precipitation, or the storm water through infiltration. The industrial waste-water and municipal sewerage containing bacteria of E.Coli, Cholera, and parasites of Giardia is directly disposed off into the canals and streams, which consequently are absorbed into the soil and contaminate the groundwater. Infiltration water also dissolves the hardness forming minerals present in the soil and makes the groundwater hard. Water table is usually very low in arid areas. To manage the groundwater quality and water table depth, author has devised a mechanism to recharge the groundwater resource in a way that the rooftop rainwater and the storm water after filtration and oxidation is directly channeled to the water table via plurality of pipes or cemented dug bores. This recharge reaches water table without mixing with the polluted surface water or hardness forming minerals present in the soil. Such kind of large scale rechargers, if installed in open ground to collect storm water, and low cost mini rechargers installed in buildings to collect rooftop rain water and to recharge the aquifer, the groundwater quality of the town will improve gradually. This system of artificial recharge can also help to raise the water table resulting in the reduction of pumping costs. Author holds the patent rights of the invention, patent # 140451 issued October 15, 2010.

54

O-53 CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS IN DIFFERENT CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Imran Shahid1,2*, Magdalena Kister1, Heidi Bauer1, Hans Puxbaum1
1

Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria 2 Department of Space Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan *Corresponding author e-mail: imran.shaahid@gmail.com

Atmospheric aerosols or particulate matter (PM) have become of vital importance since two decades due to their role in ambient air quality, climate change and adverse health effects. The atmospheric pollution and extreme weather events have become a serious problem in developing countries like Pakistan. Carbonaceous species makes large fraction of the atmospheric aerosol which plays an important role in the atmospheric chemistry, radiative transfer and health effects. Carbonaceous species mainly consist of elemental carbon/black carbon (EC / BC) and organic carbon (OC). In this study an attempt was made to study the chemical composition of particulate matter, their possible sources, and the contribution of wood smoke particles to organic carbon (OC) and particulate matter (PM) in Islamabad during winter time (December 2007) and in Karachi during pre moon soon period (March - April 2009). The PM concentrations in Karachi were ranged between 42g/m3 and 120g/m3 (mean 75.21g/m3) for PM2.5 and from 255 and 792 g/m3 (mean 437g/m3) for PM10. The levoglucosan concentration is found to be in the range 52ng/m3 185ng/m3 (average 99ng/m3) and 91ng/m3 398ng/m3 (average 210ng/m3) for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. While in case of Islamabad the concentration of TSP varied from 218.9g/m3 to 468g/m3 (mean 343g/m3) and PM10 Concentrations were in the range of 89.73 304.82 g/m3 (mean 194 g/m3). Contribution of biomass burning to PM was calculated using levoglucosan as a tracer. In Karachi, the biomass smoke OC constitute 5 - 25% of PM-OC in both fractions however biomass contribution to total PM mass was found to be 2 - 8 %. In case of Islamabad wood smoke contributes 9 13% of total PM mass in TSP and 16 22% in PM10. A good correlation were observed between PM10, TSP and Ca++ which implies that mineral / road dust may be major contributor to PM in Islamabad. Sea salt contribution was calculated using water soluble Na as tracer and 3 - 15% contribution of sea salt to total PM mass.

55

O-54 EFFECT OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL ON PHOSPHOLIPID FATTY ACIDS AND FRACTIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF PCP IN RHIZOSPHERE OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVE L.)
Tahir Hayat1,2,3* and Jianming Xu1.2
College of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University; bProvincial Key Laboratory of Subtropical Soil and Plant Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: maliktahir811@yahoo.com
a

Rhizoremediation is an emerging technology for remediating organic pollutants such as pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soils. Wetland plants like rice contain aerenchyma tissue, which channel air transports from the leaves to the roots, and uniquely develop aerobic-anaerobic interfaces in the rhizosphere. To investigate the rice rhizosphere effects on the dynamic changes of various extractable fractions of PCP and the microbial community, a glasshouse experiment was conducted by using a rhizobox in which rice seedlings were grown for 45 days. The soil was spiked with 20 and 45mg kg-1 PCP. Soil in the rhizobox was divided into five compartments at various distances from the roots. Sequential PCP extractions were conducted with three extractants: CaCl2 (0.01molL-1), butanol (99%), and DCM (99%). Butanol extractable form of PCP showed a significant difference in the rhizosphere at 3mm distance from the roots at both PCP levels. Thirty four phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAsin the rice rhizosphere were identified in soils given the two different PCP concentrations. The total soil PLFAs concentration in the planted soils ranged from 29 to 52 nmol g-1. The highest concentration of PLFAs was at 3 mm distance from the roots at both PCP concentrations. The results suggest that the aerobic-anaerobic interface established by the root in the rhizosphere of rice increases PCP dissipation in the rice rhizosphere.

56

O-55 COMPUTATION OF CITRUS SINENSIS FOR REMOVAL AND RECOVERY OF LEAD FROM WASTE WATER
Muhammad Ahmad1*
1

Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000 Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: engineer_nust@yahoo.com

Lead (Pb (II)) binding capacity by a natural and low cost agro waste adsorbent Citrus sinensis peels (CSP) in original, chemically (surfactant, acid, organic solvents) and physically pretreated immobilized (PVA-Na alginate, Na alginate) form was carried out. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that the rate of Pb (II) sorption increases fastly initially, reaching up to maximum sorption capacity of 88 mgg-1after that it attains equilibrium with in 60 min at the pH of 4.5 with optimized dose of 0.1 g having particle size of 0.71 mm. Kinetic data were successfully described by a pseudo-second-order model revealing that adsorption is rate controlled. Applicability of Langmuir isotherm on adsorption data indicated the monolayer coverage of the sorbate. These results inferred that pretreatment and immobilization reduced the sorption tendency from 88 mgg-123mgg-1. Regeneration of metal was attained up to 80 % using EDTA as eluting agent. CSP being a cheap, highly selective and easily regeneratable biomass seems to be a promising substrate to entrap Pb (II) ions in aqueous solutions.

57

O-56 PHYCO-REMEDIATION OF TEXTILE WASTEWATER AND REUSE OF TREATED WASTEWATER AS IRRIGATION

Rashid Waqas1*, Muhammad Arshad1
1

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: rashidwaqas@yahoo.com

The release of unloaded azodyes by textile and other industries in neighboring water bodies causes severe water pollution. The use of this azodyes contaminated wastewater for crop production has been increased alarmingly in surrounding areas of these industries allowing the dangerous azodyes and their metabolites to enter our food chain. The application of algae for phycoremediation of textile wastewater and its reuse as irrigation is a feasible option. Therefore this study discusses current knowledge regarding wastewater treatment using algae isolated from fresh and salt water bodies. In addition, the phycoremediated wastewater application to crop plants not only removes the threat of hazardous materials to enter our food chain but also employ the reuse ability of textile wastewater and obtaining better crop production. Overall, the algal use not only helps in treating the contaminated wastewaters and makes them reusable again for plants but also produce biomass which could be used for biodiesel production.

58

O-57 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS IN SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF IRON FURNITURE MANUFACTURING UNITS (IMUF): A SITUATION ANALYSIS IN PAKISTAN
Saima Aslam Bharwana1*, Shafaqat Ali1, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding Author: sabharwana@hotmail.com

The main objective of this research is to identify factors that affect worker productivity, occupational health and safety conditions in small scale industries of developing country. Most of the iron manufacturing units are working under small sheds and 90 to 95 % iron furniture prepared by unregistered small scale industries. Focused group discussions (FGD) have been conducted among IFMU workers which are based on a cross sectional, descriptive, analytic and time limited study. Workers are assessed for exposure to occupational and environmental risks, the use of protective equipment and health complaints by interviews. All workers of the area have been taken as study population and by method of random sampling all the units have been sampled with the help of self designed questionnaire and use of direct reading instruments. The data is arranged in tabulated form and the tables show the frequency distribution of variables among the workers. The data is divided into three parts: occupational accidents profile, safety measures profile and monitoring of work environment. There is a high level (>90%) exposure to either dust, fumes, noise or heat and there is less reported use of personal protective equipment. The workers have high level of self-reported occupational health problems, particularly amongst welders and metalworkers. Workers reported their needs as permanent workplaces, information on work related hazards, water and sanitation, and legislation for SSI.

59

O-58 BIODIVERSITY OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND THEIR ASSOCIATED MYCORRHIZOSPHERE BACTERIA IN ULTRAMAFIC ECOSYSTEM OF NEW CALEDONIA
Muhammad Waseem1,3*, Marc Ducousso2, Michel Lebrun1,2, Odile Domergue1, Robin Duponnois1, Yves prin1 , Antoine Galiana1.
Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Mditerranennes, UMR 113 INRA-IRD-CIRAD-UMII-Sup Agro-M, Montpellier, FRANCE; 2 IRD, Nouma, NOUVELLE-CALEDONIE; 3 Department of Microbiology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: rmwuaf@googlemail.com
1

New Caledonian ultramafic ecosystems are considered as hotspots of biodiversity, partly because of the adaptive pressure exerted by drastic edaphic conditions. These soils are composed of up to 85 % of iron oxides, are deficient in NPK, unbalanced for the Ca/Mg ratio and particularly rich in heavy metals such as Ni (2%), Cr (2%), and Mn (1%). Consequently, intensive nickel mining activities have created severe environmental hazard: large surfaces remain devoid of vegetation, and have altered the structure of soil microbial communities. Both plant and soil microbes play a vital role in the adaptation to harsh soil conditions mainly heavy metal uptake and tolerance. To investigate the mycorrhizosphere bacteria (MB) diversities as well as on the genetic determinants of resistance/adaptation of MB associated to endemic species of the genus Tristaniopsis (Myrtaceae), about 200 ectomycorrhizas were sampled from four different ultramafic sites vs two non-ultramafic ones from volcano-sedimentary soils. Molecular characterization of fungi (through partial sequencing of the ITS rRNA gene) and related bacteria (through16S rRNA sequencing) revealed the presence of different dominant fungi (Pisolithus albus, Russula spp., Boletellus spp.) and bacteria (Burkholderia spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.). However, bacteria isolated from ultramafic soils could grow in the presence of Ni up to 20 mmol L-1, exhibited P-solubilizing ability, .contained cnrT and nreB genes, known to confer heavy metal tolerance, contrary to bacteria isolated from non-ultramafic soils. Further investigation on functional diversity of EMMB associations and their role in plant adaptation to ultramafic soils would help in successful revegetation of these mine sites.

60

O-59 PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER FROM POTATO WASTE BY BACILLUS CEREUS STRAIN 64-INS
Iftikhar Ali 1*, Nazia Jamil1
1

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: iftikhar_ali_iftikhar@yahoo.com

The aim of this research was to isolate a microorganism capable of producing raw potato starch digesting enzyme to hydrolyze potato starch into sugar monomers to be used for the production of biodegradable polymer poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The production of biodegradable PHA from the potato waste by bacteria isolated from sludge has been studied in a lab-scale fermenter and shake flask. The bacterium was screened for the degradation of waste potato starch and extracted PHA was purified and analyzed by GC-MS. A number of bacteria were screened for their ability to hydrolyse starch and efficiency to produce poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates. Bacillus cereus strain 64INS was selected and it was found that this bacterium was able to produce 64.35% PHA of its DCW in case of glucose and 34.68% PHA in case of 2% potato starch. Fermentation of this 2% potato starch resulted 60.53% PHA in a 5-l fermenter (Bioengineering, Wald, Switzerland). PHB (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) was the major PHA when analyzed by GC-MS.

61

O-60 WATER PURIFICATION BY MICELLAR ENHANCED ULTRA FILTRATION (MEUF)

Kashif Ijaz Hussain1, Muhammad Usman1,*, Muhammad Ibrahim2 and Mohammad Siddiq3
1

Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad; 3Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Corresponding author email: usm_ca@yahoo.com

Miceller enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) technique was employed to remove the organic dye, Reactive Blue 19 from the aqueous solution. The micelles of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS), an anionic surfactant and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant were used for this process. The main principle of this process is to increase the size of pollutant molecules by forming a complex with surfactant. The surfactant molecules form micelles, which can solubilize the organic dyes. Micelles containing the dissolved solutes are then separated by ultrafiltration using a membrane of suitable porosity, capable of retaining micelles. The regenerated cellulose membrane was used to retain dyes from the aqueous solution in ultrafiltration cell. The constant value of permeate flux throughout the experiment confirmed no membrane plugging. The large size of dye containing micelle resulted in high rejection and low permeates flux.

62

O-61

A LAB SCALE INVESTIGATION OF TRACE GAS EMISSION FACTORS FROM BURNING OF CROP RESIDUES
Muhammad Irfan1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Muhammad Riaz1, Shafaqat Ali1, Sabir Hussain1, Tahira Yasmeen1, Farhat Abbas1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad Pakistan Corresponding author: qasim343@gmail.com

Burning of crop residues is one of the popular residue management strategies globally, especially in the developing countries. However, burning of crop residues creates multiple environmental problems primarily due to emissions of trace gases. Pakistan is an agricultural country and generates crop residues in huge amounts and dealing with crop residues is a great mess. Farmers generally burn the crop residues to get rid of that waste material. Emissions from crop residue burning include a wide range of gaseous compounds like CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, NO2, and NO which contribute significantly to the tropospheric budgets on local, regional and global scales. In this study the approach used in order to a) estimating the quantities of rice straw, rice husk, bagasse and corncobs generated and fraction of that quantities being burned, b) investigate the gaseous emissions and emission factors for trace gases from the burning of rice straw, rice husk, corn cobs and bagasse, c) estimating the total emissions of trace gases. The average emission factors of CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, NO2, and NO measured in the study were 14.04, 880.48, 0.11, 2.31, 0.19 and 1.38 g/kg for rice husk, 17.19, 1090.07, 0.38, 3.16, 0.89 and 1.48 g/kg for rice straw, 8.63, 595.44, 0.02. 1.23, 0.16 and 0.70 g/kg for corncobs, and 12.39, 937.03, 0.18, 2.57, 0.36 and 1.44 g/kg for bagasse, respectively. The total emissions of the trace gases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, NO2, and NO from the burning of rice husk, rice straw, corncobs and bagasse in Pakistan for the year 2011 were estimated to be the 3.68, 230.51, 0.03, 0.60, 0.05 and 0.36 Gg for rice husk, 33.75, 2140.35, 0.75, 6.20, 1.75 and 2.91 Gg for rice straw, 1.11, 76.28, 0.03, 0.16, 0.02 and 0.02 Gg for corncobs, and 42.12, 3185.53, 0.61, 8.74, 1.22 and 4,90 Gg for bagasse, respectively.

63

O-62 BIOSURFACTANT-FACILITATED REMEDIATION OF CO-CONTAMINATED SITES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Zulfiqar Ahmad1*, Muhammad Arshad1, Rashid Waqas1, Muhammad Imran1, Allah Ditta1
1

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

*

Corresponding Author: imzulfiqarahmad@gmail.com

Sites co-contaminated with organic and metal pollutants are common and considered to be a more complex problem as the two components often causes synergistic cytotoxic effects. Presence of metals can inhibit the biodegradation processes in co-contaminated soils by adversely affecting microbial growth or may interact with enzymes directly involved in biodegradation or in general metabolism. The use of biosurfactants producing bacteria has potential for remediation of these co contaminated soil heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbon. The distinct advantage of biosurfactants producing bacteria over other remediation technologies is their ability to reduce metal availability thus enhancing solubility and biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. So biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon in the presence of metals can be enhanced by adopting intervention strategies like metal resistant bacteria, application of treatment additives and clay minerals. Adjustment of pH and addition of divalent cations could also be an additional strategy.

64

O-63 GC-MS, LC-MS, CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSIS OF ANTICHARIS LINEARIS

Muhammad Riaz1*, Nasir Rasool1*, Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari1, Komal Riazwan1, Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1, Mazhar Iqbal2, Shaukat Ali1, Abdullah Ijaz Hussain3, Shahzad Ali Shahid Chatha3, Muhammad Ibrahim4
1

Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 2 Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering P. O. Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3 Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 4 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author E-mail: nasirhej@yahoo.co.uk, riaz_453@yahoo.com,

The use of synthetic antioxidants in food products is mostly discouraged because of their adverse effects. In this work we evaluated the cytotoxicity and antioxidant, of absolute methanol extract and its fractions from the Anticharis linearis plant. The GC-MS of essential oil and LC-MS analysis of Phenolics in Anticharis linearis was carried out. The IC50 and the % inhibition in linoleic acid oxidation was evaluated. Moreover, it was observed to provide a protective effect in H2O2 induced oxidative damage in plasmid pBR322 DNA, indicating that the plant has antioxidant properties. The results of present study revealed that plant may be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of plant was also studied using sunflower oil as an oxidative substrate. Peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes (CT) and para-anisidine values were also studied by stabilizing the sunflower oil as oxidation substrate.

65

O-64 QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP AND RISK ANALYSIS OF SOME PESTICIDES IN THE GOAT MILK
Faqir Muhammad1*, Mian Muhammad Awais2, Masood Akhtar3, Muhammad Irfan Anwar4
1

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan; 2Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan; 3Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan; 4 Poultry Research Institute, Office of Deputy District Livestock Officer (Poultry), Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: awais009966@hotmail.com

The detection and quantification of different pesticides in the goat milk samples collected from different localities of Faisalabad, Pakistan was performed by HPLC using solid phase microextraction. The analysis showed that about 50% milk samples were contaminated with pesticides. The meanSEM levels (ppm) of cyhalothrin, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin were 0.340.007, 0.0630.002, 0.0340.002 and 0.0920.002, respectively; whereas, methyl parathion was not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models were suggested to predict the residues of unknown pesticides in the goat milk using their known physicochemical characteristics including molecular weight (MW), melting point (MP), and log octanol to water partition coefficient (Ko/w) in relation to the characteristics such as pH, % fat, specific gravity and refractive index of goat milk. The analysis revealed good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.985) for goat QSAR model. The coefficients for Ko/w and refractive index for the studied pesticides were higher in goat milk. This suggests that these are better determinants for pesticide residue prediction in the milk of these animals. Based upon the determined pesticide residues and their provisional tolerable daily intakes, risk analysis was also conducted which showed that daily intake levels of pesticide residues including cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in present study are 2.68, 5.19 and 2.71 times higher, respectively in the goat milk. This intake of pesticide contaminated milk might pose health hazards to humans in this locality.

66

O-65 MONITORING OF INDOOR PARTICULATE MATTER POLLUTION AND ITS HEALTH IMPACTS ON HOUSEHOLD WOMEN DURING DUSTING
Muhammad Danish1*, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1, Aysha Abbas1
Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: muhammad.danish@uog.edu.pk

Present study describes the monitoring of indoor Particulate Matter (PM) concentration during dusting in urban areas of the Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. Monitoring was carried out at nine sampling stations with variable flour structures before, during and after dusting. PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0 and PM10 fractions of the Particulate Matter (PM) were estimated. On the average basis at all sampling points the levels of PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0 and PM10 were depicted to be 311, 382, 431 and 501 g/m3, respectively. The associated socio-epidemiological impacts were also assessed and it was found that during dusting majority of the respondents do not use mouth covers and major problem they faced were depicted to be dust allergies and cough.

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O-66 CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITY DEGRADING RDX IN DOMESTIC SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH EXPLOSIVES
Muhammad Imran Khan1, Byungun Yoo, Joonhong Park1*
1

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul (120749), Republic of Korea Corresponding author email: parkj@yonsei.ac.kr

In the present study, a microcosm experiment was conducted to characterize the hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5triazine (RDX) -degrading microbial populations at Darokdae (in South Korea) shooting site, contaminated with explosives. In microcosm, set up with explosive-contaminated soil from shooting site, RDX transformation started within three days of incubation and complete degradation was obtained after 12 days in microcosm amended with starch (5g/L) (as external C-source). In microcosm amended with starch showed faster RDX degradation when compared with microcosm without starch. Five metabolites including 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB) were observed in the live microcosm as transforming end products of RDX microbial degradation under aerobic conditions. After two sequential transfers of RDX-degrading consortium, pyrosequencing analysis targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed Rhizobium-like populations predominanted in the microcosms. Other abundant groups (over 10% in relative abundance) included Terrimonas, Rhizobacter, and Brevundimonas. However, Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas spp. (which are well known as RDX-degraders) populations were not found in the shooting site soil before and after incubation with RDX. In the live microcosm amended with starch (5g/L), only Rhizobium genus increased over 30% in relative abundance after the incubation. Members of the genera Rhizobium and Brevundimonas have been known to degrade RDX previously. The results suggest that the microbial consortia in the soil, collected from shooting site, were able to degrade RDX aerobically and the soil may harbor novel explosive degrading populations.

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O-67 EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LEAD AND CADMIUM TOXICITY

Zahra Batool1*, Asma Haque1, Asma Naz1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad

Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants with a widespread distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants often act as copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious health effects. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cells intrinsic capacity leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damage of lipids, protein, and DNA. In the first part of this study, human blood samples from lead exposed and control males were collected and different biochemical tests were performed on sera by using kits. The results indicated an increase in glucose concentration in lead exposed subjects. There was an increased concentration of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total oxidant status in the blood serum of lead exposed subjects. A decreased concentration was noted for HDL cholesterol, total proteins and globulin. The concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) remained almost the same in lead exposed and control subjects indicating no effect of lead intoxication on triiodothyronine level in them. Lead concentration was determined from serum of lead exposed and control subjects by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Structure prediction including primary, secondary and tertiary structure of an enzyme deltaaminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which is sensitive to lead toxicity, was carried out by using bioinformatics tools. A software and web database were also developed for evaluation of results. As second part of the study, a database and website related to cadmium induced oxidative stress were developed containing information of all metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with cadmium toxicity and cadmium elevation using data of the patients that includes different physical and biochemical parameters. These parameters are affected by the cadmium quantity. The website comprises information regarding diagnosis of cadmium affected patients, treatment and preventive measures to avoid cadmium exposure.

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O-68 STUDY OF SOIL CONTAMINATION AROUND TANNERY INDUSTRIES USING LASER INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY
Shakeel Ahmad Khan1,2*, Yasir Jamil2, Muhammad Ibrahim1 and Saifullah2
2

Department of Environment Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan. Laser Spectroscopy Lab., Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: shakeel890@gc.edu.pk; shakeel890@yahoo.com

In the present research the use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for determining the contamination of soil with chromium due to effluents from tannery industry was reported. The study was conducted at four locations around these industries which confirmed the leaching of soil contaminants in horizontal direction. It has been found that concentration of chromium is up to 834 mg kg1 in the soil which is much higher than the safe limits (100 mg/kg). Calibration curve for Cr in soil matrix was also drawn for quantitative analysis. LIBS were found to be a viable technique for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals like chromium (Cr) in the soil up to trace levels.

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O-69 OPTIMIZING WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITIONS USING SIMULATION MODELLING APPROCH
Waj Ishaque1*, Farhat Abbas2, Khalid Mahmood1, Shafaqat Ali2
1

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan 2 Government Collage University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: raoumar05@yahoo.com

Lower rainfall, reduction in irrigation water supplies and predicted climate change scenarios require sustainable methods to increase crop productivity per unit of total water consumption i.e. crop water productivity (CWP). Such increase in CWP can be achieved by improving water management practices and use of novel irrigation technologies such as deficit irrigation. The present research aims at evaluating the performance of AquaCrop model to simulate crop yield, water productivity and Off-site water losses in the form of deep percolation. Field experiments with different irrigation regimes: stored soil moisture/rain-fed, optimal irrigation and regulated deficit irrigation at different growth stages were conducted on a loam soil for four crop seasons (2008 -2012). Regulated deficit irrigation at less sensitive crop stage(s) could allow up to 20 % water saving without compromising economic yield. AquaCrop simulations for in-season canopy growth, biomass production, yield, soil moisture dynamics and water productivity under different irrigation regimes were quite reliable. The model can be a useful tool for assessing crop requirements and devising irrigation strategies to enhance water productivity under water limiting conditions.

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O-70 GC/MS PROFILING, IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIMICROBIAL AND HAEMOLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF SMILAX MACROPHYLLA LEAVES
Komal Rizwan*a, Muhammad Zubair*a, Muhammad Ibrahimb, Rabia Saeeda, Muhammad Kashifc, Anum Ayesha Saeeda, Umer Rashidd, Nasir Rasoola
b

Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan, Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan c institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan d Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author E-mail: zubairmkn@yahoo.com, komal.rizwan45@yahoo.com,

Current study was designed to appraise the antioxidant, antimicrobial and haemolytic potential of Smilax macrophylla leaves. n-hexane fraction was analysed by GC/MS which revealed the presence of 38 compounds. All examined extracts and fractions of plant leaves showed significant antimicrobial activity. The haemolytic effect of the plant was found to be in a range of 3.41-8.48%. S. macrophylla leaves contained substantial level of total phenolic contents (2.26.2 GAE, mg/g) and total flavonoid contents (1.2-4.5 CE, mg/g) of dry plant matter. Leaves extract and fractions also exhibited a good antioxidant potential when measured by DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50 = 33.4-72.3 g/mL). The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was also studied using sunflower oil as an oxidative substrate and found that it stabilized the oil. The correlation between the results of different antioxidant assays and oxidation parameters of oil indicated that leaves extracts and fractions, contained considerable TPC, TFC, and scavenging power, and was potent for enhancing the oxidative stability of sunflower oil. Considering these results, S. macrophylla could be used as a source for the exploration of new antimicrobial, antioxidant agents, functional food and nutraceutical applications.

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O-71 COMBINED ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR (28S RDNA) AND MITOCHONDRIAL (NADH I) GENES TO RESOLVE PHYLOGENETIC PROBLEM OF BRACONINAE (BRACONIDAE: HYMENOPTERA) WITH THE ESTIMATION OF DIVERSIFICATION AGE
Adila Shaukat 3, Aamer Mehmood 3, Donald L. J. Quicke
Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK; Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK; 3Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: ishtiaqs@hotmail.com

The phylogenetic relationships of 18 genera belonging to the subfamily Braconinae were investigated using nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial NADH1. Both separate and simultaneous analyses to reveal the Braconinae monophyletic except the one with NADH1 gene fragment. The tribe Aphrastobraconini was recovered monophyletic in all of these analyses. The genus Digonogastra and the Atanycolus group of genera were also recovered monophyletic. Node support increased considerably by combining the nuclear and mitochondrial sequences. The age of Braconinae was estimated and found to have originated in the Miocene era based on ultrametric tree obtained by the penalized likelihood method implemented in

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OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED DNA DAMAGE BY PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTANTS IS IMPLICATED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FATAL DISEASES
Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka, Shazia A. Bukhari and Asma Haque
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) is associated with the development of pulmonary, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of PM-induced health problems are due to the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress. PM mediated oxidative stress may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS ) from the surface of particles, soluble compounds of transition metals or organic compound, altered function of mitochondria or NADPH-oxidase, and activation of inflammatory cells capable of generating ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Resulting oxidative DNA damage may be implicated in development of cancer and may serve as marker for oxidative stress related to other ailments caused by particulate air pollution. Studies on animal experimental models, cell culture experiments, and cell free systems have proved that exposure to diesel exhaust and diesel exhaust particles causes oxidative DNA damage. The mechanisms involved in the action of PM has prompted the use of markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage for human biomonitoring. Proteins are oxidized forming carbonyl moieties in such circumstances. Similarly lipids and carbohydrates are oxidized and laed to their increased accumulation in blood stream. In both indoor and outdoor exposure to PM (2.5 nm) has been correlated with guanine oxidation in DNA. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage appears to be an important mechanism of action of urban particulate air pollution. Total homocysteine (THcy) in blood is enhanced and brings about enhanced oxidative stress in favour of oxidants. Efforts may be made to reduce DNA damage and THcy by proper implication of nutrigenomic approaches.

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P-1

MODELLING OF INDIUM GALLIUM NITRIDE BASED SOLAR CELLS

Ghulam Ali*1, 2, Shahzad Hussain 1, Haris Mehmood 1, Muhammad Omar 3, Salahuddin Zafar1
1

Department of Electrical Engineering, NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan 2 Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Lahore (UoL), Islamabad Campus, Pakistan 3 Department of Electronic Engineering, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), Topi, Pakistan Corresponding author email: ghulamali985@gmail.com

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The theoretical studies of InxGa1-xN based solar cells using Silvaco TCAD have been carried out. The cells were simulated under diverse constraints and the results were analyzed. The performance parameters such as open circuit voltage VOC, short circuit current JSC, fill factor FF, and efficiency were evaluated. It was found that the thickness and doping of the emitter and the base have dynamic effects on the device performance. Moreover, it was found that VOC and JSC are strong function of Indium concentration. The simulated results are in consistent with the recently published data. These results suggest that deployment of III-Nitride solar cells as future technology have colossal potential of attaining high efficiency. The challenges that hamper the growth of such a high efficient cells were also addressed.

P-2

CO-COMBUSTION OF COAL AND BIOMASS

Sidra Ijaz Khan1*
1

214-C, B.O.R, Saman Berg, Johat Yown, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: sidra_ijaz010@hotmail.com

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Coal is the cheap and innate energy resource in Pakistan. According to NEPRA Pakistan, Thar coal resources can generate more than 100,000MW electricity for next 30 years. Pakistan which is an agricultural country, biomass is interesting option by keeping in view the production and performance of biomass. Biomass co-firing (or combustion) involves the combination of fossils based (pulverized coal) power plant with biomass stock. The fuel properties like high level of moisture, high chlorine content, and low heatig level make suitable conditions for co-firing. The Cofiring of biomass with coal can lessen the harmful hazards and save coal for next years. The working of Coal Power Plant and Co-firing of biomass in three different ways i.e. Direct Cofiring, Indirect Cofiring and Parallel Cofiring have shown that it is a green technology, due to carbon neutral effect as well as reduction in green house gases. The growth rate of agricultural sector, social-economic and environmental assessment of coal combustion with biomass have shown that it is an profitable, sustainable technology and environmental friendly.

P-3

MODELLING OF THIN-FILM SOLAR CELL BASED ON HYDROGENATED NANOCRYSTALLINE SILICON LAYERS

Haris Mehmood*1,2, Ghulam Ali1, Shahzad Hussain1, Mamoona Bashir1, Adeel Ahmed Khan1
1

Department of Electrical Engineering, NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan 2 The University of Faisalabad (Amin Campus), Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: haris.mehmood@hotmail.com

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The characterization behaviour were studied for the thin-film p-i-n solar cell based on hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) aborber layer. Till now, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) has been extensively used for p-i-n solar cell technology because of its better characteristics such as higher absorption coefficient, and lower material costs. However, defects present within a-Si:H degrades the conversion efficiency of such solar cells. We proposed incorporating newly developed nc-Si:H absorber layer instead of a-Si:H that contains crystalline phase mixed with amorphous phase. The proposed p-nc-Si:H/i-nc-Si:H/n-a-Si:H solar cell structure had been simulated with Silvaco TCAD (ATLAS). The influence of intrinsic layer absorber thickness on characterization behaviour such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc) and conversion efficiency was investigated. Simulated results showed that it is preferable to employ nc-Si:H for thin-film p-i-n solar cell technology because of its better mobility, stability and lower material costs.

P-4

ENZYME CATALYZED PRODUCTION OF ERUCA SATIVA OIL BASED BIODIESEL AS GREEN FUEL

Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1,2, Hamid Mukhtar3, , Muahmmad Danish2, Muhammad Zubair2, Nadeem Zafer2, Azam Mukhtar4
3

Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore, Pakistan; 2Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University Lahore, Pakistan; 4University of Education, Okara Campus, Pakistan Corresponding author: muhammad.waseem@uog.edu.pk

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Current research work describes the optimized synthesis of Eruca sativa oil based biodiesel by NOVOZYME-435 and A.n.Lipase catalyzed transesterification. For the optimization of reaction conditions, Response Surface Methodology was employed and optimized amount of biodiesel obtained was depicted to be 98.3 0.9 and 56.4 2.6% catalyzed by NOVOZYME-435 and A.n.Lipase, respectively. The optimum reaction conditions for NOVOZYME-435 catalyzed transesterification of Eruca sativa oil were found to be 0.75% NOVOZYME-435 concentration, 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 32.5oC reaction temperature and 60 hrs reaction time, whereas for transesterification reactions catalyzed by A.n.Lipase, the optimized parameters were 1.0% A.n.Lipase concentration, 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 32.5oC reaction temperature and 60 hrs reaction time. The produced biodiesel was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC and GC-MS analytical methods. Furthermore, the biodiesel was combusted in diesel engine and exhaust emission levels were evaluated which showed considerable reductions in emissions as comparative to the conventional petrodiesel.

P-5

ESTIMATION OF CARBON FOOTPRINT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN MILK COLLECTION CENTERS OF DAIRY COMPANY IN PAKISTAN
Yasir Rafique1*
University of the Punjab, Lahore Corresponding email: yasir.rafique3@gmail.com
1

World is facing a rising epidemic of global environmental problems. Modern communication has brought us into a closer contact with every part of the world; we are compelled to recognize that all the Earth inhabitants share a common environment and its related problems. With the onset of industrial revolution in 1700s, increasing use of
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fossil fuels has resulted in enormous emissions of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere on burning. The increasing domestic and industrial energy demands coupled with an increase in the technological abilities has strengthened our potential for altering the environment we live. We have no choices but to learn to live sustainably, with little impact on our environment. Otherwise, the prospects for future generations are indeed bleak. This present study aims to calculate carbon footprint of energy consumption in Nestle milk collection c enters in Pakistan.IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2006 aids in the various calculation that are undertaken in carbon footprint estimation. Nestle, a globally known company, promises quality, health and nutrition to its consumers through a wide range of products and also addresses the wellbeing of the environment through estimating and mitigating its environmental impacts continuously. The contributions to climate change by companys operations were realized by the company and the present studys objectives are to calculate the carbon footprint resulting from the companys energy consumption at the Milk Collection Centers. All the energy and fuel consumption data were provided by the company that made the estimation of contributions of the Companys Milk Collection Operations towards the global warming possible. It is estimated that a total of 5337.076 tons of CO2 emissions results from energy consumption by the milk collection centers all over the country. The aim for all is Carbon neutrality, which though is quite hard to achieve but is not impossible.

P-6

CONVERSION OF BIO WASTE OF MUD CRABS IN TO VALUABLE POLYMER

*Naila Sirajuddin1*
1

Institute of biotechnology and genetic engineering, university of Sindh, Jamshoro Corresponding author e-mail: naila_nadirali@yahoo.com

Chitin is versatile environmental friendly natural amino polysaccharide. Beside cellulose and lignin, it is an abundant renewable resource having wide range of biotechnological applications. The crustacean waste is the most economical chitin source for commercial use. In the present study the bio waste (shells) of processed sea food scylla serrata (mud crabs) were collected from Karachi
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fisheries and powdered after drying at 50C in oven until dried completely. This sample was chemically treated with 4% NaOH at 90C for 2 hours for removal of protein content. Alkali insoluble fraction was separated by centrifugation and pallet was washed and treated with 1N HCl for 1 hour at 30C for demineralization. The crude chitin was recovered after washing and drying pallet. Physiochemical analysis was done for determination of chitin purity.

P-7

CONVERSION OF BIO WASTE OF MUD CRABS IN TO VALUABLE POLYMER

Naila Sirajuddin1*
1

Institute of biotechnology and genetic engineering, university of Sindh, Jamshoro Corresponding author e-mail: naila_nadirali@yahoo.com

Chitin is versatile environmental friendly natural amino polysaccharide. Beside cellulose and lignin, it is an abundant renewable resource having wide range of biotechnological applications.
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The crustacean waste is the most economical chitin source for commercial use. In the present study the bio waste (shells) of processed sea food scylla serrata (mud crabs) were collected from Karachi fisheries and powdered after drying at 50C in oven until dried completely. This sample was chemically treated with 4% NaOH at 90C for 2 hours for removal of protein content. Alkali insoluble fraction was separated by centrifugation and pallet was washed and treated with 1N HCl for 1 hour at 30C for demineralization. The crude chitin was recovered after washing and drying pallet. Physiochemical analysis was done for determination of chitin purity.

P-8

IODINE DETERMINATION IN WATER SAMPLES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF GOITER USING ION SELECTIVE ELECTRODE METHOD
Muhammad Rafi Awan1*, Muhammad Mansha Chaudhry2, Abdullah3
1

Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan; 2Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan; 3Department of Nuclear Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan,

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Corresponding author e-mail: mrafeeh@gmail.com

Thyroid gland is located in the neck and enlargement of this gland is known as goiter. When the supply of iodine to the thyroid gland is inadequate for the formation of sufficient quantities of thyroid hormones, goiter appears. In the present study prevelance and epidemiological risk factors of goiter in Hyderabad and adjoining areas has been studied with the help of a standard questionnaire. The important findings of this study are summed up as under: Amongst the patients referred to Atomic Energy Medical Centre Jamshoro for goiter screening and treatment, females were seen to be more prone to develop goiter than males, with an overall female to male ratio of 5:1. In both sexes, the prevalence of goiter was maximum in 15-25 year age group. Family history was positive in 22.45% cases. Of the goiter patients 77.22% belonged to Hyderabad city and 84.85% were sedentary by occupation. Goiter was more prevalent in surface water drinker (80.75%) than in ground water consumers (19.25%), in mine salt consumers (67.55%) than in sea salt intakers (32.45%). Screening of goiter patients by blood chemistry revealed that 5.17% and 2.50% cases had hyperthyroid and hypothyroid respectively. Nodular non-toxic goiter was found in 6.71% cases, nodular toxic in 0.28% cases and solid adenoma/cyst in 24.45% cases. It seemed essential to monitor the iodine content in water of this area to ascertain whether the iodine deficiency is the cause of sporadic goiter. As iodine content in water is generally taken as an index of the iodine intake. Therefore 100 water samples were collected and analyzed by Ion selective electrode method. Results showed that iodine contents in water are within permissible limit i.e. not lower than 3g/l. This indicates that iodine deficiency in water of studied area is not isolated epidemiological phenomenon for goiter genesis.

P-9 LAKES OF RIVER INDUS: BACTERIAL POLLUTANTS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN FROM THE INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENT
Humerah Bano Shafiq1*, Sheikh Ajaz Rasool2
1

Department of Microbiology, GC University Faisalabad, Faisalabad; 2LMG, Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi Corresponding author e-mail: a1.z2007@gmail.com

For the detection of pollutant indicator organisms (w. p. r. to the two lakes of the Indus river i.e., Haleji and Keenjhar), coliform test was performed. Total coliform bacteria were found more in
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Haleji lake as compared to Keenjhar lake however, 87.5% of the samples exceeded the acceptable limits in both the lake water samples. Faecal coliform count exhibited seasonal variation in both the lakes whereas, total average (aerobic) bacterial count (determined in both the lakes) was 10 2 CFU/ml 107 CFU/ml. A total of 109 bacterial isolates from both the lakes (Haleji and Keenjhar) were screened for bacteriocinogenic potential. The physico-chemical characterization was taken into account for the best producer strain identified as Bacillus circulans HA12. The bacteriocin by B. circulans HA12 was designated as bacillocin HA12, antagonistic to only gram-positive bacteria (namely Brevibacillus brevis, B. subtilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus) and a few fungi (Microsporum gypseum). The inhibitory activity was inactivated rapidly by proteolytic enzyme (proteinase K) while, lipolytic enzymes had no influence on the bioactivity. The activity remained intact after the bacillocin HA12 exposure to heavy metal ions, organic solvents, protease inhibitor and surfactants. Stability was observed at low & high temperatures and at broad (2 12) pH range. Its electrophoregram exhibited a single band of molecular weight of about 10 kDa. This study was intended to make certain the access of safe and potable water to urban and rural areas of Sindh. The properties of bacillocin HA12 like thermal stability and sustainable activity at low temperature and at broad pH range are the desirable attributes of this bacteriocin which may allow its utilization as biopreservative, food additive and in public health products.

P-10

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTION OF ZINC IS TO SERVE AS AN ANTIOXIDANT?

Faisal Islam1*, Tahira yasmeen1
1

Department of environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: faysalgcuf@gmail.com

Zinc is a trace element that supports cellular integrity and required for biological functioning. Zinc is present in biological system in divalent cation with ( 0.763) radox potential. Zinc serves as a
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cofactor in all six classes of enzymes and in number of regulatory proteins including zinc finger proteins and transcription factors. The current bioinformatics studies showed that zinc, copper and iron compose 10 % of bacterial and about 13 % of the aracheal proteomes. Zinc-binding proteins in E. coli is 3 % of its total proteins those form a stable association due to its flexible coordination geometry, making it highly adapted to meet the needs of proteins by rapid shift of conformations and to perform diverse biological functions. Zinc acts as strong Lewis acid or electrophile in many protein catalyzed reaction in which it catalyses the substrate by ionization of zinc bound water molecule, polarization and activation. Zinc is an antioxidant and retards the oxidative mechanisms through steric hindrance, conformational changes in protein structures and neutralizes the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), produced in various catalytic reaction of redox active metals. Zinc increases the resistance of cell by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane that prevents the ROS mediated apoptosis and protects membranes from iron-initiated lipid oxidation by occupying negatively charged sites with potential iron binding capacity. It protects sulfhydryl containing proteins and maintains optimal levels of metallothioneins (low-molecular weight metal-binding proteins). Zinc superoxide dismutase scavenges the ROS and control oxidative stress. All of the described mechanisms suggest that zinc is an essential constituent of the antioxidant defense system that protects membranes from oxidation. The purpose of this review is to consider whether an essential biochemical function of zinc is to serve as an antioxidant?

P-11

THE METAL SPECIATION AND MOBILIZATION IN SOIL

Faisal Islam1*, Tahira yasmeen1

Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: faysalgcuf@gmail.com

The structure and functioning of the ecosystem and the health of organisms are at high risk because of the accruement of metals in different zones of ecosphere and their potential mobilization under
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environmentally changing conditions. The heavy metals are present in soil in different speciation and sorption/desorption mechanisms are contingent to biotic and abiotic factors that influence soilmetal interactions. Influenced by metal speciation metal bioavailability, leaching and toxicity is affected by pH, quantity of the metal, cation-exchange capacity, redox potential, content of organic matter including humic and fulvic acid, microbial metabolites and mineralogy of soil. The speciation influence the bioavailability of heavy metals their transport and intake in various food chains. it is key factor to the chemical and physical reactions that heavy metals experience in soil and which determine the mobility and transport in different soil matrixes, their possible toxicity, the nature of their association with other soluble species. Furthermore, the ability of soil to release metal from solid phase to refill that absorbed by plant from soil solution also depend upon speciation.

P-12

ASSESSMENT OF HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS IN DISTRICT FAISALABAD
Shahida Amin1, Tahira Yasmeen1*, Saima Aslam Bharwana1, Sabir Hussain1
1

Department of Environmental Science, Government College University, Faisalabad. Corresponding author email: rida_akash@hotmail.com

Hospitals produce a large amount of hazardous and infectious waste. Improper management of medical waste can cause serious threat to hospital workers, waste handlers, community as well as the environment and can make public vulnerable to the communicable diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, typhoid and many other diseases. The objective of this project was to design proper plan
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for handling medical waste that includes different steps such as waste generation, storage, transportation, safe processing and finally disposal in a proper place. According to environment protection agency (EPA) improper disposal of regulated waste is aesthetically damaging the environment. Lack of medical waste disposal management can increase the risk of infections and diseases to the public and can pollute the environment. Medical waste management is receiving greater attention due to potential health risks arising from inappropriate disposal and treatment of the waste. Such waste typically contains a variety of potential infectious and toxic material. Keeping the health problem caused by improper management of medical waste in view, the current study was planned to evaluate the situation of hospital waste management in district Faisalabad and to realize the responsibility of government in mandating, initiating, facilitating and reduction of the poor impacts related to environment and human health in district Faisalabad. The study was based on the walk through survey, interview and questionnaires.

P-13 IMPACT OF WASTE WATER ON PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF MUNGBEAN (Vigna radiata L.)
Aasma Ahmad1, Tahira Yasmeen*1, Syed Hammad Raza2, Anjum Iqbal1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad. 2 Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad. Corresponding author email: rida_akash@hotmail.com

In the modern era industrialization has cruised so much, as its harmful effects has also increased steeply. The waste products of industries are continuously being released in rivers, ponds and lakes, flowing nearby. These wastes are mostly released without any safety treatment. The sewage-sludge from the city is being disposed to agricultural land that is under the cultivation of different crops.
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This had led to accumulation of micronutrients in the soil resulting in their enhanced uptake by the plants. As high levels of micronutrients may cause human and animal health hazards after entering in their system through food chain and waste water, having high load of micronutrients can exert adverse effect on the growth and yield of the plant so, the present study was planned to investigate the effects of waste water on the growth of mungbean. The experiment was conducted to access the influence of exogenously applied waste water on physiological character of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). The treatment was applied on three weak old plants. The plants were harvested two weak after the application of waste water .Growth parameter i.e. plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight, number of leaves and leaf area per plant were recorded. Lab and pot experiment were conducted to check the growth in term of growth parameter and chlorophyll extraction. Root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight declined with the application of waste water. Chlorophyll has minor or no difference with waste water treatment. In our study it was found that waste water treatment reduced plant growth and growth related parameters when applied in undiluted form. However, at least 50 % dilution of waste water is needed to reduce the effect of toxicity and to enhance or improve the growth and growth related parameter before its application on Vigna radiata plants.

P-14

BIOCHEMICAL MODIFICATION IN CANOLA EXPOSED TO WATER DEFICIT STRESS AFTER EXOGENOUS SUPPLEMENTATION OF CALCIUM
Rizwan Alam1*, Ikhtiar Khan1, Aqib Iqbal2

Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, KPK, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: rizwan_chemistry@yahoo.com

Climate change and environmental stresses have posed threats to the global food security. Water deficit, one of the most limiting abiotic stresses has devastating effect on agricultural extension and crops productivity. An experiment was conducted to investigate the biochemical modifications triggered in canola (Brassica napus) seedlings after exogenous calcium supplementation followed by imposition of water deficit stress by withholding the irrigation water supply for 10 days. It was observed that water deficit stress increased the accumulation of proline, hydrogen peroxide,
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catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity. Exogenous calcium supplementation further increased the accumulation of proline and catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity but decreased the hydrogen peroxide content under water deficit stress condition. Thus, supplemental calcium proved to have beneficial effects of canola seedlings exposed to water deficit stress.

P-15 ROLE OF POST HARVEST HANDLING TECHNIQUES ON PRODUCTION OF AFLATOXIN IN BROWN RICE: A THREAT TO ENVIORNMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
Kashif Hanif *1, Muhammad Shahbaz2, Shahid Masood3
1

Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan 2 Food Testing Labs, SGS Pakistan, 3University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: kashif.hanif@uvas.edu.pk

Aflatoxins are noxious metabolites produced by certain fungi in foods and feeds. They are probably the best known and most intensively researched mycotoxins in the world. Aflatoxins have been allied with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis, in livestock, domestic animals and humans throughout the world. It is a problem, particularly in developing countries. Aflatoxins are produced primarily by some strains of Aspergillus flavus and by most, if not all, strains of A. parasiticus, plus
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related species, A. nomius and A. niger. It is discovered that there are four major aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, G2. Aflatoxin development in many stored cereal grains has hampered the availability of good quality grains. It may cause severe health hazards to human, animals as well as can create great economical problems. In this study hundred samples of paddy rice were tested for aflatoxin contamination. Fifty samples were self dried in one step while fifty samples were let to be dried conventionally by the huskers i.e. first semidrying up to 16 -18 % moisture contents and then final drying up to 12-14 % moisture level after certain storage period depending upon paddy purchase period of each husking unit. The aflatoxins was detected in paddy rice by using VICAM Series4EX Fluorometer which is a based on monoclonal antibody- based affinity chromatography. Almost all the self dried samples have aflatoxin level below the European maximum permissible level while the rice samples dried conventionally at husking units were contaminated with aflatoxin more than the European maximum permissible level for brown rice. The production & high level of these lethal aflatoxins due to conventional post harvesting techniques causes serious threats to our environment, human & animal population. This may lead to several toxicological problems in our ecology & environment. On consumption of such food or feed an individual may suffer from immunosuppression, cancer, toxicity & other abnormalities. So such conventional methods of drying should be avoided to create any serious threat to environment, human & animals.

P-16

HISTOLPATHLOGICAL CHANGES IN LUNGS, AND KIDNEYS OF MICE INDUCED BY CYPERMETHRIN

Asma Abdul Latif1*, Anam Butt1, Muqadas Masood1
1

Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: asma5latif@hotmail.com

Cypermethrin causes hazardous effects in different levels to non target species and producing significant histopathological changes. In this study animals were divided into 4 groups, Control, Experimental groups A (30 mg/kg), B (60 mg/kg) and C (120 mg/kg). Each group comprised of 10 animals and these animals were marked for identification. Animals of group C were died on fourth day of an experiment. Initial body weights (gms) were recorded in various groups, Control (22.21.20), A (28.41.34), B (27.21.28) and final body weights were also noted in Control (24.5 1.34), A (25.9 1.10) and B (20.81.06) respectively. Final body weights showed
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significant variations among all groups. Total kidney weights (gms) were also noted in Control (0.61 0.04), A (0.78 0.09) and B (0.900.03), then gradual increase in kidney weight was noted. Significant variations were found in the kidney weights of mice. Lungs weight (gms) were higher in group A (0.590.08) and lower in group B (0.360.03) as compared to the control (0.420.03). Histopathological study of kidney showed changes in treated groups as compared to Control group. Both groups A and B showed degeneration of glomeruli and vaculation in kidney tissues, while in group B more degeneration of cells had been observed. Haemorages and marked Odema were found in lungs of treated groups. Cypermethrin has disastrous impacts on the vital organs of the body. Overall results revealed cypermethrin is toxic not only for insects but also for mammals

P-17

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF VARIABLE SOURCE POINTS OF SELECTED TEXTILE INDUSTRIES

Muhammad Zubair1,2*, Mujahid Farid3, Muhammad Danish2, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz2

Environment Protection Deaprtment, Govt of the Punjab, Pakistan 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan 3 Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: zub474@yahoo.com
1

The present report focuses on the air pollution load of following industries, IP Tex, CT Tex, KH Tex, NF Tex, BR Tex and HS Tex situated in the Faisalabad city of Pakistan. The industries tested for flue gas emissions of boilers and generators using flue gas analyzer. In boilers the amount of CO, CO2 and NOx (NO+NO2) were found in the range of 0 to 4903 mg/Nm3, 58732 to 221964 mg/Nm3 and 121 to 437 mg/Nm3 respectively whereas in generators these were found in the range of 572 to 1927 mg/Nm3, 21714 to 131429 mg/Nm3 and 315 to 2297 mg/Nm3 respectively. The SO2 contents were ranged from 0 to 3383 mg/Nm3 in boilers and 65 to 265 mg/Nm3 in generators. H2
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concentration varied from 0.09 to 174 mg/Nm3 in boilers while 0.7 to 4.0 mg/Nm3 in generators. In boilers and generators the flue gas temperature was as high as 400oC and 521oC respectively with ambient temperature in the range from 30 - 45oC at workplace area. The noise generated by boilers was in the range of 94 to 97 dB(A) at 1 m distance and 75 to 84 dB(A) at 7 m distance. Similarly for generators, noise recorded in the range of 91 to 97 dB(A) at 1 m and 81 to 89 dB(A) for 7 m distance. Smoke opacity of these industries varied from 2 -30% boiler stacks and 25 - 46% in generators. Overall efficiency of industrial source points calculated to be 75.8 - 91.7% for boilers, whereas 53.6 - 76% for generators. The results of present work revealed the fact of air pollution stress generated by different industries in Faisalabad and most of the industries examined for gaseous emissions were found to be exceeding the limits of national environmental quality standards for CO, CO2, NOx and SO2 thus generating the environmental pollution.

P-18

MONITORING OF COTTON DUST AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT IN SMALL-SCALE WEAVING INDUSTRY

Tahir MW1*, Mumtaz MW1, Tauseef S1, Sajjad M1, Nazeer A1, Farheen N1, Iqbal M1
1

Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: wajid.tahir@uog.edu.pk

The present study describes the estimation of particulate matter (cotton dust) with different sizes, i.e., PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0 m) in small-scale weaving industry (power looms) situated in district Hafizabad, Punjab, Pakistan, and the assessment of health problems of workers associated with these pollutants. A significant difference was found in PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0) with reference to nine different sampling stations with p values <0.05. Multiple comparisons of particulate matter with respect to size, i.e. PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0), depict that PM(1.0) differs significantly from PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0), with p values <0.05 and that PM(2.5) differs significantly from PM(1.0) and PM(10.0), with p values <0.05, whereas PM(2.5) differs non-significantly from PM(4.0), with a p value >0.05 in defined
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sampling stations on an average basis. Majority of the workers were facing several diseases due to interaction with particulate matter (cotton dust) during working hours. Flue, cough, eye, and skin infections were the most common diseases among workers caused by particulate matter (cotton dust).

P-19

PILOT SCALE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF COMBINED INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL EFFLUENT IN PAHARANG DRAIN, FAISALABAD
Muhammad Ahmad1, Zahiruddin Khan2*

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: zahirkhan61@gmail.com

A pilot scale wastewater treatment plant was operated onsite to treat wastewater of Paharang Drain, Faisalabad, Pakistan using Activated Sludge Process (ASP). The ASP was used at three different hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 hr, 10 hr and 8 hr at average MLSS concentration of 3500 mg/L. Under each HRT, the pilot plant was operated for a period of 10-12 weeks. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency at HRT=12 was 77 %, HRT=10 was 79.8 % and HRT=8 was 86.6 %. The maximum COD removal efficiency for the same HRTs were 81.4 %, 83.3 % and 92.4 % respectively. The average biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiency at HRT=10 was 78.4 % and HRT=8 was 87.1 %. Maximum BOD removal efficiency for the same
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HRTs were 81.9 and 91.1 % respectively. The average total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency at HRT=12 was 64.2 %, HRT=10 was 64.6% and HRT=8 was 75.2. The maximum TOC removal efficiency for the same HRTs were of 69.8%, 65.9 % and 81.2 % respectively. The average total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiency at HRT=12 was 86.8 %, HRT=10 was 89.2 % and HRT=8 was 95.5 %. The maximum TSS removal efficiency for the same HRTs were 89.1 %, 93.4 % and 97.8 % respectively. 8 hr HRT was found to be the best among the HRTs tested. The average values of BOD reduced from 274.6 to 35.5 (mg/L), COD from 459.7 to 63.9 (mg/L), TSS from 528.2 to 23.4 (mg/L) and TOC from 134.3 to 33.2 (mg/L). Values of all parameters were under the limits prescribed by National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). The treatment train tested in this work proved to be very successful in turning the wastewater in Paharang Drain to a useful resource for irrigation of fodder crops in the area.

P-20

REMOVAL OF SELECTED METAL IONS FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA USING AGROWASTES AS POTENTIAL ADSORBENT
Taslim Akhtar1*, Fozia Batool1, Sobia Noreen1, Muhammad Ilyas Tariq1
Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha Corresponding author e-mail: bintezainab3@gmail.com
1

In present study we have used crushed seed coat of the seeds of chinaberry (Melia azedarach) for removal of selected divalent metal ions, i.e., Cd+2 and Cu+2, from water. By applying different shaking time, best sorption for Cd+2 occurred in 60 min which was 40.78 %, while for Cu+2 the selected adsorbent showed comparatively increased sorption value 80.47 % in 90 min. Sample was thermally treated in a temperature range of 100-800 C and the best sorption was achieved at 400 C, which was 99.92 %. Two types of chemicals (HNO3 and NaOH) were employed to check their effect on sorption. For nitric acid treated sample sorption of Cd+2 was 49% and that of Cu+2 66%. Base treated sample shows sorption of Cd+2 upto 90.3% and Cu+2 upto 54.7%. Results show that sorption is maximum when sample is thermally treated which may be due to increase in surface pore size as a result of this treatment.
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P-21

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ITS ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS, A CASE STUDY OF BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN
Sana Arshad*1, Munazza Fatima1
1

Department of Geography,Tthe Islamia University Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: sanaiub111@gmail.com

Municipal management of solid wastes is a complicated task to be done by the local Government requiring a good organizational structure and working staff with equipments. The term Municipal wastes encompass all kind of non- hazardous waste collected from household, commercial and industrial sector of the city. MSWMS (Municipal Solid Wastes Management System) is very significant to prevent the city dwellers from various environment and health related problems. MSWMS include collection, storage, and compaction, Transportation, dumping and recycling of waste material. It is a cyclic process thats needs a good management system. The major objective of the paper is to explore the management process of solid wastes by Tehsil Municipal Administration Bahawalpur and the problems associated with its management process. The paper analyses the results of field survey of wastes dumping sites and treatment process. TMA Chief Officer of Infrastructure and services department is interviewed and problems associated with its
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management are analyzed. It is concluded from the research that municipal service for solid waste management exists for almost 100% population of the city, although there are many infrastructure and finance problems existing that hinders the good management plans. Insufficient machinery and equipment in TMA is making the collection and transportation process more difficult and decreasing the waste collection rate. Moreover, distribution of wastes dumping sites in the city is quite inappropriate and causing severe negative impacts on the surrounding environment like Ground water pollution, noise pollution and various health related diseases. The paper addresses the strategies that can make the management system more efficient through public and private sector participation with city TMA .

P-22 ESTIMATION OF BIOFILM FORMATION AND EFFICACY OF ISINFECTANTS AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM DRINKING WATER
Muhammad Ashraf1*, Muhammad Adnan Liaqat1, Muhammad Arshad1, H.A. Khan1
1

Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: mashraf@uaf.edu.pk

Biofilm is a dense aggregate of surface-adherent microorganisms embedded in a polysaccharide matrix It is a serious threat to increase the onset of diseases. The most alarming consequence of biofilm formation is the multiplication of pathogens such as E.coli, Pseudomonas and Salmonella. The present study was conducted to isolate E. coli and to check the efficacy of disinfectants to control biofilm formation. A total of 40 biofilm samples were collected, from different commercial poultry farms of broiler and layer birds. Samples were inoculated on MacConkey agar and inoculated plates were incubated at 37C for 36 hours. Isolated microorganisms were identified through conventional method. The ability of isolates to form biofilm on Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe and iron pipe was determined. Efficacy of commonly used disinfectants was also determined against Escherichia coli isolates. The results showed that out of 40 samples, 32 samples were positive for E.coli. Iron pipe was found more susceptible for biofilm formation as viable count of E.coli was more on iron pipe (1.99 106 cfu) and less on PVC pipe (1.48 106 cfu). Among 4 used
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disinfectatnts, TH4 (contains tertiary chlorides and glutarldehydes) was found most effective disinfectant as it reduced viable count of E.coli from 110 106 to 55 102 cfu. It was concluded that biofilm is a serious threat as it contributes many species of bacteria but major one is E. coli. It is recommended that by using of PVC pipe instead of iron pipe and regular water disinfection may solve the problem of biofilm formation in water distribution networks.

P-23 BIOLOGICAL CONTROL POTENTIAL OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS AGAINST FUSARIUM SOLANI A CAUSE OF FUSARIUM WILT IN POTATO
Shazia Shafique1*, Zunaira Zaheer1, Sobiya Shafique1, Tahir Mehmood1
1

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: drshazi81@gmail.com

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium solani, is an economically important disease of potato in Pakistan. Presently, pathogenic potential of F. solani was studied by inoculating potato plants with three F. solani, strains to screen the most virulent isolate among F. solani FCBP-016, F. solani FCBP-434 and F. solani FCBP-470. Pathogenicity test depicted that F. solani FCBP-434 was the most pathogenic isolate with variation in genetic level that was determined by RAPD-PCR. F. solani FCBP-434 was 55.66% different with both isolates. This disparity in genetic constitution might be cause of high pathogenicity. Afterwards, antifungal bioassays were conducted to confirm mycotoxic potential of root, shoot and leaf of Parthenium hysterophorus against F. solani FCBP434 using 1-4% concentrations of aqueous, methanol and n-hexane extracts. Bioassays revealed that growth of F. solani FCBP-434 was greatly inhibited at 1 and 2% concentrations of aqueous and methanol leaf and stem extracts while 3 and 4% concentrations of n-hexane extract proved more effective in suppressing the growth. Among root extracts, higher concentrations of aqueous
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and n-hexane exhibited more promising results by causing reduction of 85 and 74%, of the growth, respectively, whereas in methanol extract again lower concentrations were more inhibitory.

P-24

TAGETES ERECTUS A TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALTERNARIA ALTERNATA STRAINS OF TOMATO
Sobiya Shafique1*, Tahir Mehmood1, Shazia Shafique1, Zunera Zaheer1

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan. Corresponding author: e-mail: drsobi81@gmail.com

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops in the world. It is estimated that diseases reduce tomato production to a greater extent worldwide. Natural plants derived compounds contribute a lot in fight against pathogens. In the current study the tomato plants were inoculated with A. alternata FCBP-573, A. alternata FCBP479 and A. alternata FCBP-349 for the scrutiny of the most pathogenic isolate among these. A. alternata FCBP-573 was screened out as the most pathogenic isolate. RAPD analysis confirmed that A. alternata FCBP-573 had variability in its genetic constitution with other two isolates; thus this disparity in genetic constitution might be a cause to stir up more pathogenicity in this isolate. Therefore, A. alternata FCBP-573 was selected as the most pathogenic isolate and subjected to biological control through Tagetes erectus L. In antifungal bioassays different plant parts of T.
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erectus with 1-4% concentrations of aqueous, methanol and n-hexane extracts of each part were evaluated against A. alternata FCBP-573. Results revealed that the growth of A. alternata FCBP573 was greatly inhibited at 4% concentration of methanol extract followed by aqueous and nhexane extract. Among different plant parts tested, root extract exhibited more promising results by causing 81-92% reduction in biomass. The study concludes that aqueous and organic extracts of ornamentals have potential to obstruct dreadful effect of pathogenic fungi by suppressing their growth. T. erectus conferred vital and surprisingly stable compounds having inhibitory potential against A. alternata FCBP-573.

P-25

UTILIZATION OF SLUDGE AS ORGANIC CATFISH FEED

Trini Y.Pratiwi1*, Priyandaru Agung E.T1, Erika Nur Maidah1
1

Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia Corresponding author e-mail: trini_1992@yahoo.com

Percentage of fish cultivation in feed requirements intensively can reach 60% of the total production cost, resulting in the need to depress production cost alternative in terms of purchase of fodder. Dairy farms have generally waste used as fertilizer for plants. However, these wastes can be used as feed in organic cultivation of catfish. Indonesia is an area that has a lot of dairy farms, dairy farms of waste which is not yet in use optimally. So it takes an idea to utilize waste such as dairy farms to become organic feed catfish. From this venture is expected waste dairy farms have higher economic value after it is processed into sludge. From the results of observations in UPBAT Kepanjen, Malang, sewage sludge obtained from dairy farms that has been fermented for 2 weeks which biogas fermentation of these already in use as fuel gas stove home appliances. The result of the fermentation of sewage in the form of pasta that can then take advantage of the organic feed during cultivation as catfish. Based on the data obtained, the sludge contain nutrients that are almost the same as bran. In addition, the rate of growth of the catfish feed sludge similar to the growth rate of catfish are given artificial feed so that the sludge factory worth in feed alternatives.
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P-26

XENOBIOTICS BIODEGRADATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP

Hussain B1*, Parveen A1, Zahra N, Saleem AM1
1

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore Corresponding author e-mail: asiaparveen@uol.edu.pk

Environmental contamination due to xenobiotic compounds is mainly due to their large-scale manufacturing, processing and handling. Owing to long-term persistence, and acute toxic and teratogenic effects of these compounds.Due to its capability to degrade toxic xenobiotic compounds in a safe and cost-effective manner, interest in bioremediation using microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, has increased in the past two decades. Partial microbial degradation of xenobiotic compounds in wastewater treatment plants results in the formation of transformation products, which have to be released and detectable in surface waters. The accumulation of recalcitrant xenobiotic compounds is due to continuous efflux from population and industrial inputs that have created a serious impact on the pristine nature of our environment. Metabolic pathways and specific operon systems have been found in diverse but limited groups of microbes that are responsible for the transformation of xenobiotic compounds. Distinct catabolic genes are either present on mobile genetic elements, such as transposons and plasmids, or the chromosome itself
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that facilitates horizontal gene transfer and enhances the rapid microbial transformation of toxic xenobiotic compounds. Remediation is the only way to tackle these so called xenobiotic compounds and to reduce the hazards caused by them. Even though, several practices have been implemented for degrading these recalcitrants, bioremediation step is proved to show the significant impact on them. In present article we have reviewed the role of microbes in biodegradation of various xenobiotic compounds escepieally releted to waste material of petroleum and pharmaceutical industries.

P-27

MANAGEMENT OF HUGE BIOMASS OF NOXIOUS PARTHENIUM WEED BY USING AS GREEN MANURE

Arshad Javaid1*

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: arshadjpk@yahoo.com

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a rapidly growing invasive weed native to America that has invaded Asia, Africa and Australia during the last 50 years. The weed is growing abundantly along the road sides, on waste lands and grazing pastures as well as in agricultural fields and produces a huge biomass. It has adverse effects on agriculture and natural ecosystems and also poses serious health risks such as allergic contact dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. In the present study, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of parthenium weed to be used as green manure. Maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mungbean [Vigna
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radiata (L.) Wilczek] were used as test crops. Treatments employed were control, recommended NPK fertilizers, and 1, 2, 3 & 4% (w/w) parthenium green manure (on fresh weight bases). Parthenium was collected at 30-35 days growth stage prior to flowering. After mixing the parthenium manure in the soil, pots were irrigated and left for 30 days for decomposition. Highest root and shoot biomass in maize was obtained in 3% green manure treatment that was significantly greater than control and equivalent to that of NPK fertilizers. Similarly, a 4% green manure treatment of parthenium significantly enhanced growth and yield of wheat, and grain yield equivalent to recommended dose of NPK fertilizers was obtained. In contrast, the effect of both NPK fertilizers and parthenium green manure on growth and yield of mungean was insignificant. The present study concludes that huge biomass of noxious parthenium weed can be managed by using it as green manure for maize and wheat crops.

P-28

DISINFECTION OF UASB TREATED MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER USING ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES

Rabiya Manzoor*1, Sana Ahmed1
1

College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan Corresponding author email: rabiya_manzoor@hotmail.com

An-aerobic reactors are proved to be ineffective to disinfect the municipal wastewater. However, an-aerobic treatment of wastewater in conjunction with an adequate post-treatment can provide a good quality wastewater to be used for irrigation or for other applications. In this study, advanced oxidation processes like ozonation, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide and their combinations (O3/H2O2, O3/UV and UV/H2O2) in addition to sunlight were used to disinfect the UASB treated municipal wastewater. All the processes gave encouraging results with minor differences with one another however cost effectiveness of sunlight cannot be denied. Using ozone as treatment provided frequent elimination of various pathogens included in this study. An optimal dose of 30 min eliminated 99.9 % of pathogens and showed great potential of inhabiting re-growth of these pathogens. UV irradiation was also proved to be an efficient process for eliminating pathogen content but it appeared to be a costly process. However, UV irradiation also achieved better results like ozonation. UV irradiation with an intensity of 5 mW/cm2 and wavelength of 254 nm resulted in 99.9% pathogen removal when a UV dose was applied for 480 sec. Treatment with H 2O2 was appeared to be the cheapest treatment among the AOPs. A H2O2 dose (35 % conc.) of 0.9 ml/L was
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appeared to be optimal providing more than 99 % removal of pathogens. Treatment using combinations was proved the most effective tool for the disinfection of wastewater requiring comparatively low doses of disinfectants than individual processes. Using O3 and H2O2 in combination (O3/H2O2) gave 99.9 % removal of pathogens when wastewater sample was treated with 0.25 ml/L of H2O2 and later disinfecting with O3 for 10 min. similar result were obtained with (UV/H2O2) at 0.3 ml/L of H2O2 dose and 1 min exposure time of UV irradiation. In case of O3/UV treatment system, the effluent was 99.9 % clear from pathogens at 10 min O3 and 240 sec UV irradiation post ozonation. Solar disinfection was effective in vivo as a free, low technology, which proved to be an efficient method of improving water quality. In the present study, sunlight has been proved to be an attractive technique for the removal of pathogens. A removal of 99.9% of pathogens was obtained at a solar irradiation time of 150 min with an average intensity of 75 mW/ cm2. In this study solar disinfection was also used in combination with H2O2, which appeared to be an attractive and cost effective treatment process resulting in appreciably reduced contact time with sunlight and high rates of pathogen removal. Sunlight /H2O2 treatment achieved 99.9 % removal of pathogens when wastewater sample was treated with 0.25 ml/L of H2O2 dose and then irradiated with sunlight for a contact time of 30 min.

P-29

BIODEGRADATION OF CHLORPYRIFOS BY KLEBSIELLA SP. ISOLATED FROM AGRICULTURAL SOILS

Muhammad Farhan1*, A. U. Khan1, Abdul Wahid2
1 2

Sustainable Development Study Centre, GC. University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan Department of Environmental Sciences, BZ University, Multan-60800, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: m.farhan_gcu@yahoo.com

With the increase in worlds population and more resistant pests, the use of pesticide is increasing day by day. Now this practice is creating disturbances in ecosystem as pesticides remain in soil, air, surface and ground water for longer duration. Microbes which consistently come in contact with pesticide develop the ability to degrade them into non-toxic products. In present study, microbial strains were isolated from cotton growing agricultural soils where chlorpyrifos was extensively in use. The isolated strains were significantly different in their resistant towards chlorpyrifos. Out of these strains, Klebsiella sp. was found most resistant (50mgL-1) and was selected for follow up studies. Different culture conditions like, chlorpyrifos concentration, added nutrients, pH and inoculum densities were tested to maximize the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by Klebsiella sp. In minimal salt medium Klebsiella sp. exhibited 75% of chlorpyrifos (50mgL-1) degradation in 22 days of incubation. Kinetic analysis reveals that the Klebsiella sp. shows longer lag phase at high concentration of chlorpyrifos. This strain can be used for bioremediation and ecological restoration of sites, contaminated with chlorpyrifos.
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P-30

BIOREMEDIATION OF INDUSTRIAL EFFULENTS

Parveen A1*, Anwer T1

Institute Of Molecular Biology And Biotecnology The University Of Lahore, Lahore Corresponding author e-mail: asiaparveen@uol.edu.pk

Effluent is a discharge of waste water from industrial site that is contributing to environmental pollution. Effluent or the waste water is mainly generated as a result of the production processes within the industries especially food, oil, textile industries and nuclear waste which not only harms the environment but also micro and macro flora within it. Rapid industrialization generates tons of hazardous waste comprising conventional and toxic pollutants that is causing damage to ecosystem.Therfore, industries are searching for effective and sustainable technologies for disposing of their wastes. Breakthrough of eco-friendly bioremediation process has provided use of microorganisms to deal with contaminants and transform them into innocuous end products and to reclaim the environment into its original state. Bioremediation is a technique to eliminate, degrade or transformed toxic agent to non-toxic ones by employing biological processes, and using microbial species in both natural and man-created remediation processes. In present article we reviewed waste material released from different industries and the method to check the accessibility and biological activity of microorganism to transform voluminous industrial effluents to less toxic products
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P-31

URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PESHAWAR, MARDAN AND NOWSHERA DISTRICTS

Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Daulat Khan2, Haleema Attaullah3, Taj Ali Khan2, Mahmood Alam Khan2
2

Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar 3 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar Corresponding author email: tariqusaeed@gmail.com

Municipalities in the three important and major cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa namely Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera districts are facing hard challenges in solid waste disposal due to the lack of landfill capacity in these cities. With rapid urbanization especially over few decades, the movement/migration of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) towards these districts has made solid waste a serious reason of causing negative impacts on human health as well as environmental degradation affecting urban ecosystem. This study aims to estimate the total quantity of solid wastes generated in these three districts and evaluate the present solid waste management systems. According to the field survey conducted in January 2012 and data from municipalities estimates, the average per capita household waste generation rate is 0.67 kg/capita/day in Peshawar, 0.54 kg/capita/day in Mardan and 0.42 kg/capita/day in Nowshera and the total daily waste generation is 1000 tons in Peshawar, 850 tons in Mardan and 740 tons in Nowshera districts on daily basis. This study indicated that approximately 65 percent of waste is collected by the municipalities of these cities while remaining 35 percent is thrown either into waterways or lying in the street or road sides which poses serious health risks to inhabitants. This research identified the serious needs of public awareness, implementation and execution of creative and innovative approaches/technologies like
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reuse and recycling opportunities, disposal of the solid waste on a landfill with electricity generation and composting of organic materials to overcome related human health and environmental issues. After this extensive study of three important districts, the authors strongly feel that there is an intense need of proper legislation and policies regarding solid waste management in the country.

P-32

DRINKING WATER SOURCES, QUALITY AND PURIFICATION PRACTICE: A CASE OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN BAHAWALPUR CITY
Sajid Noor1*, Munazza Fatima2
2

Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur Pakistan Lecturer, Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur Pakistan Corresponding author email: munazza.fatima@iub.edu.pk

Water is an essential element of our survival. Based on three residential areas of Bahawalpur City, this article is a case study about the drinking water sources, quality and purification practice among the public. Through the analysis of these parameters, the main aim of this paper is to examine the drinking water quality and the awareness level in the population about the use of purified water. Firstly, this paper describes the main sources of water used in the study area, among which ground water is found to be the main one. Further to it, based upon the analysis of physical and chemical quality of water, some areas show the poor quality of drinking water. In addition, the public awareness about the purification measures of drinking water found to be very low in the study area. Finally this study leads the authors to suggest some policy measures which will aware the local dwellers for the use of pure drinking water.

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P-33 REMOVAL OF NICKEL (II) AND CHROMIUM (III) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY USING PHALSA LEAVES (GREWIA ASIATICA) AS BIOSORBENT
Saad Shahid*1, Mohsin Jamshaid2
1

College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan Corresponding author email: saad_shahid89@hotmail.com

Biosorption has been regarded as a low cost method for the removal of contaminants especially heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Biosorption puts to use the characteristic of biological materials to accumulate the heavy metals by metabolic or physio-chemical pathways. The accumulated biological materials along with heavy metals are further filtered. This process depends on variables such as temperature, agitation speed, pH, amount of adsorbent and concentration of the initial solution. Adsorption performance of Cr (III) and Ni (II) on dried Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) leaves powder was studied. It shows an appreciable removal efficiency for Cr (III) and Ni (II) and removed from their aqueous solution up to 87.89% at pH=4 and 95.48% at pH=5, respectively. Optimum adsorption conditions were determined as a function of adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and agitation speed. Langmuir, Freundlichand and Temkin isotherms were used to evaluate the equilibrium data. The adsorption capacity q max of Cr (III) and Ni (II) is found to be 6.002 mg/g and 3.815 mg/g of adsorbent respectively. The observed Cr (III) and Ni (II) removal order is Cr (III) > Ni (II).

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P-34

METAL REMOVAL ABILITY OF BREAD MOLD FUNGUS

Amna Shoaib1*, Nida Aslam1, Nafisa1, Nabila Aslam1

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Corresponding author: aamnaa29@yahoo.com

Cr(III) removal ability of indigenous soil fungus of Pakistan i.e. Rhizopus arrhizus Fisher. was checked through batch experiments. Laboratory experiments were performed by taking 0.1 g of powdered fungal biomass in 100 mL of metal solution kept at 150 rpm for 3 hours. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that amine (-NH2) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups participated in Cr(III) binding with the fungal biomass. Adsorption efficiency of the fungus significantly declined by 1-30% on increasing initial metal concentration in the range of 20-100 mg/L. The adsorption capacity of fungal biomass was 43.47 mg g-1 as determined by Langmuir isotherm. High correlation coefficient (R2: 0.99) acquired through Langumir and Frendulich models adequately described the adsorption mechanism on to fungal biomass. pH optimization trials in the range of 2-10 exhibited significantly greater adsorption efficiency of 75% at pH 4. Adsorption/desorption trials with four acids indicted that desorption of Cr(III) follow the order of: HCl > HNO3> CH3COOH > H2SO4. Adsorption based trials summarized that R. arrhizus is potential and inexpensive biomaterial with viable application in the removal of Cr(III) from the aqueous solution.

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P-35

REMOVAL OF CR(VI) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM

AMNA SHOAIB1*, NIDA ASLAM1, NAFISA1, SABA KHURSHID1
1

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: aamnaa29@yahoo.com

Metal removal capability of indigenous soil fungus of Pakistan i.e. Trichoderma harzianum (Rifai) was determined through laboratory bioassays. Experiments were conducted in flask by taking 0.1 g of powdered fungal biomass in 100 mL (25 mg L-1) of metal solution kept at 150 rpm for 3 hrs. Results showed 65% adsorption efficiency of T. harzianum biomass for Cr(VI). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to enlighten biosorption phenomenon revealed 50 mg g-1 adsorption capacity of the fungus. The solution pH selected in the range of 2-10 followed downward trend for metal uptake as maximum removal efficiency of 80% was noticed at pH 2-3. FTIR highlighted the involvement of amine, amide and hydroxyl groups in adsorption process. Adsorption/desorption trials conducted with four acids indicted that desorption of Cr(VI) follow the order of: H2SO4 (0.1M)>HNO3 (0.5M) >HCl(0.1M)>HCl(0.5M)>CH3COOH (0.1M)>CH3COOH (0.5M) >H2SO4 (0.5M). Adsorption based trials summarized that fungal biomass are potential and inexpensive biomaterial with viable application in the biosorption of Cr(VI) from the liquid media.

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P-36

LAPINDO MUD BREAKWATER: A SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Trini Y.Pratiwi1*, Priyandaru Agung E.T1, Erika Nur Maidah1
1

Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia Corresponding author e-mail:trini_1992@yahoo.com

Until now, the problem is the cataclysm lapindo mud to the detriment of many parties and damage to the environment. Mudflow in Sidoarjo region, endlessly, this can not be solved and remains one of the great things that are not solved in this country. lumpur lapindo has become waste waiting to be exploited. Solution this problem is the utilization of sludge into innovative products that useful for many people, i.e. with the breakwater. Lumpur lapindo in large quantities to be used into the breakwater, a breakwater that was built on the southern coast of Indonesia. The construction of the breakwater itself is a major project which cost is expensive, so it's hard to do in Indonesia. With the utilization of lapindo mud as the breakwater was able to complete 2 problem i.e. the maximal utilization of the sludge issue itself and the construction of the breakwater with cheaper cost and effective. Furthermore, the mud will be used as particles finely in the breakwater. Lapindo mud position was used on the breakwater core will maintain the resilience and strength of the breakwater itself. With the utilization of massively for the creation of the breakwater, mud in Sidoarjo volume can be reduced. this Lapindo mud breakwater will be built in several cities in Indonesia with high sea waves in the South Coast such as Yogyakarta, Malang, Trenggalek, and others. At this stage the application previously held the breakwater testing the resilience of the breakwater with a few parameters such as strong attraction, strong press, as well as testing the feasibility of the breakwater. After both analysis and testing is done, next is a place or location analysis of development include wave height, wind, depth, flow direction, resources and biodiversity around the location. If all aspects have been ordered, then the construction of the breakwater is ready made. Advantages of this innovation is effective, appropriate, and resolve problems that matter in mud lapindo and the construction of the breakwater.
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P-37 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID IMPROVES THE PLANT GROWTH BY ENHANCING ELEMENTS UPTAKE AND ANTIOXIDANTS ENZYMES UNDER CADMIUM STRESS IN OILSEED RAPE
Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Rafaqat Ali Gill1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir3, Aaifa Chaudhary2,Sadia Hina2 , Ghazala2, W.J. Zhou1,4*
a

Institute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. b Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. c Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan d Agricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. Corresponding author e-mail: wjzhou@zju.edu.cn

To study the plant response to cadmium (Cd) stress in combination with a growth regulator, 5aminolevulinic acid (ALA), oilseed rape plants were grown hydroponically in greenhouse conditions under three levels of Cd (0, 100, and 500 M) and foliar application of ALA at three concentrations (0, 12.5 and 25 mg/l). Cd stress depressed the plant growth in terms of plant biomass, plant height, root length and reduced chlorophyll contents in the leaves; however foliar application of ALA significantly improved the plant growth and enhanced the chlorophyll synthesis in the leaves. Generally, analyses of macro (N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg) and micronutrients (Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu) showed reduction of accumulation of these ions in the leaves and roots under higher concentration of Cd (500 M). Exogenous application of ALA enhanced the concentration of all the nutrients except P and S. Results have shown that foliar application of ALA significantly decreased the production rate of MDA and ROS in the leaves of brassica. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) decreased significantly whereas ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) showed increase in their activities under 500 M Cd. The antioxidants enzymes enhanced their activities when ALA was applied with the combination of different Cd concentrations. The study also reveals that seedlings treated with ALA at different concentrations enhanced the glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione oxidized (GSSG), total glutathione and reduced the GSH/GSSG ratio in leaves under different levels of Cd stress. Our
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results indicate that ALA helped the plants to improve the uptake of nutrients and antioxidants enzymes due to its ameliorative capability under Cd stress conditions.

P-38

ROLE OF SILICON IN MITIGATING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF NICKEL STRESS ON COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM) PLANTS GROWN HYDROPONICALLY

Ammara Khaliq1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir2, Saima Aslam Bharwana1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com
1

The cotton plays a vital role in the national economy. Contamination by heavy metal is an important environmental issue worldwide, particularly in the agriculture sector, as it confines the crop production and its quality. Soil management techniques should be used for contaminated soil to reduce the availability of heavy metal to the plants. Keeping in view, this study was planned to investigate the alleviating effects of Silicon on different Physiological, morphological and biochemical attributes of cotton plants under Nickel (Ni) stress. Cotton plants (MNH-886) were exposed to the three replicate of each two level of Ni (50M and 100M) in form of NiCl 2, with or without 1mM of Silicon (Si) as Na2SiO4 in hydroponic culture at pH 6.0 + 1.0. After eight weeks of Ni stress exposure, the finding depicts that increase in the concentration of Ni in the growth medium of the plant significantly affected the biological activities like synthesis of protein contents and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD) that caused not only decreased in growth rate of the plant but also damage its physical structure The transformation of the (O2) radical into H2O2 are basically supported the SOD activity in the plants cell which considerably increased with the presence of Ni but it showed the non-significant behavior if plants were exposed to higher concentration of Ni for a long period. Cotton plant has the ability to survive for a long time period under stressed condition of Ni50 with respect to the Ni100. Alteration in the biological activities disturb the chlorophyll contents that effect the photosynthesis rate ultimately caused substantial reduction in the leaf, shoot and roots growth as well change do occurred in their physical structures. The rate of Ni accumulation in roots was found much higher than of shoots and leaves. Induction of Silicon (Si) as an alleviating agent to plants supported them to cope up maximum in case of Ni
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stress by enhancing the biological activities ultimately led to increase in growth rate of the cotton plants.

P-39

EFFICACY OF COMMERCIAL DISINFECTANTS AGAINST THE WATER CONTAMINATING BACTERIA AT COMMERCIAL BROILER FARMS

Mian Muhammad Salman1, Muhammad Nawaz1, Aftab Ahmad Anjum*1, Mansur-ud-din Ahmad2
1 2

Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Department of Epidemiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Corresponding author email: aftab.anjum@uvas.edu.pk

Microbiological qualities of drinking water have fundamental importance for poultry. Due to poor hygienic conditions in water supply, it is becoming a health hazard for the poultry. Present study was designed to analyze the bacteriological quality of water supplied to poultry farms and evaluate the efficacy of different disinfectants to reduce the microbial load of water at commercial broiler farms. Water samples (n=50) were collected from broiler farms in and around Lahore. Water in poultry environment was of low quality as detected by Total Viable Count and Coliform count. Commercial preparations of various disinfectants (PHMB, PHMB + Benzalkonium chloride + non ionic surfactants, Chlorine dioxide, Glutralaldehyde and organic acid) were evaluated for their potential to reduce the microbial load from the water in poultry farms. The disinfectants were effective on normal as well as on lower than recommended doses. Glutralaldehyde containing disinfectant had significantly higher efficacy. The study insinuates the continuous monitoring of the water quality and use of suitable disinfectant in poultry environment for better microbial quality of drinking water for poultry.

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P-40

ALLEVIATION OF CHROMIUM TOXICITY BY HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN BARLEY

Shafaqat Ali1,2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2,Saima Aslam Bharwana2, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir3, Sabir Hussain2 , Shamaila Noureen2 , Hina Rizvi2 , Guoping Zhang1*
1

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China 2 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: zhanggp@zju.edu.cn

Recently, it was found that H2S donor NaHS alleviates the harmful effects of stress in plants. Chromium is considered very harmful heavy metal for both plants and animals. A hydroponic experiment was carried out to check the alleviating effects of NaHS in chromium stressed plants. The treatments consisted of three H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (0, 100 and 200 M) and two Cr (0 and 100 M) levels. The results showed that H2S application increased plant growth and photosynthesis slightly as compared to control. H2S alleviated the inhibition in plant growth and photosynthesis by Cr stress, with higher H2S level having more beneficial effect. H2S also reduced Cr concentration in all three plant parts, and higher H2S level had greater effect. Exogenous application of NaHS alleviated cell disorders both in root and leaf cells. On the basis of these results it may be concluded that H2S is a promising gas molecule, which can improve plant survival under chromium stress.

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P-41

5-AMINOLEVOLINIC ACID ENHANCES THE CADMIUM INDUCED CHANGES IN BRASSICA NAPUS AS REVEALED BY THE BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF ROOTS

Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Sabir Hussain2, Rafaqat Ali Gill1, Zaheer Abbas Virk2, W.J. Zhou1,3*
Institute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Agricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. Corresponding author e-mail: wjzhou@zju.edu.cn
1

Cadmium (Cd) interrupts many metabolic reactions and decreases the antioxidants enzymes as well as damage the cell structure that cause growth retardation and ultimately plant death. The ameliorating effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) under cadmium (Cd) stress conditions were studied with special attention being given to root morphology and root ultra-structure in oilseed rape. The plants were treated hydroponically with three different Cd concentrations (0, 100, 500 M) and foliar spray of ALA with three concentrations (0, 12.5 and 30 mg/l) simultaneously. After 15 days of treatment higher Cd stress significantly reduced the plant biomass and root morphology. Moreover Cd increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in enhance the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the roots. Foliar application of ALA improved the plant growth, root morphology and significantly reduced the ROS and MDA contents in roots under the Cd stress conditions. On the other hand higher concentration of Cd (500 M) decreased the activities of antioxidants enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) and also declined the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and total glutathione contents in roots. As well as Cd toxicity had no affect on total soluble protein (TSP), ascorbic acid (ASA) contents and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG). Application of ALA at 25 mg/l dosage significantly enhanced the antioxidant activities e.g. APX, SOD, POD, and GSH contents. Cd toxicity damaged the whole root structure which was evident by electron microscopic ultra-structures. Cell possessed the undeveloped nucleus and mitochondria, cracked cell wall, occurrence of plasmolysis, and absence of endoplasmic reticulum under the higher
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concentration of Cd (500 M) alone. Whereas, ALA showed whole clear cell with developed nucleus and nuclear membrane, smooth cell wall, continuous endoplasmic reticulum, and well shaped mitochondria under the 500 M cd level. These results suggests that, application of ALA helped the plants to improve root growth, root antioxidants enzymes, and ultra-structural changes in root tip cells under short term Cd-induced stress (15 days)

P-42 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AMELIORATES CADMIUM-INDUCED MORPHOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN SEEDLINGS OF OILSEED RAPE
Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir4, Rafaqat Ali Gill1, W.J. Zhou1,3*
Institute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. b Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. cAgricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. d Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: wjzhou@zju.edu.cn
a

Due to its prolic growth, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) can be grown successfully for phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. Nowadays, use of plant growth regulators against heavy metals stress is one of the major objectives of researchers. The present study evaluates the ameliorate effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 0, 0.4, 2 and 10 mg/l) on the growth of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. ZS 758) seedlings under Cd stress (0, 100 and 500 M). Results have shown that Cd stress hampered the seedling growth by decreasing the radical and hypocotyls length, shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content and antioxidants enzymes. On the other hand Cd stress increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and production of H2O2 and accumulation of Cd in the shoots. The microscopic study of leaf measophyll cells showed that toxicity of Cd totally destroyed the whole cell structure and accumulation of Cd also appeared in micrographs. Application of ALA at lower dosage (2 mg/l) enhanced the seedling growth and biomass. The results showed that 2 mg/l ALA significantly improved chlorophyll content under Cd stress and decreased the level of Cd contents in shoots. Application of ALA reduced the MDA and H2O2 levels in the cotyledons. The antioxidants enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) enhanced their activities significantly with the application of 2 mg/l ALA under Cd stress. This study also indicated that higher dosage of ALA (10 mg/l) imposed the negative effect on the growth of oilseed rape. Microscopic study showed that application of ALA alleviated the toxic effects of Cd in the mesophyll cell and
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improved the cell structure. Use of 2 mg/l ALA under 500 M Cd was found to be more effective and under this dosage cell structure was clear, with obvious cell wall and cell membrane as well as a big nucleus which was found with well developed two or more nucleoli. Chloroplast was almost round in shape and contained thylakoids membranes and grana but starch grains were not found in chloroplast comparatively to other treatments. On the basis of our results we can conclude that ALA has promotive effect which could improve plant survival under Cd stress.

P-43

MITIGATION EFFECTS OF SILICON ON COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM) PLANTS GROWN UNDER ZINC STRESS HYDROPONICALLY

Shad Ali Anwar1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Wajid Ishaque3, Tahira Yasmeen1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir2, Saima Aslam Bharwana1,
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad. Corresponding author e-mail: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com
1

Effective pollution remediation is need of the hour because huge quantities of heavy metals including Zinc are being discharged from the industries which are contaminating soil and water resources. Silicon is agronomically important fertilizer element that enhances plants tolerance of multiple abiotic stresses. This study was designed to Investigate the effects of Zinc stress on different physiological, morphological and biochemical properties of cotton plants and role of silicon in alleviation of that detrimental effects of Zinc. Zinc (Zn) was introduced as two levels zinc 50 M and 25 M and one level for Silicon 1mM and treatments were; Control, 1mM Si, 25 M Zn, 25 M Zn+ 1mM Si, 50 M Zn, 50 M Zn+ 1mM Si in nutrient solution while keeping pH stabilized at 6 0.1. Physiological, morphological and biochemical responses of cotton plant to Zinc stress was observed after eight weeks and data regarding root/shoot length, root/shoot fresh and dry weight, Leaf area, SPAD values, Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), Electrolyte leakage values were recorded. Anti-oxidant enzymes activity such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and Zn contents in roots, stems and leaves were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical package version 17.0. The results suggested that the Zn considerably inhibited the overall growth parameters of the cotton plants with increasing Zn concentration, decreased root, shoot and leaves weight, length. Highest level of metal uptake was carried out by Zn50 roots, shoots and leaves 3604.5g Kg-1 DW, 1042.5g Kg-1 DW and 653.14g Kg-1DW respectively. Overall chlorophyll status was severely damaged by the Zn toxicity most affected by Zn50. Stress of Zn concentration affected the antioxidant and
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enzymatic activity adversely and increased the production of the guaiacol Peroxidase (POD), Superoxidase Dismutase (SOD) enormously while in mean time decreasing the contents of soluble protein to greater extant, revealing the enhanced production of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in response to the stress caused by the Zn. This enhancement in the production of the ROS caused damage to protein and caused decrease in contents. Zinc on the other hand caused strong alleviation of the toxic effects of the Zn stress and caused enhancement in the overall growth, anti-oxidant activity and increased level of protein contents.

P-44

DEGRADATION OF AZO DYE ACID RED 66 BY ELECTROLYTIC PROCESS

Muhammad Kashif1*, Abdul Ghaffar1, Abdul Jabbar1 and Mukhtar ul Hassan2

1Department 2Institute

of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad. of Chemistry University of The Punjab, Lahore. Corresponding author e-mail: kfrgroup.tk@gmail.com

Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry and can be hazardous to the environment due to their reactivity, toxicity and recalcitrance. The degradation of acid red 66 in aqueous phase was experimentally investigated using iron mesh titanium coated electrode with potential difference of 28V. The influence of the pH, supporting electrolyte concentration, concentration of dye and configuration of electrodes on dye degradation was studied. The intermediate formed during the degradation were detected by GC-MS. The maximum degradation (97 %) occurs at optimum pH 7 in the presence of 1.2 g electrolyte/L in 18 minutes. NaCl was found to be the most appropriate electrolyte. Two anode one cathode system was found to be most working configuration of electrodes during electrolytic process. Increase of the dye concentration required more time for degradation. The results showed that the electrolytic degradation process is much beneficial over the other oxidative/biodegradative processes.

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P-45

ALLEVIATION OF DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF LEAD BY SILICON NUTRITION IN SOIL GROWN COTTON PLANTS

Mudassar Maqbool1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Wajid Ishaque2, Sabir Hussain1, Tahira Yasmeen1, Saima Aslam Bharwana1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Heavy metal pollution is of much environmental concern, and it poses major threat to terrestrial plants, animal and human via food chain. Lead toxicity has gained a considerable attention as a potent envirornmental toxicant.The present study was conducted to investigate the alleviation of detrimental effects of lead by silicon nutrition in soil grown cotton plants . A wire house pot experiment was carried out at a wire house of Government College University Faisalabad. Cotton seeds of genotype MNH-886 were sown in earthen pots. After five weeks of sowing, four treatments were applied, i) Controlled conditions (CK), ii) silicon (Si), iii) Lead (Pb),( iv) Combined Silicon and lead (Pb 0.5 mM and Si1mM). Each treatment was applied to each pot after every alternate day for five weeks by making solution in distilled water. After twelve weeks of sowing plants were hearvested and growth variables including root shoot length; root shoot fresh and dry weight were estimated. Leaf area and SPAD value was measured. For the determination of electrolyte leakage of roots and leaves, EC was determined from leaves and root extract after one day of hearvesting. The data was analyzed statistically by using standard procedure.

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P-46

CHARACTERIZATION OF A BACTERIAL CO-CULTURE FOR EFFICIENT DECOLORIZATION OF REACTIVE DYES

Rabia Najme1, Monika Younas1, Shafaqat Ali1, Zahid Maqbool1, Sabir Hussain1*
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: sabirgcuf@gmail.com

Azo compounds constitute the largest and the most diverse group of synthetic dyes and are widely used in a number of industries such as textile, food, cosmetics and paper printing. Azo dyes are ubiquitously used in the textile industry. These dyes need to be removed from the effluent prior to discharge to sewage due to their intense color and toxicity. However, wastewater containing dyes is very difficult to treat, since the dyes are recalcitrant organic molecules, resistant to aerobic digestion, and are stable to light, heat and oxidizing agents due to their structure and molecular size. Biological wastewater management is amongst the most significant biotechnological techniques and a variety of bacterial species have been reported to decolorize azo dyes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In this regard, this study was conducted to isolate bacterial strains which had ability to decolorize the reactive yellow S3R. The strain RN34 was found to be efficient in decolorizing reactive yellow S3R as it decolorized 88% of the reactive yellow S3R azo dye only in 48 hours. This isolate was also found to efficiently decolorize reactive red S3R azo dye. Further results indicated that this isolate showed optimal decolorization of the reactive yellow S3R azo dye at pH 7.5 in the presence of yest extract as an additional nutrient source under static incubation at 300C. the decolorizing potential was found to considerably enhanced when it was co-cultured with a reactive red S3R decolorizing isolate M41. It is noteworthy that when both the isolates were cocultured, they could also decolorize orange reactive and reactive GR black up to 51.17 and 37%, respectively
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P-47

REMOVAL OF DYES FROM WATER BY SOLUBLIZATION

Hina Shakoor1, Muhammad Ibrahim1*, Muhammad Usman2

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad 2 Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad Corresponding author email: ebrahem.m@gmaicom

A comparative study of removal of health risk organic dyes from water was carried out using sorption and solublization. Activated carbon was used as sorbents to remove reactive textile dyes from aqueous solutions. The bath sorption experiments were conducted at various pH, sorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration and agitation speed. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models was examined. The influence of cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and an anionic surfactant, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on spectral properties of selected dyes in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of UV-Visible spectroscopy in submicellar and micellar concentration range. Absorption spectra of these dyes in the presence of surfactant confirmed which type of interaction was taking place between molecules of dye and surfactant. It was explored that initially molecules of dye were attached with monomeric molecules of surfactant in premicellar region while in post micellar region they were accommodated with in micelle. The values of micellewater partition coefficient Kx, free energy of partition, dye-surfactant binding constant Kb and free energy of binding were also calculated by differential spectroscopic method.

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P-48 ISOPROTURON MINERALIZATION IN AN AGRICULTURAL SOIL OVER A THREE YEAR CROP ROTATION: IMPACT OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION HISTORY ON MINERALIZATION KINETICS
Sabir Hussain1,2*, Marion Devers-Lamrani1, Mylne Porcherot1, Nadine Rouard1 and Fabrice Martin-Laurent1
1

INRA, Universit de Bourgogne, UMR MSE, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, F-21065 Dijon Cedex, France 2 Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: sabirgcuf@gmail.com

Frequent use of phenylurea herbicide isoproturon (IPU) in agricultural fields has resulted not only in the contamination of arable soils but also in the adaptation of the soil microflora to its rapid biodegradation. Microbial biodegradation plays a key purifying role by governing natural attenuation of pesticdes in the environment. In order to further elucidate the factors affecting the purifying capabilities of soil microbial communities, we monitored the spatial variability of the IPU mineralization activity of soil microflora over a three years (2008, 2009 and 2010) an agricultural field cropped with winter wheat/ rapeseed/ barley crop rotation periodically exposed to this herbicide. Thirty six soil samples were collected on a XX x YY m grid, analyzed by radiorespirometery using 14C-ring-labeled IPU. Several biological and physicochemical parameters including pH, relative humidity, CEC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, microbial C biomass, culturable bacteria and mineralization activity were estimated. Significantly higher cumulative IPU mineralization were observed in 2008 and 2010 when the field was treated with IPU and sulfonylurea herbicides, respectively (p<0.05). Spatial variability of IPU mineralization revealed higher variability in 2009 and 2010 as compared to that observed in 2008. Pearsons coefficient of correlation indicated for a weak relationship between the IPU mineralization and several the physico-chemical properties like pH and organic matter content. However, the geostatistical map of IPU mineralization rate (m) showed important similarity with that of soil pH and organic matter content. Furthermore, geostatistics revealed IPU and sulfonylurea herbicide treatment lowered the range of variation in IPU mineralization activity. Based on these findings, we conclude that pesticide treatment is the key driver of pesticide degrading ability of the soil
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microflora and that soil physico-chemical parameters (pH and organic matter content) are influencing the expression of the IPU degrading potential of the soil microbiota.

P-49

TOXICITY ASSESSMENT THROUGH ALLIUM CEPA TEST OF ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESS EFFICIENCY
T. H. Bokhari 2*, Munawar Iqbal 1, Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti 1, Muhammad Shahid 2
Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: tanveer.bokhari@yahoo.com
1

Azo dyes are widely used in textile industries and to date, various techniques, such as adsorption, photocatalysis and purification by membrane filtration, have been reported to remove this class of dye form wastewater. However, decolorization is not a correct solution. Recently, various author reported the toxic and carcinogenic nature of dyes, which is considered a threat to the aquatic life. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) has advantages over all existing technologies due to its degradation and mineralization efficiency and allium cepa test has been used for the evaluation of toxicity of treated sample. In present study, the toxicity of dye aqueous solution was checked before AOP application, which was found to toxic (up to 90% versus negative control). After toxicity evaluation, the aqueous solutions of Yellow F3R were irradiated to UV (40 watt, 254 nm) in the presence of H 2O2 and degradation was evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. The dye degradation was influenced by multiparameters like hydrogen peroxide percentage, time of UV irradiation, pH and shaking speed. The experimental variables were optimized to obtain maximum dye degradation and the toxicity of maximum degraded dye aqueous solutions were checked by allium cepa biological test, which is considered a true representative of vast fana and flora community. The optimized values of variable such as dye concentration, H 2O2 percentage, UV irradiation time, pH and shaking speed were found to be 100 ppm, 5%, 1 h, 3 and 100 rpm, respectively and the dye solution treated at these selected level showed significantly reduced toxicity (up to 65%).
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Results indicate that this method is useful for dye toxicity reduction and also applicable for the toxicity reduction of true textile wastewater, which may be helpful for aquatic life.

P-50

REMOVAL OF CR AND NI FROM WASTEWATER USING THESPESIA POPULENEA AS BIOSORBENT

M.Irfan1, Zaib-un-Nisa1, U. Rashid2, M.Ibrahim1, M.S. Arif1*, S. Anwaar1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad Pakistan Corresponding author: qasim343@gmail.com

Removal of toxic heavy metals from water channels is one of most significant environmental issue. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based optimized model was used to assess the potential of Thespesia populenea as a feedstock material for the removal of Cr and Ni from the wastewater of tannery and textile industry. Effects of operating variables such as pH, agitation time and dose concentration were also determined for the removal of heavy metals ions followed by quality of waste water obtained. Optimization of biosorption process using RSM model showed that the best possible percent removal of heavy metal, 78.26 % and 86.52 % for Ni and Cr were obtained at 2 pH, (1.5 gL-1) biomass doze concentration (with 0.710 mm particle size), 40 (min.) agitation time and 2.81 pH, 0.91 (gL-1) biomass doze concentration (with 0.250 mm particle size), 51.90 (min.) agitation time; respectively. The percent removal theoretically predicted by quadratic polynomial models was found to be in good agreement with those of experimental data, verifying the accuracy of the proposed model. This study showed that use of indigenously available non-conventional plant materials could be used as biosorbent to the accelerated problem of effluents treatment.

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P-51

HEAVY METAL RESISTANCE BACTERIA: HOW AND WHY DO THEY DO IT? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO INTERESTING?
Faisal Islam1, Tahira yasmeen1*
1

Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: rida_akash@hotmail.com

The term resistance bacteria describes a number of bacteria that belong to different phylogenetic groups but share the ability to grow on metal contaminated site and to accumulate extraordinarily high amounts of heavy metals in their biomass without suffering normal metabolic functioning. Two basic characters distinguish resistance from related non-resistance bacteria: a strongly enhanced rate of heavy metal uptake and a greater ability to detoxify and sequester heavy metals. An interesting come out that has come forth from comparative physiological and genomic studies of resistance and non resistance bacteria reveals that resistance mechanism is because of different regulation and expression of genes found in both kinds of bacteria in chromosomes and on plasmid. Primarily, resistance in microorganisms can occur through the decreased uptake of metal ion, the increased use of efflux pumps, biosorption, and the upregulation of genes associated with oxidative stress response and in metal reduction. Heavy metal contaminated soils pose an increasing problem to human and animal health. An overview of literature demonstrates the cleanup efforts using bacteria to remediate specific metal effected soils have appeared over the last 30 years. Moreover, metal resistant bacteria can be used for microbe assisted phytoremediation to restore the productivity, fertility, and stability of heavy metal spoil, leading to the development of a sustainable ecosystem.

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P-52

ROLE OF METAL CHELATION BY POLYCHELATINS AND VACUOLAR COMPARTMENTALIZATION IN PLANT

Faisal Islam1,Tahira yasmeen1*
1

Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: rida_akash@hotmail.com

Both essential and non-essential transition metal ions can be toxic to cells. The physiological range for essential metals between deficiency and toxicity is extremely narrow. A tightly controlled metal homeostasis network is required to adjust fluctuations in micronutrient availability in for all organisms. One protective strategy against metal excess is the production of high affinity binding proteins to inhibit uncontrolled binding of metal ions to physiologically important functional groups. Phytochelatins (PCs) are heavy metal-binding peptides that play important roles in the detoxification of toxic heavy metals. PCs are the cystine rich oligomers of glutathione having variable chain length with basic formula is (-GluCys)n-Gly. The molecular weight ranges from 2000 to 10000 DA. In addition, a number of structural variants of PCs such as ( -Glu-Cys)n--Ala, (-Glu-Cys)n-Glu, (-GluCys)n-Ser and (-Glu-Cys)n, have been identified in some species of plants. Phytochelatins also regulate intracellular concentrations of essential metals in eukaryotes, including higher plants, fungi, and microalgae. Recently, PC synthase (PCS) genes are isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPCS1), wheat (TaPCS1), Thlaspi caerulescens (TcMT3). PvPCS1 from Pteris vittata , Nelumbo nucifera (NnPCS1), Sesbania rostrata (SrPCS).The PC synthase is novel papain-like Cys protease having combined protease and peptide polymerase capabilities with self-regulated activity; it terminates the reaction as the activating metal ion is chelated by the nascent PCs. Plants employ a two-step mechanism to detoxify toxic ions. First, phytochelatins bind to the toxic ion, and then compartmentalization is the second step of conjugation in which metalphytochelatin complex is sequestered in the vacuole. The vacuole is generally considered to be the main storage site for metal-phytochelatin complex in yeast and plant cells. Sequestrations of toxic
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metal ions to vacuole is the main strategy for heavy metals/metalloids detoxification and tolerance in plants because it prevents its free circulation, reduces the level of toxic metal ions in cytosol, forces them into a limited area.

P-53

BACTERIAL ZINC HOMEOSTASIS

Faisal Islam1, Tahira Yasmeen1*

Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: rida_akash@hotmail.com

Zinc is essential to virtually all organisms since it plays important catalytic and structural roles in many proteins but poses problems of toxicity in excess. Bacteria cell membranes prevent passive diffusion of metal ions into the cytoplasm, tightly regulated systems are required to permit metal ion uptake which allowing them to achieve effective zinc homeostasis under a range of zinc regimes. Highly efficient zinc acquisition systems are used to scavenge zinc from the environment under zinc-restricted conditions. In many cases, this involves direct transcriptional control of metalloregulatory protein synthesis as well as post transcriptional regulation. There is evidence that bacteria control their zinc requirements in response to zinc availability by down regulating the expression of zinc proteins during zinc-restricted growth some of which utilize either ATP or the chemiosmotic potential to drive the movement of Zinc across the cytosolic membrane, together with proteins that facilitate the diffusion of this ion across either the outer or inner membranes of prokaryotes. And finally, the expression of the zinc homeostatic machinery is subject to zincdependent global control ensuring that zinc acquisition, storage and consumption are geared to zinc availability and that intracellular levels of free zinc do not reach toxic levels.

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P-54

HYDROGEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MALIR RIVERS BASIN AQUIFER

Haris Akram Bhatti1,2, Muhammad Shafqat Ejaz1, Abid Murtaza Khan3, Qurat-ul-Ain Asim4
2

Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Water Resources, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; 3Department of Petroleum Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan;4Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: harisresearch@yahoo.com, msejaz@neduet.edu.pk

Hydrogeological studies are the most important tool for the assessment of groundwater resources and sustainability issues. Malir River Basin (MRB) that lies at the north east of the Karachi city is popular for peri-urban agricultural activities with groundwater irrigation in its various parts. In this study, aquifer characterization in terms of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield of different sub-basins of the MRB catchment is carried out. Geological map (GSP, 2001), general topographic (GT) sheets (SOP, 1998), electric resistivity survey and hydrogeological profiles (JICA, 1990), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and records of drilled test hole (KWSB, 2005) are used for the representation of the MRB aquifer system. The Geological Map of Karachi city was digitized with the image processing software and georeferencing of the map was done to make it compatible with GT sheets. The spot heights (around 200 points) and contours marked in the GT sheets were also digitized to prepare the digital elevation model (ground surface/top elevation of layer) for the MRB. Similarly, the bottom of aquifer is marked on the basis of hydrogeological profiles. The refinement to the aquifer thickness and bottom of impermeable boundary is incorporated by the records of electric resistivity survey and digitization of hydrogeological profiles carried out by JICA (1990) and records of VES reported by KWSB (2005). The records of test holes drilled up to the depth of 365m were also used to substantiate the thickness of saturated permeable material within the MRB aquifer system. Two methods namely: pumping test analysis and porous medium
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approach were adopted for the estimation of aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity and specific yield). The pumping tests with observations of water levels recorded through piezometer installed at 30m interval were conducted (KWSB, 2005) on five wells in the MRB. The pumping test data was analyzed by type and field curve matching; and corresponding values of aquifer parameters were calculated. Similarly the layered porous medium approach was applied on the lithological logs of test hole drilled in the MRB for the estimation of aquifer parameters and ranges of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield were estimated. Results of this study suggest presence of an unconfined highly transmissive aquifer in the MRB having thickness varies from 200-400m on the north western (upstream side) of the Area of Interest (AOI) and 17-200m within the AOI and pinches out at south eastern boundary. The thickness of MRB aquifer decreases from northeast to southwest direction with maximum and minimum values of 414m and 17m in the Khadeji and Thaddo Basin respectively. The estimation of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield by porous medium approach gives closer results to the values reported earlier (JICA, 1990) in comparison to the pumping test data analysis which gives unrealistic values of the above aquifer parameters. The ranges (minimum and maximum values) of aquifer parameters estimated by porous medium approach for the sub basins can be used as an initial guess during groundwater model development and calibration. The maximum and minimum values of hydraulic conductivity are estimated as 1.88m/d and 493.18m/d in the Thaddo Basin whereas the maximum and minimum values of specific yield are found out as 0.09 and 0.17 in the Thaddo and Sukkan Basin respectively. Additional hydrogeological investigations are suggested to be carried out especially in the northern side of the MRB catchment area. Groundwater monitoring is also suggested to be undertaken on long term basis for the characterization of MRB aquifer system.

P-55

CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL OR SCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA UNDER ITS IMPACT

Shamim Soomro1*, Syed Aijaz Ali Shah2
1

Department of Social work, University of Sindh Jamshoro; 2Government of Sindh Corresponding author e-mail: mars_gem19@hotmail.com

Climate change is a world phenomenon; scientists consider it scientific while sociologists always enlist it as a social phenomenon. No doubt without scientific approach climate change has any meaning but as a social phenomenon it helps to understand the socio economic aspects of climate change. Migration, evacuation and impact upon the people living in different areas are the attached factors that must be considered during the research especially development of curriculum for the purpose. Millennium Development Goal always shows social aspect in Goal no.7 as Ensuring Environmental Sustainability. This goal cannot be achieved without understanding climate change as a social phenomenon. Now the impact is mass migration from arid zone to non arid zone as in Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan.

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P-56 INVESTIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (CLIMATE & LAND COVER) FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO THE FLOOD DISASTER: A CASE STUDY OF KOHISTAN (HAZARA)
Habiba Khalid1, Adnan Ahmad Tahir1*, Muhammad Bilal1, Arshid Pervez1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad Corresponding author e-mail: adnantahir@ciit.net.pk

There are various environmental changes which are accelerating worldwide, posing significant challenges for humanity. These include energy crises, environmental degradation, environmental health, pollution, ozone depletion, climatic change and land degradation. Climatic change and vegetation cover reduction lead to catastrophic floods. This study was based on investigating the climatic variables (mean temperature & precipitation) and vegetation cover change associated with extreme stream flow events (2010 Indus Floods) in River Indus at Shatial Bridge, Kohistan. Two major types of data sets were used, satellite data and ground data (hydro-meteorological data) respectively to accomplish the objectives of this study. Satellite datasets used for the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and land cover monitoring were ASTER V002 (Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) and Landsat TM 4-5 (Land Remote Sensing Satellite Thematic Mapper 4-5) respectively. The extreme River Indus events were analyzed using hydro meteorological data. Hydrological data included data for monthly Indus River discharge from 1990-2010. Meteorological data included monthly precipitation and mean temperature from 1990-2010. The results of the study show that the enhanced Indus flow at Shatial Bridge during floods was mainly due to increase in mean temperature that caused glacier melt and uneven monsoon rainfall distribution. Vegetation cover seems to have no contribution in increasing the surface runoff during these flood periods.

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P-57

ON THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Imrose Bin Muhit1*

Department of Civil Engineering Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology Chittagong-4349 Bangladesh. Corresponding author e-mail: imrose_cuet@rocketmail.com

Climate change and its impact on the design of buildings are currently subject to concern. Large resources have been put into development of models for predicting future climate changes. However, considering the huge investment in buildings combined with their expected long service life, only few resources have been put into adaptation strategies for buildings. In line with other countries, Bangladesh is at the beginning of developing a strategy to address the effect of climate change on a broad scale. The present paper is based on one of the pre-studies for this work and focuses only on the impact on the design of buildings. It is shown how performance requirements for buildings may be taken as a starting point for a systematic evaluation of which climate related data are needed as a background for the design of buildings. Among the conclusions is that the lack of knowledge about the uncertainty of the relevant climate parameters is in itself a problem, and that the building sector should be more active in presenting its need for knowledge about specific climate related parameters.

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P-58

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN

Sidra Ijaz Khan1*
21-C, B.O.R Saman Berg, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: sidra_ijaz010@hotmail.com
1

Pakistan, with approximately 17.5 million populations, is facing Environmental Problems, which are threatening to health and prosperity. These environmental problems are mostly because of anthropogenic action. The environmental protection in Pakistan, role of PEPA by the government, are still confronting global challenges like Climate Change, Toxic Chemicals and Pesticides, Biological Diversity, Deforestation, Oceans, Ozone Depletion, and Water Resource and its Pollution. The regional environmental problems includes Costal and Marine Pollution, Domestic Water Pollution, Air Quality, Vehicle Emission, Glacier Melting Poverty Urbanization and Population growth, can be resolved if the government, NGOs 1, and CSR(Coporate Social Responsiblity) work together and share the vision of a cleaner and healthier world. The resistant behavior to introduce the latest energy resources and technology and high dependency on existing resources like hydropower to generate electricity are hindering in the way of progress. Hydropower is no longer supporting the demand, but still there is no serious attitude toward looking at new renewable energy resources such as PV15, Geothermal, and Wind Power, Nuclear Energy etc. The need of the hour is to change the present so called Democratic Political System, which is the biggest hurdle in the way of progress of Pakistan and search a true leader who can lead pakistan in best manner. By changing their attitude and let them understand that their political consequences are causing drastic problems, Pakistan can run on the road of progress.

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P-59

CLIMATE CHNGE AND ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT

Sobia Khan1*, Noreen Rao1, Quratul-Ain1
Civil Services Academy (Pvt) Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: bk_93talpur@yahoo.com
1

The atmosphere of earth is abundant with air, water and wind that make its climate. They all have the regular patterns and thus create the weather conditions on earth for the survival of man and other possible lives to exist. The organisms show great variety from smallest known protein particle prior to the largest mammal blue whale with the either terrestrial or aqueous biome. This is just because of the evolution that directly affected by environmental adaptations. The anthropogenic activities at an extended level are intermingling with natural phenomena and are the bedrocks for fluctuations in the environment. This has become the biggest threat of the present world to combat against it globally, not only to get maximum benefits from the natural resources but to make existence of every creature with a full environmental and nutritional values. Its none but the our surroundings and environmental conditions that bolstered the growth of ripened fruit, seasonal crops, medicinal herbs, shadow providing trees, feed and fodder of livestock, edible food variety and many other advantious resources directly.

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P-60

LAND USE CHANGES AND RURALS LIVELIHOOD STRATEGY IN SAMAHNI, DISTRICT BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR
Aimen Imtiaz, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

The current case study was conducted at village of Jarali, Union Council Chowki (UCC) of Tehsil Samahni, District Bhimber, Azad Kashmir. The village survey, key informants interview and sustainable livelihood framework have been applied for analyzing land use changes in forestland, farmland and grazing land as well as driving forces for such changes. The results indicated that the state use polices and market economy are underlying causes for land use and cover changes. However, the local inhabitants response to land use change and their livelihood changes vary based on their cultural beliefs, household economic and labor forces. The priority ranking (PR) was constructed by using quantitative and qualitative interview strategies. The pros and cons of such variations in abiota are discovered and peoples reaction and planning methodologies are also reviewed and revitalized with positive and constructive suggestions.

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P-61

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE OF PAKISTAN

Mahmood-ur-Rahman*, Khadim Hussain, Noor-us-saba

Plant Research Group, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad38000, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: mahmood1233@yahoo.com

Global agriculture is under significant pressure to meet the demands of rising populations using limited soil and water resources that are predicted to be further stressed by the impact of climate change. It could affect agriculture in several ways like productivity, agricultural practices, environmental effects, agricultural land use, adaptation, etc. Rapid climate change could harm agriculture in under developed countries like Pakistan, especially which are already suffering from poor soil and climate conditions. Agriculture is the back bone of Pakistans economy that could be heavily damaged by climate change. Under changing climatic conditions, growing period of some crops (oilseeds, grains, etc.) may decrease and they are matured in less time. Horticultural crops (such as tomato, onion, and fruit) are more sensitive towards environment and may heavily be affected by climate change. The variabilities in climatic conditions may harmfully affect the crops by causing increase in temperature and less availability of water for cultivation. A significant threat posed by rising temperatures is water stress through increased rate of transpiration. Without adequate rainfall or irrigation systems, crop failure is a real danger. These serious problems can be tackled through the use of biotechnology. By using biotechnological procedures, it is possible to create variability in the genome of crop plants followed by adaptation under changing climatic conditions.

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P-62

ETHNOBOTANICAL PROFILE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MARADORI

VALLEY, DISTRICT HAVELI (FORWARD KHAHOOTA), AZAD KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

Muhammad Ishtiaq*1, Mehwish Maqbool1, Tanveer Hussain1, Muhammad Amin Ullah Shah2
1.Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN; 2. Department of Biological Sciences, Sargodha University, Sargodha, PAKISTAN Corresponding author e-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

An Ethnomedicinal Inventory (EMI) was formulated in the year 2010 to record the culture and folklore uses of Medicinal Plants (MPs) of Maradori Valley (MV), District Khahuta Haveli, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The MV is very rich in plant biodiversity and it presents a fabulous scenic preview with high and diverse lofty mountainous terrain. The tribes of the area hitherto depend on MPs to cure various diseases. During research, open-ended ad closed-ended interviews and questionnaire form methodology was employed. This EMI reveals that 45 plants are of pertinent significance because they are used not only at local level but also these MPs are exported to other cities of Pakistan to manufacture drugs in pharmaceutical industries. In EMI some interesting findings were use of Ajuga bacteosa in treating jaundice and in enlargement of liver and spleen. The flowers of Achillea millefolium are used as laxative and tonic for brain and development of secondary features in females. The root extract of Senecio chrysanthemoides is applied to treat cholera and lung diseases in infants. The root of Berberis lycium is used frequently in treating diabetes and spleenic troubles. The extract of Swertia petiolata is used in leucoderma and to prevent vomiting of pregnancy. Arnebia bethemii is used to cure pneumonia, cardiac, tongue and throat disorders. Angelica glavaca is useful in cancer/tumor treatment. Saussurea costus is used to cure arthritis. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) of medicinal plants were determined. The category Fever, flu, cough and malaria had highest ICF value (0.88) followed by Gastro-intestinal disorders, diarrhea, ulcers had had ICF values (0.77), ranking at second position which demonstrates high incidence of these types of diseases in the area. The medicinal plants with high FL values are Senecio chrysanthernoldes, Geranium wallichianum, Arnebia bethemii and
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Saussurea costus. Agricultural expansion, urbanization and over exploitation are two major threatening factors for the flora.

P-63

WATER MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN BY IMPLEMENTING NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Farid Yasin1, Abdul Wahid1 and Muhammad Nawaz1
Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University Corresponding author e-mail: farid_ahmad@hotmail.com

Water plays a vital role in a country's economy. It has been critical to the making of human history. Water is a main source of life and unfortunately, that source is becoming extinct in some parts of the world and this case can be well observed in Pakistan. This document deals with the water crises as well as its management in Pakistan. Pakistan is an agricultural country having a variety of landscapes in its five provinces, Sindh, Balochistan, Sarhad, Punjab and Pukhtunistan with water sources of five rivers Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum and also rain fall. In spite of these resources, still there is scarcity of water for many purposes, even for the smooth running of daily life. This resource is being depleted by direct or indirect effect of human activates as well as some other environmental factors which are playing their havoc role. Now there is a need to improve and manage the situation for the sake of avoidance from bad future and it can be done by creating awareness among the people through different ways.Undesireable effects of environment can be minimized by having a serious check and balance on human activities. The water crisis in Pakistan can be avoided by building more dams and reservoirs but till than a solution is needed to manage the water, so it can be provided to the agricultural, industrial and residential sector. This document tries to give an insight to this problem along with providing a solution with the help of Natural Resource Management tools.

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P-64

MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Nadia Erum khan
Correspondence author: nadiazai2012@gmail.com

Nature is convenient standard that supports the existence of life with ups and downs by guarding the veracity, diversity of nature and efficiently use of natural resources we can maintain the life on planet. Global warming is the outcome of the mismanagement of micro and macro ecological and social activates. The destruction of natural resources like, mangroves, dunes and coastal wetland they protect us from storm, the intensity and frequency of floods is increasing day by day due to the deforestation, greenhouse gasses emission is increasing in atmosphere with alarming rate. Therefore, here is a dire need of good management (preventive, precautionary, proactive action). Due to lack of long term policy Have to set the priorities through which we can preserve and restore the natural resources because this natural resources provide economical development and protective service to human beings.

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P-65

HOW TO COMBAT DROUGHT STRESS IN COTTON UNDER CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN PAKISTAN?
Noor-us-saba, Mahmood-ur-Rahman*, Khadim Hussain

Plant Research Group, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: mahmood1233@yahoo.com

Cotton is a fiber crop which plays an important role in Pakistans economy. During the past few years, the cotton plant has been adversely affected by drought which is also cited as one of the most serious natural disaster under changing climatic conditions. Under stress conditions, the gene expression of cotton plant can be up regulated and down regulated and the level of expression also varies from plant to plant. It is important to study the genes responsible for drought stress. Identification of such genes is a critical step in this regard. The transcripts/genes responsible for drought stress can be identified using bioinformatics tools. To identify the genes, sequences of known drought tolerant genes of Arabidopsis thaliana and rice are retrieved, screened and classified. Then identification of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) is carried out. ESTs are rich source to study and identify transcripts/genes responsible for various traits in plants and these identified ESTs are subjected to multiple sequence alignment. The conserved domains and motifs are predicted using bioinformatics online tools for further characterization. Identification of drought related transcripts and there study at gene level is helpful to understand the mechanism of drought tolerance in cotton plant. Gene identification approach using bioinformatics is less laborious, need fewer resources and quick. Thus, keeping all the above information in view, the strategy will be discussed to identify drought tolerant transcripts/genes in crop plants.

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P-66

WQI BASED GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT IN THE FLOOD HIT AREAS AT KABUL RIVER IN PAKISTAN
Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Haleema Attaullah2

Assistant Director (Policy & Traffic), Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan 2 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan Corresponding author email: tariqusaeed@gmail.com

The aim of this study was to ascertain WQI (Water Quality Index) of groundwater drawn from deep aquifers with hand-pumps available to the communities settled in the surroundings of three important tributaries of Kabul River. The main purpose of using WQI technique was to present the results and complex water quality data in a simplified manner that is easier to interpret and understand by common people. Present day, water from Kabul River is highly polluted due to direct introduction of effluents and solid wastes from industries such as tanneries, sugar mills, paper industries and textiles. Earlier studies have been carried out for assessing water quality of Kabul River. But the assessment of groundwater quality in the low income communities in the vicinity of three tributaries of Kabul River namely Shah Alam, Sardaryab and Budnai has become important and essential to be monitored after extreme floods that hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of Pakistan, in 2010 resulting from torrential monsoon. The most serious impact of flooding in these areas was a wide spread contamination of groundwater which caused serious health issues like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, skin diseases, dysentery, infected liver, and gastroenteritis. A total of fifteen wells used in this study were selected from five different villages surrounding each tributary; based on their critical situation regarding severe damages in these villages by floods and having no access to safe drinking water. Collected samples were analyzed by standard techniques for 13 water quality parameters i.e. pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, biological oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen. In this study, according to WQI scale all the samples collected from Shah Alam and Sardaryab comes under the condition of Unsuitable indicating higher level of contamination and have shown that water is highly risky for drinking and other domestic usages. Few water samples from villages near Budnai River fall under the condition very poor while others show Unsuitable condition according to WQI scale. It is recommended that these poor communities with high density of population should be provided with water filtration and purification plant on an immediate basis
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to cope with the health issues and an alternate source of water should be arranged immediately not allowing them to use this contaminated water.

P-67

CLIMATE CHANGE: GENOMIC APPROACHES FOR PLANT ADAPTATION

Muhammad Saeed
Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: saeed242@hotmail.com

Pakistan is among the countries severely-hit by climate change. Climate change is affecting plant production by disturbing the optimum conditions for plant growth and development. Sudden temperature rises during the grain filling stages of wheat, rice, and maize reduces grain formation. This leads to yield reductions causing economic losses. In cotton, there is increased flower and square shedding due to temperature rises. Extreme low temperatures, beyond the optimum range for plant growth, also cause reduced plant survival and germination. Genomic approaches can help to tag the genomic regions involved in plant adaptation to harsh climates. Post genome sequence era has accelerated the genome annotation research identifying genes involved in abiotic stress tolerance. DNA marker technology, a tool of modern genomics, can help to identify loci for harsh environment tolerance and molecular breeding for release of crop cultivars best suited under post climate change scenario. Association mapping and genomic selection are the recent versions of genomic approaches which are promising to breed for plant abiotic stress tolerance under climate change scenario.

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ASSESMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ANTIFUNGAL RHIZOBACTERIA WITH HELP OF MOLECULAR MARKERS

Tayyaba Shaheen1, Amir Abdullah1, Sadia Ali1, Shafaqat Ali2 and Mehboob-ur-Rahman1
2

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University Faisalabad Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: tayaba_pgmb@yahoo.com

The fungal diseases are the major problem in the production of crops. The crop production is decreasing day by day due to fungal disease, especially in Asian countries. Rhizobacteria are naturally occurring soil bacteria that aggressively colonize plant roots and benefit plants by providing growth. These rhizobacteria can stimulate plant growth directly by producing growth hormones or indirectly by producing antifungal compounds/antibiotics to suppress phytopathogenic fungi. Rhizobacterial diversity is influenced by both plant and soil type. Since root exudation is species-specific, it is a major factor that determines community composition within the rhizosphere. We used different techniques like RAPD, 16srRNA for the assessement of genetic diversity of antifungal rhizobacteria. Our results indicted a high degree of similarity in rhizobacteria habitating in same region. Lastly the assessment of genetic diversity of antifungal rhiziobacteria can contribute greatly in control of fungal disease and help in enhancement of crop production. The major goal of our research is to overcome the stress due to which major crops of the Pakistan are destroyed such as fungal diseases.

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P-69 SNOW COVER AND STREAM FLOW RELATIONSHIP IN SHIGAR RIVER BASIN UNDER CLIMATE VARIABILITY USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Samreen Abdul Hakeem, Adnan Ahmad Tahir, Muhammad Bilal, Arshid Pervez
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad Corresponding author e-mail: adnantahir@ciit.net.pk

Pakistan being an agricultural economy is strongly relying on its water resources for generation of revenue and sustainability of livelihood of its 60% population. The vast irrigation system of Pakistan is constituted by the Indus River and its tributaries. The Indus River originates from the mighty Hindukush- Karakoram-Himalaya range and enters into the northern areas of Pakistan where it is fed by the snow melt of towering glaciers of Upper Indus Basin, thereby, serving as a primary source for river discharge. Shigar River, a tributary of Indus River, lies in the Upper Indus Basin and is dependent on the snow and glacial melt for availability of water. The river discharge is found to be directly influenced by the change in % Snow Cover Area which is directly affected by the temperature variation over the year. Any change in the rate of snow and glacial melt caused by the climate variability may therefore influence the entire irrigation system of Indus River.

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SATELLITE BASED MONITORING OF SOME CLIMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Memon Akhtar A1, Aziz Adnan1 and Said-ur-Rehman1
1

Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge facing mankind over centuries so monitoring changes contribute to a better understanding of our changing world. Satellite applications have been facilitated us with monitoring several parameters regarding climate change studies such as Land Surface Temperature (LST), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea Surface Salinity (SSS), sea level, sea height, chlorophyll concentration, wind speed and direction, lakes, snow cover, glaciers and ice cover, cloud cover, precipitation, humidity, fog, etc. This paper presents the techniques of monitoring various climatological parameters using satellite remote sensing.

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P-71

GIS BASED ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION AND SOIL QUALITY AROUND THE SOLID WASTE SITES IN FAISALABAD CITY
Nusrat Parveen1, Naeem Iqbal2, Muhammad Sajjad3
1. Department of Geography, Govt. College University. Faisalabad 2. Department of Botany, Govt. College University. Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: nusrat.siddiq@gmail.com

Emergence of industrialization and Urban sprawl are forceful factors to raise the graph of water contamination and soil pollution. Faisalabad, the 2nd large industrial city of the country is a source of influx of several pollutants particularly heavy metals into urban environment. Undeniably, there is a rising apprehension over the prospective for pollution of urban ground water with heavy metals. An experimental work has been conducted to analyze the heavy metals Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, As and Cd with the help of ICP. In addition to these nutrients contents such as Na and K, were determined through the flame photometer and Ca and Mg were determined through the buffer analysis in the urban topsoil of sixteen selected solid waste sites and there were eight water samples collected around the each solid waste site. A systematic sampling was done from the nearest distance of 10 meter to maximum distance of 200 meter from the solid waste sites. The study was based on geospatial and geo-statistical techniques along with laboratory work to assess the heavy metal contamination in water. The study reveals that water present in the vicinity of dumping sites is not pure. Water contains a large number of heavy metals which is very unsafe to human health. The mean concentration of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb ranged from 21.9-200.1, 12.03-109.85, 12.32-33.90 and 0.0030.25 mg/Kg respectively and K and Na mean concentration in the solid waste sites soil 1.357-3.50. Some parameters exceeded from WHO standards like Cadmium, lead, Nickel. The concentration of lead is high at five locations and of Ni has crossed the WHO tolerance level in every observed ground water sample. Monitoring of water and soil contamination aspects is essential for the quality assessment and sustainable development of the urban environment.
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P-72

PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGES AND A COMMON MAN

Muhammad Nofil Safwan
House No. 426 Meher Ali Scheme, Unit No. 11 Latifabad Hyderabad Sindh Corresponding author e-mail:nofil_safwan2000@yahoo.com

Climate change is an emerging contemporary problem around the world, technically the definitions and descriptions are same globally, but the comprehension for a common man varies; which is the biggest issue, reasons are different caste and creed, as well as the literacy rate in different areas plays a major role to realize it as a problem by a common man, even in United States a significant number of population believe that there is no issue of climate change it is a natural process and recovered naturally, similarly in a country like Pakistan a common man even dont know the term Climate change or Global warming. Awareness of a common man regarding Climate change and related all problems including its remedies is the key to success, almost 3.9 billion of the population live in Asia, where the awareness levels are very low regarding the importance of climate change. This paper will help to sought out the places and populations where climate change awareness is required, this paper also try to frame some strategies to unravel the solutions by materializing the local machinery.

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P-73

LANDSLIDE ZONATION MAPPING IN GILGIT DISTRICT USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES
Rashid Saleem*1, Sajid Rashid Ahmad1,Faisal Mueen Qamar2, Garee Khan3
2

Institutes of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan International Centers for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal 3 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan Corresponding author email: rashid.saleem.lhr@gmail.com

Landslide happening is one of the most common natural hazards in the mountain areas and can significance in huge destruction to both life and assets. Therefore, identification of landslide-prone areas is essential for harmless strategic planning of future growing activities. To assess the hazard caused by the landslides, it requires the preparation of landslide susceptibility map. For this purpose, the statistical method like maximum entropy analysis (Maxent) and weighting factor methods have been used with GIS to prepare a landslide susceptibility map district Gilgit. Spatial layers used for the analysis comprises of past landslide incidents inventory, land cover / land use map, slope, aspect, elevation, distance to stream density, and distance to steep stream. The stability index map formed by the model was further characterised into three susceptibility zones. The results were verified with the existing landslide ground based observed points.

147

P-74

SIMULATION OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR THE REGION OF ISLAMABAD USING WRF MODEL
Sabir Sardar and Naseem Irfan
Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: sabirsardar31@gmail.com

The meteorological data is considered as a key input to a dispersion model for performing atmospheric dispersion modeling. Dispersion modeling plays an important role in accident and its consequences analysis to assist in planning of evacuation and emergency preparedness plan in case of an accident. To generate the meteorological data of a region where the observed station data is not available, some meteorological models are used as the powerful modeling tools for this purpose. The present study has been carried out to evaluate the simulative capability of a meteorological model as Weather and Research Forecasting model (WRF). This model has been used in present study for the simulation of the climatology of the region of Islamabad. The Eulerian and grid dependent meteorological data for different parameters like ground temperature, surface wind speed and wind direction so obtained were validated against the observed data of the same region. The comparison of simulated and observed meteorological data of abovementioned parameters indicated that the predicted results for the ground temperature seemed to have superior agreement with the observed data of the same meteorological parameter while a slight mismatching was observed for wind parameters. The reason was attributed to the large perturbation in wind parameters as compared to the ground temperature. The overall performance of WRF model was found satisfactory in simulation the climatology of the simulated region.

148

P-75

REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR DENGUE EPIDEMIC RISK MAPPING IN LAHORE
Bilal Tariq1, Arjumand Z. Zaidi2

Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi Campus 2 Assitant Professor, Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi Campus Corresponding author e-mail: bilaltariq8@hotmail.com

Over the last two decades, dengue fever has become a major mosquito borne disease in Pakistan. Dengue outbreaks were reported in the major cities of Pakistan especially in Lahore where the number of dengue cases increases radically in 2011 making it the worst epidemic disease in the national history. This situation has emerged as a serious threat to public health and managing and controlling risks of dengue outbreaks are being given a serious consideration by the concerned local and provincial departments. It has been observed that dengue virus grows in specific climatic conditions and there are some environmental factors (EFs) that promote its growth. The objective of this paper is to propose an advance approach to identify the risk prone areas by linking these factors with dengue outbreaks using satellite data and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. The Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS techniques used in this study are proven to be more efficient and cost effective as compared to the traditional approaches. Information provided in terms of spatial and temporal distribution patterns of dengue fever outbreaks in Lahore and its relationships with EFs are helpful in developing dengue risk maps. Assessment of dengue risk maps based on EFs, investigates the dengue risk prone areas of Lahore. These maps will help concerned departments in managing dengue outbreaks in a more informed and effective manner. The EFs used for this study are Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), precipitation, air temperature and humidity. The results show that most of the cases occurred in residential areas near hospitals and those areas that have received heavy rainfall followed by high NDVI and high temperatures.

149

P-76 MANAGEMENT OF SOIL SALINITY THROUGH MICROBIALY PRODUCED PHYTOHORMONES TO IMPROVE THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)
Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammad Khalid, Zahir Ahmad Zahir
Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad38040 (Pakistan) Corresponding author e-mail: asifses@gmail.com

Soil salinity is one of the most widespread agricultural problems which reduces the field and crop productivity. Twenty rhizobacterial strains producing auxin and containaing 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylate deaminase activity were isolated from the rhizosphere of the salt affected maize plants. These isolates were screened for their growth promoting activity under axenic conditions at 1, 4, 8, 12 and 15 dS m-1 salinity levels. Results showed that increase in salinity level significantly decreased the growth of maize seedlings. However inoculation with rhizobacterial strains reduced this depression effect and improved the growth of maize seedlings at all salinity levels. The selected strains significantly increased the root length, shoot length and fresh biomass up to 95%, 182% and 175% respectively. Among various rhizobacterial strains M4, M9, M14 and M20 were the most effective strains for promoting the growth of maize at various salinity levels. The relatively better salt tolerance of the inoculated plants was associated with the auxin production by the rhizobacterial strains. Best Performing strains will be further verified for their growth promoting ability in pot and field trials. Under current environmental scenario, the use of soil born bacteria too mitigate soil salinity is a promising technique.

150

P-77 APPLYING ETHNOECOLOGY FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SHIWALIK MOUNTAINOUS RANGE, DISTRICT BHIMBER (AK)
Tariq Mehmood, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Tanveer Hussain, Zaheer Ahmed, Atiq Hussain
Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN Corresponding author e-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

The current global transition from market based economy has triggered many economic and sociocultural changes among Shiwalik ethnic groups. There are a lot of conflicts and flaws over natural resources, which often result from competing knowledge system, competing objectives and competing identification. However our knowledge about indigenous people and ecosystems in mountain region is still far from perfect and authentic. The ethnoecology refers the way in which indigenous people interact with all the elements of natural environment, including plants and animals, landform, forest types and soils, which provide an alternative approach of way knowledge and sustainable development in the mountain region. The sustainable livelihood and development can be only achieved by strengthening indigenous knowledge and empowering local communities in the mountain regions such as Shiwalik Mountain Range (SMR), Bhimber Azad Kashmir. Different parameters such as fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF) and data matrix ranking (DMR) were calculated to visualize the impact of environment on the community and vice versa.

151

P-78

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT IN JOHAR TOWN AREA

Fizza Batool*1, Silvia Machado2
Lahore School of Economics,Pakistan University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590,Pakistan Corresponding author email: fizza.bukhari7@gmail.com
2 1

Freshwater resources might become the most limited resource in the future due to rising demands, climate change, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The fast increase of the population leads towards the raised consumption water. According to the recent studies, Pakistan is in the category of high degree stress. The water availability has been decreased to an estimated approximated level that can adversely affect the humans. This is happening due the increase of the urbanization and development. To understand the current situation, it was selected a small area of Johar Town, Lahore, to assess the present situation on the water resource supply-demand balance based. The research focused in the population trend estimate, the water demand, its increase trend and finally the consumption rate. This research made our work substantial to realize the present conditions and trends of water sustainability. The results elucidate demand of water per capita, in parallel with, both, the new and old standards set forth by the Urban Unit development and planning. The results and projections discussed were made on the basis of calculations in each sector, since different sectors have different water demand values. It was calculated the ultimate capacity for the selected area and forecasted the future demands of water. Water resources must be carefully managed so it can lead to sustainable solutions for future generations. To promote a comprehensive perspective on water sustainability for this particular case, it is recommended an introduction of proper metering system by WASA, awareness to people; and communication (conferences/seminars about water resources management). Its not required planting more tube wells. Moreover, rain water harvesting system should be commercialized so it is possible to store rain water in abundance which can be used further for a consumption purpose. Furthermore, pumping should be done according to available water conditions so that it is possible to avoid the deterioration of land and affect the water level. .

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P-79

GREEN STRUCTURES FOR CITIES AND ENVIRONMENT: A POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE MEASURE FOR URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
Adila Shafqat
Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: adila.shafqat@iub.edu.pk

Global change in a broad sense including climate and land-use change, as well as changes in demographic structures in and between urban and rural societies presents a number of challenges to the concept of integrated resource management. Urban areas are the hot spots that drive environmental change at multiple scales. Material demands and human consumption alter biodiversity, hydro systems, land use, and waste discharge effects locally to globally. In this process of global changes urban infrastructures are stressed due to the changing climate and population pressure also. Growing population changes the face of cities by crowding them and constructing them. In the pace of growth when our cities are becoming more urban, Green Structures in all forms can play an important role by giving many services to environment and community. Cities are and can be embedded with varieties of green structures to make it more livable. Green Structures provide number of services for the population around. In sustainable perspective, green structure is more than the sum of green spaces. It is considered as spatial network of open spaces, public and private gardens and parks, sports fields, allotment gardens, woodlands and recreational grounds. Therefore it is considered as a significant part of built up environment and major source of ecological services. To structure urban areas for sustainable environmental development, it is necessary to develop a proportion between grey and green areas. The Research will discuss the impacts and importance of green structures in in changing urban environment and analyze the ecological services generated from green structures. The research will develop an approach of interrelation between green environment and urban society. Strategies will be proposed for better land use planning in green and sustainable perspective. Cities themselves provide both the problem and solutions to sustainability challenges of an increasingly urbanized world.

153

P-80

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE IN MEDITERRANEAN FARMING SYSTEMS

Imen Ssouissi 1,2, Faisal Mahmood3, HatemBelhouchette1

CIHEAM-IAMM, 3191 Route de Mende, France. Universit Montpellier 1, UMR5474 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France 3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: fslagronomy@hotmail.com
2

Mediterranean farming systems and especially in Tunisia are inherently vulnerable to climate change and market uncertainties. Therefore, technological and policy innovations will be needed to increase their resilience. The objective of this study is to propose a set of adaptations strategies to overcome climate change in the Low Valley of Medjerda Region. Adaptations strategies were identified in interaction with farmers and local experts in the region and declined as scenarioswhich are simulated with regional bio-economic-indicators model chain. Scenarios of adaptation strategies included technological innovation based on the increasing of irrigation amounts for already irrigated cropping systems (SIrr.am), the conversion to irrigated cereals (SIrr.c) for farming systems dominated by rainfed cereals and the implementation of more efficient irrigation systems for summer forages and vegetables (SIrr.sys). Each scenario was simulated with the current preferential water tariff and the new binominal water tariff (NWT). The simulation results showed that the adaptation strategies based on the introduction of alternative activities using more water (SIrr.am scenario) increased the resilience of farming systems. Farming systems introduced these strategies with different degrees: i) the farming systems with totally irrigated area intensify more by increasing the irrigation amounts which increased crop yields and therefore farm profitability; ii) however, the farming systems dominated with rainfed cereals were obliged in addition to the intensification by increasing the irrigation amountsfor cropping systems with high added value (vegetables), to adjust their cropping systems by reducingthe irrigated forage area and livestock to ensure a minimum income and compensate the increasing of irrigation costs. The most appropriate adaptation strategy for farming systems dominated with rainfed cereals and have totally irrigable farmland was the conversion for the irrigated cereals (SIrr.c scenario) that allowed an extremely increase of farm net margin. Mostly, farming systems did not invest in more efficient irrigation system (SIrr.sys scenario) because that yields increasing due to the implementation of efficient irrigation system did not compensate the investment costs. The introduction of the new binominal water tariff (NWT) induced a decrease in irrigationunit cost and encouraged farmers to cultivate irrigated cropping systems which allowed an increasing of the net margin for any farming systems for all simulated technological innovation scenarios.
154

P-81

GLOBAL CLIMATIC CHANGES AND ITS MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES

Muhammad Attique Amer
Researcher Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore (54590) Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: attiqueamer@yahoo.com

The prospect of global climatic changes is a matter of real public concern. In general, burning of fossil fuels accumulates greenhouse gases and traps more heat which eventually cause global warming. In these greenhouse gases, the emission of carbon dioxide has increased alarmingly since industrialization age and humanity has visible impacts on the world's climate. Climate change can be beneficial and as well as very dangerous for human health and socioeconomic systems. The extreme emissions scenarios have extremely harmful effects. The threats are particularly acute for poor and vulnerable communities in tropical and subtropical countries. Various major effects of climate change include more hot climatic conditions, sea-level rise, and species extinction, wider geographical range of tropical / subtropical diseases, crop zones migration possibility and increased flooding. There are various technological options for mitigating CO2 emissions and concentrations from the atmosphere. In which, carbon sequestration, alternate energy resources, switching to less carbon intensive fuels and renewable energy sources are the important mitigation options. Carbon Sequestration is a technology for reducing global warming of the environment by injecting CO2 into the subsurface for its long-term isolation from the atmosphere. Atmospheric CO2 can be reduced by capturing emissions from power plants or chemical units and storing them into the underground rocks and aquifers.

155

P-82

CONTROL OF GREENHOUSE MICROCLIMATIC CONDISITIONS USING WIRELESS SENSORS

Waqas A. Imtiaz*1, Tayeb Tahir1, T. Ahmed1, Qasim Asmat1
1

IQRA National University, Hayatabad, Peshawar, Pakistan Corresponding author email: waqas@inu.edu.pk

Microclimatic conditions control and monitoring puts a decisive influence on greenhouse production processes. Assurance of optimal climatic conditions has a great effect on crop growth and health, however it increases the cost of equipment and labor required to produce healthy crops. Traditionally, systems installed at greenhouse require a great effort and labor to connect and distribute all control sensors. These installations need many power wires distributed over the greenhouse, which makes the system more complex and high in cost. For this reason, usually individual sensors are used which are fixed at a point, that is selected as representative of the overall greenhouse. Being desirable to reduce the complexity and cost of greenhouse automation, this paper describes a system which controls the microclimatic conditions of a greenhouse using four wireless sensors i.e. soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and light sensor. This system can efficiently reduce the cost and complexity associated with greenhouse automation.

156

P-83

CONTROL OF GREEN HOUSE MICROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS USING WIRELESS SENSORS

1

Waqas A. Imtiaz, 2Tayeb Tahir, 3T. Ahmed, 4Qasim Asmat

IQRA National University Peshawar Corresponding author e-mail: waqasahmed15@gmail.com

Microclimatic conditions control and monitoring puts a decisive influence on greenhouse production processes. Assurance of optimal climatic conditions has a great effect on crop growth and health, however it increases the cost of equipment and labor required to produce healthy crops. Traditionally, systems installed at greenhouse requires a great effort and labor to connect and distribute all control sensors. These installations need many power wires to be distributed over the greenhouse, which makes the system more complex and high in cost. For this reason, usually individual sensors are used which are fixed at a point, that is selected as representative of the overall greenhouse. Being desirable to reduce the complexity and cost of greenhouse automation, this paper describes a system which controls the microclimatic conditions of a greenhouse using four wireless sensors i.e. soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and light sensor. This system can efficiently reduce the cost and complexity associated with greenhouse automation.

157

P-84

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AGAINST HEPATITIS C VIRUS

Usman Ali Ashfaq
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad Corresponding author e-mail: usmancemb@gmail.com

Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic liver diseases which can lead to permanent liver damage, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The presently available treatment with interferon plus ribavirin, has limited benefits due to adverse side effects and high cost. Hence, there is a need to develop anti-HCV agents, which are less toxic, more efficacious and cost-effective. The present study was aimed at making a sustained search for antiviral compounds and studies their therapeutic potential as anti-HCV drug. To this end, in-vitro bioassay for screening the activity of test compounds was developed. One hundred and seventy five phytochemicals were obtained from International centre for chemical and biological sciences (ICCBS). Further, fourty herbs were collected from different parts of Pakistan on the basis of reports (undocumented) of antiviral activity against different viral infections. Firstly, the effects of phytochemicals/herb-extracts were studied on the cellular growth of liver and fibroblast cells. Subsequently, HCV infected liver cells were treated with test compounds/herbal extract at non toxic doses and replication of viral RNA was measured by Quantitative real time RT-PCR. For those compounds which showed a positive response, we determined 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). Three out of one hundred seventy five compounds designated as 000, 010 and 043 showed antiviral effects in a dosedependent manner as well as synergism with interferon. Further, two out of twenty herbs exhibited activity against HCV in our in-vitro assay. In order to identify the active ingredient, corresponding herbal extracts were fractioned by thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography and HPLC. Purified fractions were tested for activity against HCV in in-vitro assays. Resultantly, we have identified three active fractions against HCV. These in-vitro studies have identified six phytochemicals/herbal compounds that show a potential of being antiviral agents against HCV and combination of these newly isolated compounds with interferon may open new avenues of future HCV therapies.

158

P-85

CONTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN BAROH, TEHSIL SAMAHNI, AZAD KASHMIR

Zaheer Ahmed, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain, Attique Hussain
Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

The diversity of knowledge systems guides and directs the process of the transformation of natural landscapes into cultural landscapes (e.g. sacred mountains, shrines, trees and lakes), ecological functions and livelihood support systems in the particularly situated in socioeconomic and biophysical environments. Nevertheless, it is hitherto the case that the analysis of sustainable livelihoods does not pay enough to the local placed indigenous knowledge of access to biological diversity and applying the knowledge to land use practices. In eco-based societies, knowledgeable persons or indigenous experts such as the Hakeem, Sanyasi, Perawana and nomadic tribes of a village are recognized and respected by the society and actively participate in local medical information education and decision making of indigenous medicine systems and productive activities. Moreover, increasing acquisition of goods through access to and use of biological resources, especially non-timber forest (NTFPs) and local agricultural products, has created a system of Knowledge Power. This power has the capability of accessing resources and socially influencing others within the local society. Sustainable livelihoods are functions of the interaction between biodiversity (natural capital), indigenous knowledge (social capital) and enabling environment (both policies and marketing forces). Indigenous knowledge includes cultural beliefs and social values, cognitive learning process, knowledge transfer, technical knowledge for practice and innovations, customary institutions for social consent and local governance. It is observed that natural resources refer to the forest, rangeland, rivers, lakes and other kinds of natural endowments that human societies livelihoods cannot sustained without; the term cultural resources refers to traditional livelihood practices, place-and-time specific knowledge about their home land, cultural beliefs and values, such as lakes, trees, shrines and mountains in the different sections of Islam, perceptions of factors responsible for good harvest and good rain fall or natural disaster. More often than not, the cultural resources viewed in public eyes are merely those which are commercially marketable, that have easy market values for tourism development, such as singing, dancing, costumes and exotic customs. The lessons learnt from development in the mountain region are that the regions with unfavorable policy environment (such as resource sanction, block access to biodiversity, suppressed or displaced cultural communities) usually often experience the poverty and sometimes a degraded environment. On the other hand, loss of biodiversity cab lead to the loss of cultural diversity, and therefore, further deteriorated local livelihood.

159

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APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT

Sobia Idrees1, Usman A Ashfaq1*

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University (GCU), Faisalabad. Corresponding author email: usmancemb@gmail.com

A major emphasis in bioengineering and medical technology is improved diagnostic techniques to screen for disease. Such screening is required to identify illnesses, assess risk of disease onset, or determine progression or improvement of disease state for diseases such as cancer, stroke, Alzheimers, or cardiac disease. Nanotechnology may improve the sensitivity, selectivity, speed, cost, and convenience of diagnosis. Individual biomolecular interactions can be detected by the deflection of a microcantilever, the red-shifted emission of a gold nanoparticle, or the altered conductance of a nanowire. Nanoscale labeling agents, such as quantum dots, have numerous advantages to intracellular labeling and visualization. Nanotechnology has opened up the possibility of other screening strategies as well. These techniques and others can be further developed to enable enhanced visualization of an array, cell culture, or tumor; be multiplexed to create smaller, denser gene and protein chips; or be integrated into a handheld nanofluidic device to improve clinical diagnosis of disease.

160

P-87

INTEGRATED EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL AND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LENTIL
Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammd Khalid, Sher Muhammad Shahzad
Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: asifses@gmail.com

Potential of microbial activities can be made more efficient by maintaining high bacterial populations in the rhizospheric soil of plant. Use of enriched compost in the rhizosphere of plant can provide a niche for bacteria to increase their growth and activities. Thus integrated use of Rhizobium with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) having trait ACC-deaminase plus Penriched compost (PEC) could be highly effective in promoting nodulation and yield of lentil crop. A field study was conducted to evaluate the growth promoting potential of co-inoculation Rhizobium with PGPB containing ACC-deaminase and PEC of lentil plants. Results of field study showed that the integrated use of co-inoculation of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. containing ACC-deaminase along PEC was highly effective and caused up to 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5, 73.3, 65.8, 40.5 and 52.5% increase in fresh biomass, grain yield, straw yield, pods per plant, nodule per plant, nodule dry weight, 1000-grain weight and N content in grain of lentil respectively as compared with respective control. It is concluded from the results that integrated use of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. having trait ACC-deaminase plus PEC would be an effective and novel approach for better nodulation which consequently improved yield of lentil under natural conditions.

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1

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEGRADATION OF LIGNIN

Ammara Khalid *1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1, Farooq latif 2

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad. 2 National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Faisalabad. Corresponding author e-mail: hiba_chaudhry2001@yahoo.com

The concentration of lignin in plant tissue is a major factor controlling organic matter degradation rates. Lignin and cellulose decomposition significantly increased at higher temperatures and moisture contents. Lignocellulose decomposition depends on the association of biodegradable cellulose and hemicellulose with lignin. Lignin is a recalcitrant material which hinders cellulose degradation in conventional landfills. Because of this property of lignin cellulose to lignin ratio (C/L) is a common landfill stabilization parameter. Refuse degradation in landfills is a microbiological process and is highly dependent on temperature, moisture, and pH. Bioreactor landfills are designed to enhance biodegradation of refuse by providing favorable conditions for microorganisms. The thermal and biological study indicates that as lignin is solubilized, it breaks down into lignin monomers, which can be converted easily by anaerobic bacteria into VFAs and subsequently, methane. Experiments indicate that temperature is crucial to the degradation of lignin compounds in a bioreactor landfill. Lignin, a valuable resource for chemicals and energy, is a main component of wood, together with cellulose and hemicellulose. It is the second large source of organic raw material, constituting about 4-35 wt% of most biomass, 16-25 wt% of hardwoods and 23-35 wt% of softwoods. Lignin decomposes slower, over a broader temperature range (200-500 C) than cellulose and the hemicellulose components of biomass.

162

P-89

MYCOFLORAL STUDY OF FOREST OF SAMAHNI VALLEY DISTRICT BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR

Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Atiq Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN Corresponding author e-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

Fungi are potential sources of diseases for human, animals and plants. The present research was aimed to collect, isolate and identify different fungi to find out the prevalence of the mycoflora in different habitats. Its economic importance and pathogenic toxicity was also measured and documented. Air pollution is one of the most serious problems to human health. Air-borne fungal spores were collected on two different culture media viz. potato dextrose agar (PDA) and water agar (WA) from different habitats of Samahni forest areas (SFA), District Bhimber Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The soil and aqua mycoflora was also taken under consideration and its prevalence was measured by using different techniques. Greater numbers of fungal colonies were obtained on PDA than on WA culture medium. A total of thirty five different fungal species were investigated belonging to eighteen different genera. The density of identified fungal species in each sample was as: air mycoflora (AMF), soil mycoflora (SMF) and water mycoflora (WMF) were, 20, 32 and 11, respectively. These differences could be due to geographical location, variable fungal growth substrates in different samples as well as due to use of different sampling methods. A considerable significant difference was seen among the fungal colony (%age) in AMF, SMF and WMF. It was noted that soil mycoflora was more frequently depicted because land provides best environment and nourishment for growth and reproduction of fungi. It was also observed that some fungi were common in water and soil substrates which indicate that some species of soil fungi do use water as mode of distribution and dispersal. The most dominant fungal species were Cladosporium cladosporioides (7.1%) in Air, Fusarium oxysporum (4.9%) in soil and Fusarium oxysporum (11.3%) in water samples.

163

P-90 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES OF FAISALABAD CITY, PAKISTAN
Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz*1,2, Ayesha Saddiqa2
1

Department of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan 2 Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: asifses@gmail.com

Occupational health and safety issues are very frequent in almost every kind of industry. Faisalabad is the 3rd most populated and highly industrialised city of Pakistan. To evaluate the potential of above mentioned issues in textile, food, rice mills and brick kiln sectors, one unit of each sector was selected in Faisalabad as case study. For this purpose processing unit surveys were made and questionnaires were distributed among employees. The pollution load on the environment due to processing activities of these industrial units was also monitored with the help of several instruments. It was found that ISO certified industries have better Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS) conditions as compared to non-ISO certified industries. The results showed that flues gases contained high concentrations of pollutants (especially NOx) due to burning of low quality of fuels in industrial units. The concentrations of particulate matter within and outside the rice mills industries were alarming. The opacity of smoke in brick kiln industry was higher than National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). The values of humidity and illumination were observed at disturbing level. It was found that working conditions at brick kilns were more unsuitable as compared to other industries in Faisalabad but workers are obliged to work under these conditions due to high unemployment rate in Pakistan. Finally, on the basis of existing conditions, recommendations were made for each industry to reduce the health hazards.

164

P-91 INNOVATION FEN (FEATHERS, VEGETABLES, AND FISH WHICH IS NUTRITIOUS AND CHEAP) UTILIZATION OF MARKET WASTE DAN HUSBANDRY AS CHEAP AND NUTRITIOUS FISH FEED
Trini Y.Pratiwi, Priyandaru Agung E.T, Erika Nur Maidah
Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia

On the cultivation of water organisms, especially fish that are rampant throughout the region in developing Indonesia, there is one fundamental problem experienced by all the cultivators, that is organisms feed cultivation problem aspects. Feed problem that needs a solution this is balanced with the existence of other problems i.e. the availability of waste on the environment is in adequate amounts, i.e. waste production, animal husbandry, fisheries and vegetable waste which has not yet been used. Innovation feed FEN (feathers, vegetables, and fish which is nutritious and cheap), both problems would be solved. Innovation feed FEN made with raw material waste, chicken feathers farm waste, waste vegetable and waste of fish production. This feed can be applied on all types of cultivation and all types of commercial fish cultivation. With the creation stages and makes that easy to do , this feed is solutive for aquaculture Indonesia. The primacy of the feed is analyzed towards nutrition, growth, economic, business, and the profit potential in the application. FEN has high nutrition content, giving it a high growth rate, the price is cheaper, profits in cultivating application much higher total artificial feed factory, and so potentially to be developed in the attempt.

165

P-92

STAND ALONE PV SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED GREENHOUSES

Saad Salman Khan*1, Abubakar Shinwari2
IQRA National University Hayatabad Peshawar Pakistan Corresponding author email: salman_soori@yahoo.com@yahoo.com
1,2

Greenhouses plays an important role in agriculture and horticulture sector in Pakistan, therefore cost effective and reliable power solution for greenhouses are very helpful in the growth and expenditure of agriculture. However like most sectors in Pakistan, agriculture has not yet adopted the full-fledge use of automation. Automation is the process control of industrial machinery and processes. Efficient operation of such instruments requires an efficient supply of power. Most regions of Pakistan lacks a continuous supply of power and hence are not able to use automation and fruits of new technology in agriculture sector. One solution to overcome this problem is the use of renewable energy resources. Solar energy is an efficient replacement for existing power solution, which is available in abundance. This paper presents the design idea of PV-SOLAR system to provide an economical energy system for automated greenhouses. Feasibility of the proposed design is checked via HOMER software. Results have shown that the proposed system is efficient, and cost effective as compared to proposed Hybrid-Solar/wind systems.

166

P-93 WHEAT YIELD AND PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE AS AFFECTED BY COMPOSTS OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MATERIALS AND ROCK PHOSPHATE
Muhammad Sharif*1, Saeed Khan*, Fazli Wahid*
*Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan 1 Corresponding author email: msharif645@yahoo.com

A field experiment was conducted to determine the affect of composts prepared from different organic materials with rock phosphate (RP) on yield and P uptake of wheat crop at the research farm of Agricultural University, Peshawar during Rabi 2010-2011. Wheat variety saran with a seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 was grown in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were 11 treatments, each of 352 m size. The row to row distance of wheat plants was 25 cm. Composts prepared from RP fed FYM, simple FYM, organic waste and city garbage were applied at the rate based of their P concentrations. Fertilizers were applied at the rate of 120-90-60 kg ha-1 N, P and K, respectively in the form of urea, SSP or composts and K2SO4. Nitrogen was applied in three split applications whereas all P and K were applied at sowing time. Composts prepared from different organic materials with RP significantly (P 0.05) increased grains, total dry matter, straw yield and 1000 grains weight of wheat over control. Significantly (P 0.05) increased grains yield of 5274 Kg ha-1, total dry matter yield of 8533 Kg ha-1, straw yield of 3585 Kg ha-1 and thousand grains weight of 40.5 g of wheat were produced by the compost of Organic Waste and half dose of SSP. Decreasing trend was observed in soil pH by the addition of composts of different organic materials. Post harvest soil N and P concentrations improved with the application of compost of organic materials. Significant (P 0.05) increases in N and P uptake by wheat plants were found by the treatments of composts of different organic materials with RP. Results suggest that the use of composts prepared from different organic materials with RP are economical, environmental friendly and have potential to improve wheat yield and plants N and P uptakes. .

167

P-94

VALIDATION OF NEW TIEDKE SCHEME OVER TROPICAL BAND VERSION OF REGCM4 (REGT-BAND)
Shaukat Ali*1,2, Syed Ahsan Ali Bokhari3, Dan Li1, Fu Congbin1

Key Laboratory of Regional Climate-Environment for Temperate East Asia, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 2Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad, Pakistan; 3Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), Islamabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author email: pirshauki@gmail.com

In this study the latest version of RegCM4.3 (REGional Climate Model 4.3) is used to investigate and validate the performance of the Tiedke scheme with special configuration of tropical band version RegT-band. Model domain is tropical band cover the area of tropical/subtropical region (from 45 S to 45 N). ERA-Interim-15 data was used as a boundary condition for the year 1998. Five different simulations were performed with variation in the value of the Tiedke parameters e.g. Default Tiedke, Entrpen, Cmtcape, Cprcon, and changes in trigger function. For the validations of the simulation results, precipitation and temperature were compared with TRMM and CRU data. The results show that Tiedke Scheme perform better than Grell scheme over Indian Ocean for precipitation and changes in trigger function performs better than the others in Tiedke experiments. However, changes in the value of parameters to make it half, Tiedke scheme is supposed to produce more precipitation but the precipitation is decreased instead of increase. In addition for precipitation in JJA Grell scheme show wet biases while Tiedke show dry biases and for temperature Grell scheme show cold biases for both DJF and JJA while Tiedke show warm biases. For the future work more simulation years are needed to better test Tiedke over RegT-band.

168

P-95

ETHNOBOTANY AND CONSERVATION & EXPLOITATION OF TRADITIONAL AGRO-FOREST PRODUCTS OF BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR
Shezad Azam, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN Corresponding author email: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com

The paper is profound with the analysis of the ethnobotanical origin, development, present situation and the characteristics of Kashmiri Agro-forest products, exploring the relation between agro-forest products and ethnobotany. It is pinpointed that the development of ethnobotany holds a significant and pivotal role in conservation and exploitation of agro-forest resources. Ethnobotanical Study (EBS) depicts that traditional and cultural knowledge and customs do play an important role in the use and their subsequent consequences on flora of the area. Various plants being employed in the Agro-forest system were enumerated in an alphabetical order with botanical name, vernacular name, family, part used in full length paper. The Priority Ranking (PR) and data matrix ranking (DMR) was calculated to observe the biotic pressure on the flora due to population increase. Furthermore, conservation status of different important taxa was also evaluated and future strategy with real time based recommendations were formulated.

169

P-96

CONSERVING THE ECOSYSTEM OF 21ST CENTURY

*Ambreen shaikh
Affiliation; Civil Services Academy H.no: D-43 Mir Fazal Town,Unit no 9 Latifabad Hyderabad. E-mail address: Corresponding author email: barbiie3@yahoo.com

In this 21st century scientific revolution brought about overwhelm changes in this world but in some places it disturb a natural cycle of universal ecosystem, consequently become a serious threat to our environment such as pollution, nuclear proliferation, high rising, deforestation, advancement of industries etc. While a sustainable ecosystem signifies a balance relationship between all plants and living organisms biotic or abiotic in a physical environment. A mainstay challenges of this 21st century melt into a lofty crises by a disturbance in our ecosystem climate change, acid rain, global warming and some portrays towards technological advancement and natural depletion of resources. In this critical juncture its a higher time to adopt conservation as well as prevention technique to sustain our ecosystem. This paper will provide guideline towards mitigation strategies and environmental friendly policies being a panacea towards establishing a healthy ecosystem for nex generation.

170

P-97

BIOFLOCS TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE VANNAMEI SHRIMP

Trini Y.Pratiwi, Priyandaru Agung E.T, Erika Nur Maidah
Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia

As time goes by, cultivation increased further. This led to a negative impact is real and very influential to the environment if it is not finished, namely the impact of aquaculture waste. These wastes contain toxic materials such as residual excretion amoniak, nitrite, and nitrate. To support the sustainability of aquaculture is needed an eco-friendly solution with bioflok technology. Bioflok technology is a technology which uses techniques enable the suspension derived from the cultivation of waste (organic N such, ammonium, nitrite amoniak and nitrate) is then converted into bioflok (collection of bacteria). This is composed of bacteria heterotrophic and bacteria heterotrophic filaments, which use organic compounds as a source of carbons.This is one way that waste management solutif and easily applied. Bioflok technology is done on the cultivation of fish or shrimp or semi intensive intensive way of adding organic carbon as a substrate for doing aerobic decomposition. Then given aeration and stirring the water to keep the high microbial flok in circumstances remain suspended. Microbial flok this would be useful as feed flok shrimp or fish. Thus, the handling of waste agriculture cultivation of prawns and fish is very useful for fish growth and nutrient intake. Furthermore, this can continue to be developed flok until time desired while maintaining carbohydrate composition for awarding the growth of bacteria. Advantages of cultivation waste handling techniques include bioflok effective, efficient, and recovery. First, effective in terms of handling waste cultivation itself. If the waste is directly dumped into the environment, then it can threaten the balance of the ecosystem because it is malicious and poisonous. With this technology, aquaculture waste into safe and can be used to feed. Second, because this function efficiently bioflok key as a natural feed for shrimp or fish can reduce the cost of feed and support the growth of organisms. Thirdly, recovery because bioflok also serves to improve the water quality in pond aquaculture.

171

P-98

MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Maqshoof Ahmad*1, 2, Zahir A. Zahir1, Farheen Nazli3, Muhammad Khalid1

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan 2 Soil Salinity Research Station, Rahim Yar Khan; 3Pesticide Quality Control Lab., Bahawalpur Corresponding author email: maqshoof_ahmad@yahoo.com

The industrial fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into urea is proving highly destructive to the environment, both during its production and use. On an average, production of one kg of urea emits 2,500 grams of CO2, 10 grams of N2O and one gram of CH4 -all greenhouse gases. Seldom more than 50% of applied N is taken up by crops and rest is either stored in soil or lost into the environment. The nitrifying bacteria in soil convert chemical nitrogen into nitrate which is a potential human health hazard in groundwater. The denitrifying bacteria in soil convert back the nitrates into gaseous nitrogen and this phenomenon again releases greenhouse gases. Soil salinity is an enormous world wide problem that hinders agricultural productivity and deteriorates soil quality in Semi-arid climate. Salinity negatively affects nodulation in legumes. Plants under salinity stress produce inhibitory levels of ethylene which may be repressed by using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing ACC-deaminase. These PGPR, in combination with rhizobia, have been reported to improve nodulation in legumes leading to increased nitrogen fixation. This biological nitrogen fixation holds a huge potential to improve agricultural productivity along with lessening the use of nitrogenous fertilizers thus decreasing the hazardous effects of chemical fertilizers on environment. Pseudomonas and Rhizobium phaseoli strains were evaluated in pot and field experiments under salt-affected conditions for their potential as biofertilizer to improve mung bean productivity. Results showed that this biofertilizer significantly reduced the depressing effect of salinity and increased nodulation and consequently nitrogen fixation thus improved growth, yield and quality of mung bean. This biofertilizer also improved the ionic balance, chlorophyll contents and physiological parameters of mung bean. The results suggested that this biotechnology not only increased the mung bean productivity but also improved the environmental quality by reduction in the use of nitrogenous fertilizers.

172

P-99 BIO-AUGMENTATION: A STRATEGY TO COMBAT THE HAZARDOUS AZODYES COMMONLY USED IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Muhammad Imran1*, Rashid Waqas2, Muhammad Arshad2, Khaliq-ur-Rehman Arshad2 and Farhat Bashir2
Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Sargodha, Pakistan Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author email: imranmuaavia@gmail.com
1

Faisalabad is known as a city of textile not only in Pakistan but also all over the world. Several textile processing units are in operation in the surrounding of this city, which are releasing huge quantity of wastewater contaminated with a variety of xenobiotics. Particularly, a substantial amount of azo dyes are released continuously into wastewater streams in the surroundings of these textile units. The discharge of these contaminants is considered a potential threat to environments because of their hazardous nature. Thus, this study was undertaken to isolate bacteria possessing high potential to degrade these azo dyes from the wastewater discharged by the textile units. The wastewater samples were collected from the outlets of a number of textile units for the isolation of azo dye degrading bacteria. A total of 40 bacterial strains were isolated from these wastewater samples using minimal salt medium spiked with dye (Red C4BLN) and yeast extract. Selection of azo dye degrading bacteria was done on the basis of decolorizing zone around their colonies. Out of these five bacterial strains (S1, S5, S6, S29, S35) were more effective in decolorization of Red C4BLN and they were used for further study. Above 90% decolorization of 100 mg L-1 of Reactive Black-5, Reactive Blue BRS, Red C4BLN, Navy Blue CBF and Orange C2RL was achieved in just 8 h. Thus, isolated bacterial strains have the potential to remove a variety of dyes from the liquid culture which could be used to develop a biotreatment strategy for cleanup of the industrial wastewater prior to their discharge into wastewater streams of the surrounding area.

173

P-100 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY OF FILTRATION PLANTS AND WASA WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN RAWALPINDI
Farrukh Raza Amin*1, Romana Khan1, Islam-UD-Din2
1

Department of Environmental Sciences COMSAT Institute of Information Technology, Abottabad Pakistan 2 Department of Environmental Sciences International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: farrukhraza19@gmail.com

Water is needed for food preparation, drinking, washing, and irrigation as well as used in industrial processes. Water is neutral, tasteless, odorless and preferably of known hardness. The water provided to the assessors for rinsing their mouths shall be identical with that used to prepare the dilutions. But water is not tasteless to subjects (Bartoshuk, 1974). The objectives of the current study were to investigate the water quality of two main sources of drinking water in Rawlpindi i.e. from filtration plants and WASA supply water through physico-chemical analysis and to do a comparative study of both according to WHO standards. Water quality parameters including Conductivity (micro-S/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L), Turbidity (NTU), Arsenic (ppb), Chloride (mg/L), Sulfate (mg/L) and Flouride (mg/L) were analyzed in the laboratory by using standard method by APHA, 2005. It was broadly observed that pH value for Filteration Plants samples was comparatively higher than WASA tubewells. The color and taste of both WASA tubewells and filtration plants was clear and unobjectionable. The maximum turbidity value 1.210.42 NTU was observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.29) of WASA but no turbidity was observed in filtration plants. The average chlorides value observed in samples collected from WASA tubewells was higher than chlorides level observed in filtration plants. The maximum fluorides value 1.730.25 mg/l was observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.1) of WASA but the maximum fluorides value 0.510.1 mg/l was observed in filtration plant (F.P.47) of RCB. Similarly conductivity of tubewells water was higher that water taken from filtration plants. The level of arsenic observed in WASA tubewell was almost double the arsenic value observed in filtration plants water samplings. The maximum sulfates value 15625 mg/l was observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.6) of WASA but the maximum sulfates value 6811 mg/l was observed in filtration plant (F.P.55) of RCB, which was comparatively low than WASA tubewells. Most of the drinking water samples collected from WASA tubewells and filtration plants of RCB, CCB, WASA and TMA in Rawalpindi were found to be fit for consumption with respect to physicochemical and aesthetic water quality parameters.

174

P-101 POSSIBLE ENERGY SOURCES FROM INDUSTRIAL SOLID WASTES

Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Environmental pollution is a major problem associated with rapid industrialization, urbanization and rise in living standards of people in Pakistan. With increasing demand of raw materials for industrial production, the nonrenewable resources are deteriorating at a rapid rate. Therefore, efforts are to be made for controlling pollution arising from the disposal of wastes by conversion of these unwanted wastes into utilizable raw materials for various beneficial uses. The main solid waste contributor industries are steel and blast furnace, brine mud, copper slag, Fly ash, kiln dust, lime sludge, mica scraper waste, phosphogypsum, red mud/ bauxite, iron tailing, textile, sugar cane, tanneries and lime stone waste. The different technologies for recovering useful energy from industrial solid wastes exist. It is necessary for the success of these technologies to develop an Integrated Waste Management System, coupled with necessary legislative and control measures. Energy can be recovered from the organic fraction of waste (biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable) through two methods as follows: Thermochemical conversion involves thermal de-composition of organic matter to produce either heat energy or fuel oil or gas; Bio-chemical conversion is based on enzymatic decomposition of organic matter by microbial action to produce methane gas or alcohol. In general, 100 tones of solid waste with 50-60% organic matter can generate about 1- 1.5 mega watt power (MWP), depending upon the waste characteristics. The waste-to-energy facilities can effectively bridge the gap between waste recycling, composting and landfilling, for tackling the increasing problems of waste disposal in the urban areas, in an environmentally compassionate manner, besides boosting power generation in the country.

175

P-102 CHITOSAN PRIMING ENHANCES THE SEED GERMINATION, ANTIOXIDANTS, HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES, SOLUBLE PROTEINS AND SUGARS IN WHEAT SEEDS
Arruje Hameed1*, Munir Ahmad Sheikh1, Shahzad M. A. Basra2, Amer Jamil1
1

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. 2 Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author email: arrujeh@yahoo.com

Effects of wheat seed priming with chitosan on seed germination and biochemistry were investigated. Seed treatments included hydropriming (water soaking) and chitosan priming i.e. soaking seeds in aerated solution of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.50 % chitosan for 8 h. Chitosan priming improved the final germination percent, germination energy, germination index, germination rate, vigor index and shoot as well as root length of seedlings while shorten the mean germination time. Hydropriming induced less prominent effects on seed germination and growth attributes as induced by chitosan priming. Chitosan priming induced changes in the seed biochemistry were also investigated. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), protease activities and soluble proteins increased in the chitosan primed seeds as compared to non primed control. The reducing and total sugars decreased while non reducing sugars increased in chitosan primed seeds. Among seed reserve mobilizing enzymes, -amylase, - naphthyl acetate esterase (0.25 % and 0.50% chitosan) and -naphthyl acetate esterase (0.50 % chitosan) activities increased in the chitosan primed seeds. Hydropriming decreased the SOD, - naphthyl acetate esterase, MDA content, nonreducing and total sugars while raised the CAT, POD, soluble proteins, proteases in the seeds. In general, hydropriming induced modulations in seed biochemical processes were different and less prominent as induced by chitosan priming. Collectively, enhanced capacity of primed seeds to scavenge free radicals by elevated antioxidants i.e. SOD, CAT and POD and rapid mobilization of stored carbohydrates, proteins and lipids by amylases, proteases and esterases during seed germination explained the beneficial effects of chitosan priming.

176

P-103 POTENTIAL OF CORN BASE BIORESOURCES FOR CADMIUM REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Afsheen Asif1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Iqra Kanwal1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Muhammad Ibrahim1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Heavy metal contamination of surface and ground waters is a serious threat to ecosystem stability and human health. Industrialization is considered a main source of metal pollution with extent of the problem usually higher in urban areas. A variety of physical, chemical and biological methods are available to remove heavy metals from contaminated sites. Sorption, desorption and Biosorption are among these methods. Biosorption is a cost effective method. Cadmium (Cd) has been identified an important heavy metal in Pakistan. The present short-term laboratory microcosm study is designed to explore the potential of corn cob as bioresource, in three forms i.e. raw biomass, ashed biomass and biochar biomass, to remove Cd from aqueous solutions. The experiment was performed in leaching columns packed with different forms of biomass derived from corn cobs. For sorption potential, solutions containing 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L Cd were used. The sorption leachate samples was analysed for pH, EC, soluble organic carbon (SOC) and total Cd. The study showed that corn biosmass both raw and ashed has a strong potential to remove Cd from aqueous solution.

177

P-104 DOES NUCLEAR ENERGY AN ANSWER TO ENERGY CRISES IN PAKISTAN?

Naila Batool1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1, Muhammad Ahmad1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Nuclear energy is a form of energy produced by an atomic reaction, capable of producing an alternative source of energy to that supplied by oil, gas or coal. Nuclear energy originates from the splitting of uranium atom in a process called fission which can be used to generate heat for producing steam for running a turbine to produce electricity. Nuclear energy can be used for both, destructive as well as for constructive purposes; however, the world needs nuclear energy and will need it more in the years to come. Besides to produce electricity from the use of nuclear power plants, nuclear energy has also been used widely in agriculture, medicine, industry, biology and hydrology. The principal risks associated with nuclear power arise from health effects of radiation. At present, power is produced from atom in advanced countries whereas other countries are also making efforts to produce electricity at cheap rates from atomic power plants. Pakistan is the 6th most populous country of the world where peak demand of electricity is 14,792 MW with installed capacity of 19,540 MW. Electricity generation of our country is 85.6 TWh and consumption is 45% in household sector, 30% in industrial sector and 25% in others. Pakistan has a small nuclear power generation program, with 725 MWe capacity, but there are strategic potential to increase this substantially. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is responsible for all nuclear energy and research applications in the country. Its first nuclear power reactor is a small 137 MWe (125 MWe net) Canadian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) which was started in 1971 and which is under international safeguards - KANUPP near Karachi. The second unit, at Chashma-1 in north Punjab, has been reported to cost PKR 51.46 billion (US$ 860 million, with $350 million of this financed by China). A safeguards agreement with IAEA was signed in 2006 and grid connection was made in March 2011, with commercial operation in May. In 2005, an Energy Security Plan was adopted by the government, calling for a huge increase in generating capacity to more than 160,000 MWe by 2030. It included intention of lifting nuclear capacity to 8800 MWe, 900 MWe of this by 2015 and a further 1500 MWe by 2020. Pakistan is a Member of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Candu Owners Group (COG), World Nuclear Association (WNA). The number of visits by the Delegations/Missions/Teams of these Organizations to the Nuclear Power Plants of Pakistan and related facilities over the decades is innumerable. Pakistan has no need of furthering its defense capabilities through civilian nuclear facilities.

178

P-105 THE CHALLENGE OF WATER MANAGEMENT FOR IRRIGATION IN ARID REGIONS

Iftikhar Fareed1, Muhammad Irshad1*
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Abbottabad Corresponding author email: mirshad@ciit.net.pk

The demand for water is constantly increasing as a result of population growth and the expansion of agriculture and industry. Agriculture commands more water than any other activity on this planet. Although the total amount of water made available by the hydrologic cycle is enough to provide the worlds current population with adequate freshwater, most of this water is concentrated in specific regions, leaving other areas water-deficient. Fresh water resources are limited in the arid and semiarid areas whereas the existing water resources are often overused and misused. The lack of water management in the arid areas generated numerous economic, social and ecological issues. Agriculture currently accounts for nearly 70-80% of water consumption in the developing countries. Because of the uneven distribution of water resources and population densities worldwide, water demands already exceed supplies in nearly 80 countries with more than 40% population of the world. Consequent to future population increase in developing countries, supplies of good-quality irrigation water will further decrease due to increased municipalindustrial agricultural competition. These facts reveal that the time has come for the sustainable management of available water resources based on global, regional, and site-specific strategic options: improvement in current efficiencies of agricultural water use and conservation, both in the rain-fed and irrigated agriculture, i.e. to produce more with the existing resources with minimum deterioration of land and water resources; use of efficient, economic, and environmentally acceptable methods for the amelioration of polluted waters and degraded soils, and re-use of saline and/or sodic drainage waters via cyclic, blended, or sequential strategies for crop production systems, wherever possible and practical. We believe that these strategies will serve as pillars of integrated agricultural water management and their suitable combinations will be the key to future agricultural and economic growth, particularly in regions that are deficient in freshwater supplies and are expected to become more deficient in future. The productivity of water use in agriculture needs to enhance in order both to avoid exacerbating the water crisis and to prevent considerable food shortages. More efficient use of existing water resources could prove to be the effective tool for the development of agriculture in arid and semiarid areas. This would provide new opportunities for food security and sound environment in water scarced areas.

179

P-106 IMPACT OF CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT ON SOIL BIOGEOCHEMICAL INDICES

Muhammad Farhan Tahir1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Komal Riaz1, Shermeen Tahir2, Sidra Azhar1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Wajid Ishaq2, Ishaq A. Mian3
Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan Department of Soil & Environmental Science, KP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com
1

Crop residue is the part of plant left in the field after the crop has been harvested. Since Green Revolution in 1960 and mechanization in agriculture, crop production has dramatically increased. Consequently, a large amount of crop residue is produced worldwide and management of this huge amount is a challenging problem. Major crops that produce large amount of residue are maize, wheat, sugarcane and rice. Due to high C/N ratio and silica content, rice residue is unsuitable for animal feed. To manage rice residue, farmer often burn the residue in the field posing a potential threat for environmental pollution. However, the residue could be incorporated into soils or left on the surface as alternative management practices. This study aims to investigate the effects of rice residue management on soil physical, chemical and biological properties. A microcosm study will be conducted at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad. The changes in soil biogeochemical parameters like pH, EC, soil organic matter (SOM), water extractable carbon, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen,, total nitrogen , total carbon, KCl extractable NH4+-N, and NO3--N (Mineral N, Na+, K+, available phosphorus were measured at 30, 60 and 120 days interval. Results revealed a significant effect of residue management on soil biogeochemical indicators.

180

P-107 CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY CURRENT FUTURE TRENDS

Abdul Ghani
Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Pakistan Corresponding author email: ghaniuaf8@gmail.com

Climate change refers to a statically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or in its variability and persistence for an extended period and is due either to natural processes, external forcing, or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or inland use. Visible components of climate change includes 1) extreme of temperature, 2) drought, 3) unprecedented floods and rainfall, & 4) high frequency of tropical cyclones. All these changes have proven to affect food security: which exist when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It has four dimensions including 1) food availability 2) access to food 3) stability of supplies and 4) healthy food utilization. All these dimensions will be affected differently in the world. The most vulnerable region would be those already most vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition such as Sub-Saharan Africa. The most vulnerable Ecosystem would be tundra, boreal forests, mountains, and Mediterranean regions. The most vulnerable population would be human being as since 1970-2000, 160,000 deaths and 5 millions disability-adjusted life years have caused from only Malaria, Diarrhea, Malnutrition and flooding. The most vulnerable gender would be the women and children especially those living in the rural areas of the developing countries and are dependent upon subsistence farming. These women lake modern fuel and power source for farming. The water shortage will add more to their food insecurity and would thus increase the women work level. Climate change however presents some opportunities as well. This presentation will thus explain the current situations and some future remedies that may help mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

181

P-108 BIOGAS ENERGY RESOURCE POTENTIAL IN PAKISTAN

Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Factors like increased prices, rising inflation, diminishing resources and intense global demand for energy have led to an era of an era of energy shortage, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Pakistan spends ca. 7 billion US dollars on import of fossil fuel annually to fulfill its energy needs. The renewable and sustainable energy resources are the best substitute to conventional fuel and energy sources. Biogas is a potential energy source for Pakistan. Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as biomass, manure, sewage, municipal waste and green waste. Biogas contain gases including CH4 (50-75%), CO2 (25-50%), N2 (0-10%) and H2S (0-3%). Biogas is an ideal form of energy because it turns waste material into a source of power. The manure of cattle, in particular, contains a high amount of biogas. Biogas contains substantial amounts of methane that makes it be used in power appliance that run on natural gas. Pakistan has huge population living in rural areas. According to estimates, animal rearing in rural areas of Pakistan produce 652 million kg of manure daily which can be used to generate 16.3 million cubic meter biogas per day and 21 million ton of biofertilizer per year; the latter is essential requirement for sustainable development of agriculture land. A high quality biogas plant need minimum maintenance cost and can produce gas for 15-20 years without major problems and reinvestment. Biogas is a best way of get rid off animal waste material. The energy it produces is clean and powerful which does not pollute groundwater or air and quite safe. In addition, Pakistan can also explore biogas potential of citrus pulp, paper industry, slaughter house and street waste. Poultry waste is also considered and ideal base material for biogas production. According to a survey, Pakistan has capacity to generate over 2000MW renewable energy from biogas. In Pakistan, the Rural Support Programme Network is running the Pakistan Domestic Biogas Programme which has installed over 1500 biogas plants and aims to develop biogas sector intensively around the country. Recently, around 4000 biogas plants have been installed across the country. Practically, installing biogas units could help us to overcome energy crisis in our country. They are low cost and can be run with small budget. Biogas corridors can work as a good substitute for nearly 70% of country population residing in rural areas. However, the need of national policy is imperative to bring this technology further at farmer doorstep.

182

P-109 EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LEAD AND CADMIUM TOXICITY

Zahra Batool, Asma Haque, Asma Naz, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: asma_haque@yahoo.com

Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants with a widespread distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants often act as copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious health effects. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cells intrinsic capacity leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damage of lipids, protein, and DNA. In the first part of this study, human blood samples from lead exposed and control males were collected and different biochemical tests were performed on sera by using kits. The results indicated an increase in glucose concentration in lead exposed subjects. There was an increased concentration of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total oxidant status in the blood serum of lead exposed subjects. A decreased concentration was noted for HDL cholesterol, total proteins and globulin. The concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) remained almost the same in lead exposed and control subjects indicating no effect of lead intoxication on triiodothyronine level in them. Lead concentration was determined from serum of lead exposed and control subjects by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Structure prediction including primary, secondary and tertiary structure of an enzyme deltaaminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which is sensitive to lead toxicity, was carried out by using bioinformatics tools. A software and web database was also developed for evaluation of results. As second part of the study, a database and website related to cadmium induced oxidative stress were developed containing information of all metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with cadmium toxicity and cadmium elevation using data of the patients that includes different physical and biochemical parameters. These parameters are affected by the cadmium quantity. The website comprises information regarding diagnosis of cadmium affected patients, treatment and preventive measures to avoid cadmium exposure.

183

P-110 IMPACT ABIOTIC FACTOR ON THRIPS TABACI (THRIPIDAE: THYSANOPTERA) IN TRANSGENIC AND NON TRANSGENIC COTTON CULTIVARS
Tahammal Hussain, Khuram Zia, Rashid Rasool Khan
Corresponding author: tahammal.ento@gmail.com

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) is a queen of fiber and under various agro-climatic conditions it is an imperative non food cash crop. In Pakistan economy, cotton is considered as moral fibers. In cotton crop, 20-40% losses are estimated which occur annually due to different insect pests of cotton. Among the sucking insect pest, Thrips tabaci (Lind) is a serious pest of cotton in Pakistan. Genetically modified crops proved best for control of insect pest without any additional charges. These genetically modified crops are environment friendly. Proposed study will be conducted at research area of Deptt of Agriculture Entomology, UAF to determine thrips density on newly developed cotton genotypes like FH-113, FH-114, FH4243, FH-116, FH-167 (BT) FH-1000, FH-941, FH-942, FH-901 and FH-207 (Non BT) against Thrips tabaci (Lind) and to determine fluctuation in the population of thrips when thrips population is relate with abiotic factors like Temp, R.H and rainfall and to correlate thrips density with physico-morphic characters like hair density, hair length and gossypol gland contents. The experimental data will be analyzed by using appropriate statistical method.

184

P-111 ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHROMIUM RESISTANT BACTERIA FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS
Qasir imran, Tahira yasmeen, Hammad Raza*, Faisal Islam
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad *Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author: rida_akash@hotmail.com

Untreated discharge of chromium, in water resources subsequently had serious environmental and health effect. Among all the available techniques of metal reduction, biotic treatment is getting attention for being environmental friendly and cheap that could be used to clean up metal contamination wastewater. The 300 colonies were screened from initial level on chromium amended NA medium. 26 pure colonies were selected in the secondary screening from wastewater. All isolated strains are resistance to the Cr but there tolerance level was varied. The bacteria isolated from specific Cr contaminated site like tannery effluent exhibit more resistant i.e. the CrR11, CrR16, CrR21 showed MIC of 70 ppm while the strains CrR19, CrR4 show least MIC. The strain CrR7, CrR21 was most resistance and fast growers then other bacterial strains. The biosorption potential of the isolated strains was showed that these bacteria posses effective metal sorption efficiency within a short time of treatment process. The highest reduction at 70 ppm was shown by the CrR11 by 91%, CrR16 by 86%, CrR21 by 92%, CrR 7 by 82% in 24 hours at pH of 7 and temp was 30oC. Physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS, TSS, EC and Temperature of effluents measured by standard methods. The pH of waste water samples were in the range of 6.07.4 which was within the limits of the NEQS (6-10 pH). Total Dissolved solids (TDS) and Total suspended solids (TSS) in the effluent varied form 490- 550 mg/l and 61 73 mg/l and respectively. The values of TDS and TSS were below the NEQS recommendations. The highest value of EC was found in S7 while least is found in S5 sample. The temperature of S3, S4, S7 effluent samples was found above the NEQS (40oC) guidelines for industrial effluents.

185

P-112 INTEGRATED EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL AND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LENTIL
Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammd Khalid, Sher Muhammad Shahzad
Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: asifses@gmail.com

Potential of microbial activities can be made more efficient by maintaining high bacterial populations in the rhizospheric soil of plant. Use of enriched compost in the rhizosphere of plant can provide a niche for bacteria to increase their growth and activities. Thus integrated use of Rhizobium with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) having trait ACC-deaminase plus Penriched compost (PEC) could be highly effective in promoting nodulation and yield of lentil crop. A field study was conducted to evaluate the growth promoting potential of co-inoculation Rhizobium with PGPB containing ACC-deaminase and PEC of lentil plants. Results of field study showed that the integrated use of co-inoculation of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. containing ACC-deaminase along PEC was highly effective and caused up to 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5, 73.3, 65.8, 40.5 and 52.5% increase in fresh biomass, grain yield, straw yield, pods per plant, nodule per plant, nodule dry weight, 1000-grain weight and N content in grain of lentil respectively as compared with respective control. It is concluded from the results that integrated use of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. having trait ACC-deaminase plus PEC would be an effective and novel approach for better nodulation which consequently improved yield of lentil under natural conditions.

186

P-113 EFFECT OF MICROBIALY PRODUCED AUXINS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)
Muhammad faraz Anwar, Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammad Khalid
Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040 (Pakistan) Corresponding author email: asifses@gmail.com

Maize is third most important cereal crop of Pakistan. At optimum level, plant hormones play a vital role in regulating plant growth. Auxin is one of the five most important plant hormones which affect many aspects of plant growth and development. Rhizospheric bacteria have the ability to produce auxin and improve the plant growth. The present study was conducted to estimate the impact of soil microbes that synthesize plant hormone, especially auxin, in maize crop under field conditions. For the reason, various auxin producing strains were collected and tested as sole or in dual combinations in the presence and absence of L-TRP following randomized complete block design (RCBD) based on two factors factorial arrangement and three repeats. The results determined a significant increase in plant height, fresh biomass of plants, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight and straw yield due to dual inoculation with M6+M7 over single inoculated and un-inoculated control in both, absence and presence of L-TRP. Nutrient uptake by plants was also remarkably prominent in M6+M7 inoculaton over un-inoculated control. Net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency was also improved in dual inoculation of M6+M7. It is concluded that dual inoculation with auxin producing soil microbes along with L-TRP could perform better than single or un-inoculated control.

187

P-114 LEGISLATION FOR GHGS: KYOTO PROTOCOL AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Anum Jacob1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

In order to address climate change and green house gas (GHG) emission, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. It was an important and necessary step toward protecting the global environment which evidenced the most recent international effort to address the greenhouse effect. The Kyoto Protocol was an agreement among the industrialized nations of the world to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases over a certain period of time. U.S., the European Union, Canada, and Japan and almost 170 other nations have signed this treaty. The Kyoto Protocol tackles emissions of six greenhouse gases included carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), per fluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).The States which were members of the EU before 2004 must collectively reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 8% between 2008 and 2012. Member States which joined the EU after that date undertake to reduce their emissions by 8%, with the exception of Poland and Hungary. Under Kyoto, industrialized nations pledged to cut their yearly emissions of carbon, as measured in six greenhouse gases, by varying amounts, averaging 5.2%, by 2012 as compared to 1990. However, the protocol didn't become international law until more than halfway through the 1990 2012 periods. By that point, global emissions had risen substantially. Initially, the U.S. withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol was considered its death knell. The agreement can only enter into force internationally if it is ratified by at least 55 nations that, together, accounted for at least 55% of the total carbon dioxide emissions in 1990. Given that the U.S. alone was responsible for about 25% of the 1990 carbon dioxide emissions, experts predicted that without the participation of the U.S., the Kyoto Protocol would never be implemented. However, in July 2001, the European Union, Japan, Canada, Russia, Australia, and 170 other nations reached an agreement to proceed with the treaty.

188

P-115 INFLUENCE OF POPULATION AND POVERTY ON VEGETATION COVER IN AND AROUND AYUBIA NATIONAL PARK (PAKISTAN)
M. Abdul Nasir Khan, Salman Khan
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Abbottabad Corresponding author email: nasir.hav@gmail.com

The study was conducted in and around Ayubia National Park (ANP) to assess and analyze the influence of poverty and population pressure on natural resources (forest, wildlife, medicinal plants and pastures). Furthermore, it was intended to study the role of various governmental and nongovernmental organizations in natural resource management and their impact on the habitat of the area. The data was collected by the several methods from the local community and NGOS such as; through observation and participation, Group discussion and in -depth interviews, questionnaire and schedule. ANP is surrounded by 12 villages with a total population (65686). The people of the area are mostly poor and poverty leads to the extensive use of natural resources. About 80-85% people of the area are completely dependent on the forest and other natural resources of the area. Population of the area is increasing rapidly like other parts of the country. Excessive collection of Fuel wood (10.3 tons/hh/yr) was the major issue of the area and fuel wood collected from the forest was the main source of energy in ANP, while agriculture crops and livestock were the sources of food. Deforestation was the major problem of the area. Mostly people of the area are poor therefore; they over-exploited the natural resources available to them for fulfilling their needs regardless of the future consequences. The underlying causes found responsible for over exploitation of natural resources were: poverty, increasing population (2.3%), lack of alternative sources of fuel and energy, lack of environmental awareness, low literacy rate and weak administration on part of the government pertaining to proper management of natural resources/forest and pasture resources of the study area. Hence, it is concluded that poverty can be reduced through employment of local population, encouraging private nurseries, bee keeping and poultry farming. Public awareness through various sources like Ngos and media groups will certainly help in the population control and conservation of natural resources.

189

P-116 OPTIMIZATION FOR DEGRADATION OF COMMERCIAL REACTIVE YELLOW DYE 145 THROUGH FENTONS REAGENT
AYESHA MAHMOOD, SHAUKAT ALI
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: ayesha_ph.d244@yahoo.com

Synthetic dyes are widely used in many industries such as leather, paper, textile, etc. to impart colour to the desired products. On exposure to environmental conditions, the effluent discharge of these industries containing dye molecules pose a potential threat to living organisms. Among advanced oxidation processes, oxidation using Fenton's reagent is an attractive treatment for the effective decolourization and degradation of dye because of its low cost and the lack of toxicity of the reagents (i.e., Fe2+ and H2O2 and solar radiation). The degradation of reactive yellow 145 dye by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes was investigated. The degradation rate was strongly dependent on pH, initial concentrations of Fe2+, H2O2, temperature and light intensity. The optimum conditions were found at pH 3 for Fonton and Photo-Fenton processes. The decolourization experiments indicate that dye can be effectively decolourized using Fenton and photo-Fenton processes with a little difference between the two processes, 91.4 and 97.8 % within 0.5 h, respectively for optimal conditions. The difference in docolourization is not similar to COD removal: with Fenton process there is significant increment (52.27 % COD removal) relatively to photo-Fenton process (only 38.63 % COD removal).

190

P-117 GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ARSENIC ON DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC INDIVIUALS

Sara Mahmood1, Muhammad Waqar Zafar3, Ejaz-ul-Islam2, Qaiser Mahmood Khan2, Muhammad Hidayat Rasool1
1

Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad Pakistan. National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad Pakistan. 3 National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan. Corresponding author email: sara.mahmad@gmail.com.

Arsenic presence in drinking water has many hazardous effects on health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible genotoxic effects associated with diabetic and nondiabetic individuals living in arsenic contaminated and control areas. A total of 100 individuals participated in this study. All of them were asked to answer a standard questionnaire covering standard demographic questions and those about medical history. Among the 50 individuals in each of the arsenic contaminated and non-contaminated groups, 15 diabetic subjects in each group and 20 non-diabetic subjects in each group were selected for the collection of blood. Total of 12 water samples were collected to check the concentration of arsenic in contaminated area. Comet assay was used as biological marker and DNA damage was scored empirically using a numerical rating system. There was a clear DNA damage in population of contaminated area. Although, there was also slight damage in the DNA of non-contaminated population which may be due to some environmental effects. The results clearly indicate that arsenic affects the genotoxic parameter.

191

P-118 CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAVY METALS IN POLLUTED SOILS APPLIED WITH CLAY MATERIAL
Masood-ur-Rehman1, M. Irshad*1, M. M. Shah1, A. Hassan1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) Abbottabad Pakistan Corresponding author email: mirshad@ciit.net.pk

Application of untreated wastewater of industries can contaminate the environment with heavy metals (HM). Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate HM fractions in contaminated soil with or without clay amendments were determined. The material was applied at the rate of 0%, 2.5% and 5% to the polluted soil. The amended soil samples were incubated for four weeks. The metals were stepwise fractionated into exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate precipitated and residual forms. Extraction of elements from amended soil considerably varied depending on the chemical reagent. Metals were varied in the order of Pb > Cr > Ni. The concentrations of water soluble metals in soil were found less than other fractions. A great proportion of metals were noticed in carbonate and residual forms. Overall metal fractions extracted by reagents varied in the order of HNO3 > EDTA > NaOH > KNO3 > H2O. Increasing application of clay apparently decreased the concentration of HM in polluted soil irrepective of the metal fraction.

192

P-119 SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATIONS OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE NANOCOMPOSITES WITH ORGANIC POLYMERS AND IN-ORGANIC NANOMATERIALS
Mazhar-ul-Islam, Joong Kon Park
Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea Corresponding author email: mazharics@yahoo.com

Bacterial cellulose (BC) a biopolymer has received significant interest owing to its impressive physico-mechanical properties. Its immense applications are threatened by few shortcomings associated mainly with its chemical nature. Synthesis of BC composites is a way to address these limitations. Being a versatile material with unique structural features, BC shows feasibility to combine with a number of materials of organic and inorganic nature. The present study was aimed to synthesize BC composites with organic polymers and inorganic nanomaterials through various composites synthetic strategies. The composites were expected to significantly increase the physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of BC and will consequently.

193

P-120 BACTERIAL POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES PRODUCTION USING CHEAP CARBON SOURCES

Nasir Javaid, Nazia Jamil
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan Corresponding author email: nasirjavaid1989@gmail.com

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are efficient, renewable and environment friendly polyesters. Various bacterial species accumulate intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules as energy and carbon reserves inside their cells. Polyhydroxyalkanoates is a family of biopolyesters with diverse structures. PHAs are the only bioplastics which are completely synthesized by microorganisms. This work was done to find out the ability of various bacterial strains to produce PHA using different carbon sources (Glucose and Cannola oil), to check lipase activity among different strains, and to check PHA production by lipase positive and lipase negative organisms. All strains were identified by basic microbiological and biochemical tests. After checking their lipase activity using Tributyrin agar followed by growing the strains on PHA detection media. Screening for bioplastic production was done by Nile blue and Sudan black B staining. PHA positive strains were further checked out for the quantity of PHA produced by them in PHA screening media with glucose and cannola oil as carbon sources. Strains 1,2 and 5 showed lipase activity while strains 3 and 4 did not show. In nitrogen limiting conditions, Strain 1 showed maximum growth at 72 hrs in both carbon and cannola sources. Strains 2, 4 and 5 also showed same trend like strain 1 while strain 3 showed maximum growth in case of, glucose at 48 hrs and cannola at 72 hrs. All Strains either lipase positive or lipase negative can produce PHA in harsh environment i.e nitrogen limitation (in this case). But their produced quantity can vary according to used carbon source. It can also be concluded from results that maximum production happens in double harsh environment (Nitrogen limitation and Oil).

194

P-121 YIELD RESPONSE OF TWO ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER SHADED WASTELAND

Tariq Mahmood Qureshi, Javed Akhter, M.Yasin Ashraf

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: tariqmqureshi@yahoo.com

The studies were conducted to find out the effect of different shaded conditions of Eugenia jambulana trees on two onion cultivars collected from surrounding market area locally called Indian and 144. The growth parameters of onion cultivars were recorded under un-shaded, partially and fully-shaded canopies of Eugenia trees already grown on a waste land of Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad. The transplanted seedlings were fertilized with just one bag of NH4 (SO4)2 (i.e. 50 kg) and half of urea and MOP (i.e. 25 kg) acre-1 of each were applied with first irrigation. Maximum weights of bulbs (162.629.10 g) of onion were recorded in Indian cultivar under shaded conditions of E. jambulana trees followed by cultiver 144 under un-shaded conditions (135.127.40 g). Maximum horizontal diameters (7.830.77 cm) were recorded in Indian cultivar grown under un-shaded conditions. The maximum circumferences (24.202.44 cm) and number of leaves per plant (15.140.25) were observed in Indian cultivar. Similarly maximum yield (18.00.11 ton ha-1) was recorded in small sized bulbs under partially-shaded conditions, medium sized (10.580.41 ton ha-1) under partially-shaded and large sized (6.230.36 ton ha-1) under fully-shaded conditions in Indian cultivar whereas lowest (14.580.59 ton ha-1) was recorded under fully-shaded conditions of E. jambulana trees in cultivar 144. Highest firmness (8.250.54 lbs) and moisture levels (81.04.66%) were recorded under partially-shaded conditions in Indian cultivar whereas more weight losses (50.00.25%) in cultivar 144 under un-shaded conditions. More sprouting was observed in Indian cultivar (40.02.11%) under un-shaded whereas least (18.03.55%) under partially-shaded conditions in the same cultivar. It was inferred from current studies that Indian cultivar proved better than cultivar 144 however, both varieties could be grown under shady conditions and be beneficial on wasteland.

195

P-122 CULTIVATION OF CYAMOUS TETRAGOCALOBE IN WASTE LAND UNDER SHADED ENVIRONMENT

Tariq Mahmood Qureshi, Tariq Mahmood Shah, Javed Akhter
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: tariqmqureshi@yahoo.com

Field studies were conducted on sandy clay loam soil to evaluate growth and yield response of Cyamous tetragocalobe (cluster bean) under shady trees of Eugenia. No fertilizer was applied to any treatment and the crop was irrigated with three intervals of times. Crop were sown under three environmental (i.e. without shade (control), shaded and partially shaded) conditions. Results showed that response of yield was higher (19% and 9% in fertile pods; 23% and 12% in seed weight, respectively) in crop which were grown without shade than shady and partially shady conditions. It was concluded on the results data basis that Cyamous tetragocalobe could also be cultivated in wasteland under shaded environments; however, its overall growth response was more in un-shaded conditions.

196

P-123 IMPACT OF TEXTILE EFFLUENT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF MAIZE ( ZEA MAYS L.) AND MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA L.)
Muhammad Riaz*1, Khadija Mureed1, Muhammad Imran2, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Sabir Hussain1, Muhammad Arshad2
1 2

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Institute of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Textile effluent is the waste water that comes from textile units at various stages of production. It has diverse and complex chemical composition but dyes are the frequently dominant constituent of the textile wastewater. Among the variety of dyes, azodyes are used most widely in the textile industrially. When this effluent is discharged into water bodies, it potentially contaminates water bodies on large scale. Control of water pollution from textile wastewater has become increasingly important in recent years. These effluents are being used for irrigation in agro-systems for the production of crops. But these can have detrimental effect on the growth and development of crops. Consequently, different dilution factors are used to reduce its negative impacts on crops. The present study, therefore, was conducted to investigate textile effluent effect on the growth and germination of maize ( Zea mays L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under axenic conditions. For this purpose, textile effluent was collected from Dawood Textile Mills Faisalabad and was applied to maize and mungbean crops at different concentration levels in a two-week pot experiment under laboratory conditions at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. In addition, effect of textile wastewater on seed-germination of these crops was also assessed under laboratory conditions. Textile effluent significantly hampered the growth and development of both crops, especially at 100% concentration level; however, mungbean crop showed more pronounced sensitivity compared to maize crop. It is suggested that such a negative impact on growth and germination could be attributed to high salt contents of textile effluents. However, it was noticeable that textile effluent at moderate concentrations (25%) had shown positive effect on growth parameters. It is hypothesized that biodegradation of textile wastewater dyes results in plant consumable N-compounds which stimulate their growth and development; however, the idea needs to be addressed and verified though sound research in future.

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P-124

EXTENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING IN PAKISTAN

Mamoona Saadia1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ulHassan1, Naila Batool1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ulHaq1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Muhammad Ibrahim1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

The global warming that is directly or indirectly related to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability over comparable time periods. The past temperature trends over Pakistan are seen very much tallying with the global trends, Furthermore, Pakistan located in sub-tropics and in temperate region, has a warm climate and its economy being largely agrarian, is highly climate sensitive. Pakistan is the least responsible for global climate change, but remains severely impacted by the negative effects of climate change like crop yield growth rates are declining in Pakistan, accelerating recession of glacier melt in the Himalayas, rainfall variability and changes in marine ecosystems, freshwater availability is also projected to decrease which will lead to biodiversity loss, Coastal areas bordering the Arabian Sea in the south of Pakistan will be at greatest risk due to increased flooding, Endemic morbidity and mortality due to diseases primarily associated with floods and droughts are expected to rise as a consequence of rising temperatures. Increasing access to high quality information about the impacts of climate change, developing new and innovative farm production practices and irrigation techniques, improving forest management and biodiversity, mainstreaming climate change into development planning at all scales, levels and empowering communities and local stakeholders promoting good governance and responsible policy by integrating risk management and adaptation, practicing energy efficiency through changes in individual lifestyles and businesses, reducing the vulnerability to livelihoods to climate change through infra -structural changes can be taken to cope with climate change and avoid global warming.

198

P-125 A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRO-PASTORAL SYSTEM IN CHOLISTAN DESERT

Qurratulain Safdar
Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan Corresponding author email: quratulain.safdar@iub.edu.pk

Cholistan desert covers the southern portion of the Bahawalpur division. Bahawalpur division lies in the extreme south of the Punjab province. The area of Cholistan desert is 2.6 million ha. The desert measures 480 km in length and between 32 and 192km in breadth. Human and livestock population in the desert is 0.1 and 2.0 million respectively. The paper emphasis on the qualitative analysis of the two dominant production systems in the Cholistan desert: (1) an agro-pastoral system representing about 75 % of the population, composed of irrigated agriculture undertaken in association with the raising of livestock that are either stall-fed or grazed in the desert; and (2) a pastoral system which comprises chiefly of a trans humant element, involving the seasonal movement of people and livestock in the desert made up of herders representing about 25 % of the population. The qualitative analysis, also examines that relative inefficiency of agriculture activity in Cholistan reflects the influence of physical, economic, social, and most importantly climatic factors.

199

P-126 A COMPARATIVE ADSORPTION/BIOSORPOTION STUDY OF REMOVAL OF ORGANIC DYES FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Shabbir Sajida, Muhammad Usmana,*, Muhammad Ibrahimb
Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: usm_ca@yahoo.com
a

A comparative adsorption/biosorption study of removal of health risk organic dyes from water was carried out. A low cost waste biomass derived from plant and activated carbon was used as sorbents and their efficiency was compared to remove reactive textile dyes from aqueous solutions. The bath bio sorption/adsorption experiments were conducted at various pH, sorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration and agitation speed. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models was examined and thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The experimental results indicated that this low cost biomaterial is very effective for the removal of textile dye from aqueous solutions.

200

P-127 CARBON SEQUESTRATION THROUGH AFFORESTATION TO MITIGATE CO2 FOOT PRINT IN PAKISTAN
Aamir Mehmood Shah1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Global warming, caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, is a topic of wider global concern causing environmental, ecological and social concerns in human society. Carbon dioxide emissions from anthropogenic sources are estimated to be 22 billion tons per annum and are thought to be 72% of the overall green house gas emission (GHGs) of the world. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased from 290 ppm in 1900 to nearly 400 ppm in 2010, and it is currently increasing by 2 to 3 ppm each year. Major source of carbon dioxide is burning of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, diesel etc. The emissions of CO2 have been dramatically increased within the last 50 years and are still increasing. There are a number of options available to cut down the carbon dioxide emission such as use of alternative energy sources, carbon capture and storage strategies etc. At this time, we need to store and capture the CO2 from the atmosphere by carbon sequestration methods including biological, chemical and/or physical processes. Carbon sequestration at more advanced levels is targeting development of fast-growing tree and grass species, and deciphering the genomes of carbon-storing soil microbes. These activities complement research into afforestation and agricultural practices. We can control the rising temperature by planting trees which has been considered have been touted as way to become carbonneutral. It has been estimated that a single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs/year and release 260 pounds oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings. According to the World Banks Pakistan Strategic Country Environment Assessment Report, the cost of environmental degradation is at least 6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or about Rs.365 billion per year. Pakistan is a country of diverse landscape and contains within its boundaries six major forest types, ranging from forest cover on some of the highest mountain ranges in the world to mangrove forests along the low lying coastal belt. Pakistans annual rate of deforestation, between 2000 and 2005, was 2.1 percent, which was the second highest in Asia after Afghanistan. According to the National Forest and Range Resource Assessment Study (NFRRAS) by Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) in 2004, the total forest cover of Pakistan has decreased to 3.317 million hectares. There is strong potential of sequester carbon dioxide in Pakistan through planting trees but only through education, policy making and active government involvement.

201

P-128 SIMULATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER & BLACK CARBON CONCENTRATION IN PAKISTAN USING WRF/CHEM MODEL Muhammad Zeeshaan Shahid1, Muhammad Ibrahim2, Imran Shahid3
1

Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing China; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad Pakistan; 3Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad Pakistan Corresponding author email: mzeeshanshahid@gmail.com

Air Pollution and climate change is serious challenge of developing countries like Pakistan. To study the impact of PM2.5 (Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 m or less) and Black Carbon (BC) concentrations on Pakistans climate, PM2.5 and BC are simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting, Chemistry (WRF/Chem) model over Pakistan during the period from 24 to 28 August 2006. The David Street emissions data for Asian countries have been used. The model results are compared with published data and other available information has been analyzed . Model result showed higher concentration of PM2.5 over Punjab region which adjacent to northern India. PM2.5 concentration observed higher in the morning and evening hours and lower in afternoon. Daily mean PM2.5 varied about 11 to 18g/m and compared it with winter season. PM2.5 concentration is much lower than the winter season, which is reported upto 500 g/m, (Lodhi et al. 2009). The model results have been compared with measurements results of Aug 2007 which is exactly after one year of model simulation to emission pattern. Emission trend is almost same that model showed in Aug 2006. Daily mean of Black Carbon varied from 2 to 2.5 g/m. Model result is compared with measurements result of the same month Aug 2006. Model result almost same as reported by Dutkiewicz et al., 2009. From July to Aug is monsoon season in Pakistan, concentration of particulate may be lower due to rain, air born species washed out in this season and concentration reported lower than winter season which much higher during fog episode. Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization have increased PM and BC emission that has serious impact on human and climate.

202

P-129 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER FROM DIFFERENTIAL ORIGIN

Muhammad Ramzan Thind1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Muhammad Arif Ali2
2

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, BZU, Multan. Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Industries are very important components of a countrys progress; because they play a significant role for the economy of a country. The industries waste water produces from the nature of many industries that needs large quantity of water for their Processing and wastes disposal. Many of the industries are therefore, situated near water sources. The wastewater of industries has the higher concentrations of different polluting substances and is produced large quantities, so the pollution present in industrial wastewater is by many times greater than that of domestic wastewater. The number of industries is very high which discharge waste water directly into the waste water of rivers and lakes which produce threats for the aquatic life. The current study is the physicochemical analysis of parameters of waste water. In this work, the samples were collected from industries including sugar, Pharmaceutical, paper, food processing, municipal wastewater and textile industries. Untreated wastewater samples was collected from their discharge point and was tested for physical and chemical parameters like pH, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dominant cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), dominant anions (Cl-, SO42-, PO43-) and heavy metals including Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu. The measured values were assessed in comparison with those of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) permissible limits, which allowed us to figure out various environmental contamination threats emerging from these industries.

203

P-130 QUANTIFYING EFFECTS OF CROP RESIDUE APPLICATION AND DECOMPOSITION ON CONCENTRATIONS AND FLUXES OF NUTRIENTS IN DRAINAGE WATER: A MICROCOSM STUDY
Sidra Azhar1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Shermeen Tahir2, Muhammad Farhan Tahir1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Wajid Ishaq2, Ishaq A. Mian3
2

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan 3 Department of Soil & Environmental Science, KP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Crop residue production, decomposition and management are central processes of nutrient cycling and recycling in agro ecosystems. The present microcosm study was designed to investigate impact of rice residue management practices (no-till and conventional tillage) on nutrients fluxes in drainage water over a period of four months. The treatments included control, surface residue application (no- till/zero tillage) and subsurface residue incorporation (conventional tillage). The microcosms were irrigated with simulated rain of known composition bi-weekly and drainage water was collected at a two week interval. Treatment effects were statistically explored through one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using standard statistical methods. Pearsons correlations coefficients were used to study the nature of relationships between leachate physicochemical parameters. The leachate samples were analyzed for pH and the pH of sub-surface residue samples were 8 which showed that soil was alkaline in nature. From the results, it was concluded that the concentrations and fluxes of nitrate, ammonium, mineral-N, sodium, potassium and chlorine were higher in surface residue (no tillage practice) soils compared with those from the control and sub-surface residue, but the other remaining parameters had low concentrations. Nutrient concentrations were converted into fluxes using the volume of leachate samples. The cumulative fluxes showed that fluxes of nitrate, ammonium, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and potassium were high in surface residue treatment and chlorine and sodium had low fluxes for the same treatment. Future research should address how above- and belowground decomposition processes differ for a wider range of crop residues and nutrients, emphasizing both short and long-term nutrient recycling.

204

P-131 FUTURE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Sana Younas1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1
1

Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mr548@ymail.com

Solar energy is generated by the process of nuclear fusion in tremendous amounts that by traveling at the speed of light, arrives from the sun at the earth at 170 thousand million joules every second. Of which, About 30-33% radiation energy is reflected straight back into space and 67% of sunlight actually heats the Earth. As one of the cheapest, clean, reliable and affordable type of energy and alternative fuel, it produces a large amount of energy in a small place. It is partly responsible for wind energy and geothermal energy. Solar energy is vital to support life on earth. Use of solar technology has developed from the simplest use to make fire to the object to be burned to run modern machinery all over the world. Solar energy generation is the real time solution to Pakistans growing energy scarcity problem, especially, i n agricultural and industrial sectors. A solar system that is economic at remote locations, energy storing, cost-effective technology is helpful in water pumping, powering electric fans for air circulation, lighting in agricultural buildings and enclosures, appropriate uses for ranches and orchards like Power for feed or product grinding, electric-powered egg collection and handling equipment, Product refrigeration, Livestock feeder and sprayer motors and controls, Compressors and pumps for fish farming, electric fencing to contain livestock and battery charging etc. As an indirect use, it is helpful as crop and grain driers, space and water heater particularly in livestock operations. A solar greenhouse reduces the need for fossil fuels for heating. A study showed that the food processing, pharmaceutical, automotive, dairy, textile, and pulp and paper sectors are the ones that have the highest potentials of successfully operating on solar power. Indeed, solar energy has a bright future ahead and will find many applications in various sectors of Pakistan.

205

P-132 CANOLA, BRASSICA NAPUS SEED TREATMENT FOR CONTROL OF APHIDS, BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE AND LIPAPHIS ERYSIMI (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)
Muhammad Aslam1, Muhammad Razaq2, M. Imran Aslam2, Qudsia Yousafi3
1

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pir Murad, Vehari, Pakistan; 2University Colleges of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan; 3COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal, Pakistan Corresponding author email: aslam@ciitvehari.edu.pk.

Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) are major insect pests of canola, Brassica napus L. in Pakistan. Our ten years studies have revealed that these species cannot be controlled without application of insecticides. Present study was therefore undertaken to determine the effect of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam seed treatment on population of both aphid species on canola variety Oscar. Experiment was conducted at Multan in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Crop was sown with the seed treated at three different doses of each of the imidacloprid 70 WP (@ 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 gm/ kg of seed) and thiamethoxam 70 WP @ 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 gm/ kg of seed). Number of aphids (cabbage aphid + turnip aphid) was recorded from late January to mid March from 12 plants in each treatment from 10 cm terminal part of inflorescence. No significant difference in number of aphids among treatments was observed on any sampling date. Mean seasonal aphid population also did not differ among treatments. It is concluded that seed treatment of canola is not effective for management of aphids in southern Punjab, Pakistan.

206

P-133 MANAGEMENT OF DROUGHT AFFECTED ECOSYSTEM

Samina Malik1*
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Corresponding author email: saminatmalik@yahoo.com

The total arid area of the world is increasing rapidly due to considerable changes in climate and rainfall patterns caused by global warming. This recent change of high temperature and depleting water resources is badly deteriorating ecosystems. Green lands are turning into barren. Without plantation, ecosystems are eroded. Ecosystem may be restored by growing more plants. But how can plants survive in extreme temperature and drought? Pakistan has an arid to semi-arid climate. Of the total 79.6 million hectare of the country, only 9% receives more than 508 mm rain per annum. Further reduction of rainfall is predicted in future. Although supplemental irrigation by canal water is available for some areas however, it is not enough to fulfill the needs of crops. Drought or water deficit is defined as the absence of adequate moisture necessary for normal growth and completion of life cycle of a plant. Plants suffer drought when water supply to the roots is very low due to less soil moisture or when transpiration rate is very high. These two conditions usually occur together under arid or semi-arid climates. Problem of drought is acute in the developing part of the world where there are a few opportunities for adopting drought management strategies such as irrigation. Scientists have been striving to find and implement strategies to manage dry ecosystems and to help plants survive in those arid areas. Naturally plant species on land have developed some adaptive strategies to tolerate water deficit thereby maintaining growth and development. Plant biologists have been studying these plant adaptive mechanisms to manipulate them for generating drought tolerant crop cultivars. Plants can also be genetically engineered to naturally resist drought conditions of the environment. Plant scientists are trying a variety of plant hormones involved in cellular metabolism for their ameliorative role against drought stress. A novel idea is to use ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to save plants under drought stress. I have conducted experiments which reveal that ascorbic acid being an antioxidant has the ability to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress if sprayed or given in the rooting medium to wheat under stress.

207

P-134 NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGRO-ECOSYSTEM: ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY USE OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN
Muhammad Nadeem1, Sajid Ali2, Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid3, Muhammad Shahid1
1

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, Pakistan: 2Institute of the agricultural sciences, university of the Punjab, Pakistan; 3Department of Agronomy, university of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: wajidnasim@ciitvehari.edu.pk

Pakistan is an agricultural base economy and 65 percent population of the country is involved directly or indirectly in this sector. The green revolution has several impacts on its agricultural practices. The high use of fertilizers is being incorporated with the soil and leaching down to the groundwater, causing pollution and eutrophication of these natural reserves. Phosphorus (P), a nonrenewable resource is being used intensively and this trend will lead to the complete depletion in coming 100 years. The authors collected data regarding P fertilizer usage in Pakistan for the last twenty years from published papers, national reports, and government departments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of inorganic agricultural inputs (fertilizers) usages on the sustainable and environmental friendly agricultural production in Pakistan. Cotton and wheat are the two major crops of Pakistan. The fertilizer use was increased to 108% during the last two decades (1990-91 to 2010-11). Whereas the average yields increase during this period was 18% and 54% in cotton and wheat, respectively. Therefore the need of the time is to use P fertilizer accordingly to minimize the environmental hazards and to improve the soil health.

208

P-135 SUNFLOWER PRODUCTIVITY UNDER GLASSHOUSE ENVIRONMENT: A SIMULATION & FIELD STUDY

Wajid Nasim1,2*, Asghari Bano2

1

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT-Vehari) 61100, Pakistan; 2 Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (45320), Pakistan Corresponding author email: wajidnasim@ciitvehari.edu.pk

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a major oilseed crop not only in Pakistan, but also all over the world. It is much susceptible to climatic variables and hence climate could have significant effect on its production. The experiment was conducted during spring 2011 in greenhouse of Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. The effects of Nitrogen (N) and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., var. Hysun-33) under natural environment were studied. The N use efficiency of sunflower crop grown under three N rates (N1 = 0 kg ha-1, N2 = 120 kg ha-1, N3 = 240 kg ha-1) and three PGPR levels (R1 = 0 kg ha-1, R2 = 30 kg ha-1, R3 = 60 kg ha-1) were investigated. This study presents results of a simulation study to evaluate the impact of projected climate change on sunflower in contrasting agro-environments in glass house environment by making different treatments within the model for various temperature and CO2 levels. The OILCROP-SUN model that is part of DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer) has reasonably predicted phenology, crop growth, development, yield and yield components of sunflower crop. The simulation results showed that their is increase in CO2 concentration from 360 ppm to 550 ppm has no affect on crop duration. On the other hand, leaf area index (LAI) that results in total dry matter (TDM), will increase with increased CO2 concentration. Results of present study showed that, increasing temperature will shorten crop duration from planting to physiological maturity (with difference of almost 14 days in 2020's and 21 days in 2050's, respectively), thus retards the growth and development and ultimately decreased the yield than current situation at all the experimental locations of Punjab-Pakistan. Furthermore, for maximum economic benefits (maximum growth and development thats lead to higher achene yield), application of 120 kg N ha1 was better under well irrigated conditions compared to other different N levels. Further research especially in the field of crop simulation modeling may be required in this area for sunflower crop to identify best agronomic management strategies in order to achieve high yield and profitable edible oil production of Pakistan.

209

P-136 IMPLEMENTATION STUDY OF ISO 14001- EMS STANDARDS IN PROCESSING UNIT OF NIMRA TEXTILES
Samia Sajid1*, Fozia Dogar1, Shafaqat Ali1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad. Pakistan. Corresponding author email: samia.sajid212@gmail.com

Textile sector is often considered as the backbone of Pakistans economy. It is the most important industrial sector in terms of export and involves human resource to a much greater extent. Apart from being one of the highest revenue generating sectors, it has several tribulations, one of them being the environmental pollution. Water, air and noise pollution and the solid waste generation are the main problems which turn out to be a serious health hazard for flora and fauna. Increasing global awareness about these environmental hazards has triggered international environment protection agencies and governments to impose stringent pollution regulations. International certification requirements for ISO 14001-EMS is also becoming essential dynamics of the global market. These standards are also implemented in Pakistan. If these standards are not followed precisely, the Pakistan textile products will start losing their competitive edge in the international markets.The purpose of this study is to develop better understanding of the textile processes, related environmental issues and the available techniques for controlling the environmental pollution and also to understand the components of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). To achieve this goal, I worked with NEC Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd team in one of their projects: Cleaner Technology Program for Textile industry (CTPT). The processes of ISO 14001-EMS implementation in Nimra Textile (Pvt.) Ltd (NTL) was studied in detail with help of literature review, industrial survey and checklists. By these tools, it was found that most of the environmental aspects of NTL were exceeding the NEQs and company was willing to improve its environmental performance. Thats why the NTL takes services from NEC team as consultants. So, NEC team suggested them to implement ISO 14001-EMS standards in their company and provide guidance for its implementation.

210

P-137 METAL SPECIATION ROLE IN EARLY STEPS OF LEAD-INDUCED ROS PRODUCTION AS WELL AS LIPID PEROXIDATION IN VICIA FABA L. SEEDLINGS
M. Shahid1,2,3*, E. Pinelli1,2, C. Laplanche1,2, B. Pourrut4, J. Silvestre1,2, C. Dumat1,2
Universit de Toulouse; INP-ENSAT, Av. de lAgrobiople, 31326 Castanet -Tolosan, France. UMR 5245 CNRS-INP-UPS; EcoLab (Laboratoire dcologie fonctionnelle) ; 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France. 3 Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, Pakistan; 4LGCgE, Equipe Sols et environnement, ISA, 48 boulevard Vauban 59046 - Lille Cedex France. Corresponding author email: wajidnasim@ciitvehari.edu.pk
2 1

The present study evaluated the effect of metal speciation on lead-induced toxicity to Vicia faba seedlings. Young V. faba seedlings were exposed to 5 M of lead nitrate in the presence and absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA). All the treatments were exposed for 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h in controlled hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Pb toxicity to V. faba depends on its speciation and duration of exposure. Lead alone caused two burst of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 induction at 1 and 12 h in V. faba roots. In leaves, Pb-induced H2O2 induction and lipid peroxidation started after 8 h. Addition of EDTA dose dependently inhibited Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production indicating a protective role of this metal chelator. In contrast, CA did not show significant effects on Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production, but delayed the induction of effects. The present study suggested that metal speciation plays important role in early steps of Pb toxicity to V. faba seedlings.

211

P-138 SCREENING OF BRINJAL (SLANUM MELONGENA L.) VARIETIES FOR RESISTANCE AGAINST COTTON JASSID (AMRASCA BIGUTULLA BIGUTULLA (ISHIDA)
Qudsia Yousafi1, Muhammad Afzal2, Muhammad Aslam3, Muhammad Razaq4, Muhammad Shahid3
Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal; 2University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha; 3Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari; 4Department of Agricultural Entomology, University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Corresponding author email: aslam@ciitvehari.edu.pk
1

The study was conducted to screen nine varieties of brinjal, Solanum melongena L. for resistance against jassid, Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla (Ishida). Brinjal nursery was grown in pots and transplanting was done on September 4, 2011. Experiment was planted in a randomized complete block design having four replications. Each plot had four rows. Plant to plant and row to row spacing was 10.0 cm and 50.0 cm, respectively. Data were recorded from the middle two rows of each plot. Number of jassid (adults + nymphs) was counted in early morning hours on the underside of three leaves from each plant by randomly selecting two plants from each row of each plot. The three leaves chosen were; one from the top one third, one from the middle one third and one from the bottom one third of each plant. Highest number of jassid per leaf was observed on the variety Black Beauty on all sampling dates. The varieties Nirala and Hybrid 3715 had the lowest number of jassid per leaf on most of the sampling dates. Seasonal mean number of jassid per leaf on different varieties was in the order; Black Beauty > Dilnasheen > Hybrid Shilpa = Round Black >Bemisal > Hybrid 888 > Black Pearl > Hybrid 3715 > Nirala. Based on the seasonal mean number of jassid per leaf, brinjal variety Black Beauty, having 14.6 jassid per leaf, was highly susceptible, Dilnasheen, Hybrid Shilpa, Round Black, Bemisal, with jassid number from 3.0 to 3.8 per leaf., were moderately resistant and Hybrid 888, Black Pearl, Hybrid 3715 and Nirala, with jassid population ranging from 2.3 to 2.7 per leaf, were resistant against jassid. Jassid per leaf, averaged over all the varieties screened, started to build from 49 days after transplanting (DAT) and reached a peak on 63 DAT. Thereafter number per leaf decreased up to 84 DAT.

212

P-139 SCREENING AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN PRODUCED BY RHIZOPHERIC BACTERIA

Misbah Aslam1*, Nazia Jamil1
1

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics New campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Corresponding author email: misbahmmg@gmail.com

Bacteriocins have attracted much attention due to their potential use as antibacterial agents for the treatment of infections, preservation of food and animal feed. Bacteriocin have been found in all major bacterial groups and recently been described as universally produced by some members of the Archaea. The present study was carried out for screening and molecular characterization of bacteriocin produced by bacteria isolated from rhizospheric soil. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the indigenous areas of Punjab University to isolate bacterial strains that exhibit the antibacterial activity. Extraction and purification of the bacteriocin was done by TLC and SDSPAGE. Purified extracts were treated with high temperature 121C, Proteinase K and UV radiation to check the stability of the bacteriocin. Five out of ten bacterial strains (AZS, A2, P, U and LB) showed high bacteriocin activity against the target organism. The stability of the crude extract of bacteriocin to high temperature 121C, Proteinase K and UV radiation indicated that these compounds could be a better option for utilization as a probiotics. The SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that bacteriocin were low molecular weight peptide i.e. molecular weight of Brevundimonas and Bacillus (A2, AZS & LB) was approximately in the range of 10 to 25 kDa whereas the molecular weight of Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes (P & U) was approximately 40 kDa. It was concluded that bacteriocins are low molecular weight compounds with diverse stability which indicated that these compounds could be a better alternative to antibiotics.

213

P-140 MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF PLANTS TO NICKEL STRESS: A REVIEW
Muhammad Bilal Hussain1, Shafaqat Ali2*, Aqeel Azam1, Basharat Ali3, Wajid Ishaque5, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir4
1

Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 4Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan; 5Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad Pakistan Corresponding author email: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Nickel (Ni), 22th abundant element in the earth crust, being an essential mineral nutrient found in natural soils in trace concentrations. The elevated levels of Ni pollution in the environment are due to industrial and agricultural activities. It is vitally important to understand both, the functional characteristics and toxic effects of Ni in plants. The quantity of Ni required for normal growth and development of plants is very low. However Ni has been identified as a component of various enzymes in plants and has decisive metabolism for certain enzyme activities, like maintaining proper cellular redox state and various other biochemical, physiological and growth responses. The higher concentration of Ni is associated with serpentine soils, manifestation in plant chlorosis and inhibits root and shoot growth. Excess of Ni inhibits a large number of enzymes and interferes with several aspects of plant biochemistry, including photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, and membrane integrity. This article is based on the overview of available data of past two decades that in core encompasses the ill morphological, physiological and biochemical effects of Ni stress on plants.

214

P-141 MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF PLANTS TO MANGANESE STRESS

Muhammad Bilal Hussain1, Muhammad Aqeel1, Shafaqat Ali2*, Wajid Ishaque4, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir3
1

Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Institute of Horticultural, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; 4Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad Corresponding author email: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Manganese is an essential nutrient to all plant species. After year to year study it has been documented that different plant nutrients show a complex interaction, which effect their absorption and utilization in plants. In plants manganese takes place in the synthesis of chlorophyll and in the oxidase enzymes activity such as dehydrogenase, transferase, hydroxylase, and decarboxylase involved in respiration, amino acid, lignin synthesis as well as in hormone production. But the elevated amount becomes toxic for plant. The phytotoxicity of manganese resulted in the reduction of crop yield, photosynthesis, and biochemical disorders. A compatible role of antioxidative system has been reported as a defense mechanism in relation to high Mn concentration. The purpose of this review is to show the effects of Mn stress on plants in contact to morphological, physiological and biochemical processes.

215

P-142 ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER IN JARANWALA ROAD DRAIN KHURRIANWALA FAISALABAD
Lubna Taj*1, Sabir Hussain1, Khalid Hussain2
1

Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan 2 King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Corresponding author email: sabirgcuf@gmail.com

In order Analyze ground water contamination of 6 samples collected from the different distances at Jaranwala Road Drain Khurrianwala industrial estate has been carried out, to determine the quality of water used for drinking purposes. Physical parameters such as color, odor, taste, pH, Electrical conductivity and total suspended solids and some chemical parameters such as nitrate and concentration of principal anions like chloride were determined. pH values of the water samples ranged (7.32-7.57) the standard value set by WHO is (6-8.5) . Electrical conductivity values of ground water samples ranged (3.32-3.98 dS m-1), which is higher than the permissible limit set by WHO (3 dS m-1). The carbonate and bicarbonates values of ground water samples were also within the standard value. All drinking water samples have the chloride concentration higher (17-25 meq L-1) then the permissible limit set by WHO (7.04 meq L-1). The Total suspended solids values for drinking water samples were 2124-2515 mg L-1 and they were higher than the standard value. The Nitrates present in drinking water samples (22.91- 44 mg L-1) were within the permissible to (50 mg L-1). The heavy metals in all the water samples were in trace amounts. Overall result indicated that most of the parameters showed higher values then the standards values, which indicated that industrial waste water damaging the quality of ground water (drinking water) adversely in vicinity of industrial areas.

216

P-143 DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLICS AND FLAVONOID CONTENTS IN WILD FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF PAKISTAN
Muhammad Ahmad1*
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000 Pakistan Corresponding author email: engineer_nust@yahoo.com

Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) contents in wild fruits (Apple, Peach) and vegetables (Carrot, Lemon) by F-C reagent method and Aluminum chloride colorimetric assay and their antioxidant activities was determined by DPPH assays. Effect of different solvent and extraction techniques was also evaluated. Extraction was carried out by shaking and ultrasonic bath method while pure methanol and 80 % methanol was used as extracting solvent. Higher TPC were observed in Apple (106.78 GAE/100 g DW) while lemon (28.24 Catechin equivalent/100g DW) contains higher TFC. Ultrasonic bath extraction technique was proved to be best for extraction of compounds irrespective of solvent used. While higher extraction yield was obtained with 80 % methanol. DPPH scavenging activity increases with increases in concentration while IC50 value decreases.

217

P-144 HEAVY METALS ASSESSMENT IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES RECEIVING WASTE WATER IN FAISALABAD
Khadija Siddique1*, Anjum Iqbal1
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Corresponding author email: samia.sajid212@gmail.com

Application of waste water for irrigation purposes has increased over the past years. This waste water contains high amounts of trace elements and heavy metals. Objective of the study was to evaluate heavy metals concentration in the soil irrigated with waste water. Sampling was carried out from a vegetable farms located along drain where vegetables were grown by untreated sewage water. . Plant samples were washed and cut into pieces, air dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer. After digestion, Concentration of heavy metal was detected by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed that heavy metals concentration in the soil irrigated with waste water was above the toxicity level. The maximum concentration of lead, iron and manganese was recorded in soil samples taken from Nawabanwala, Malkanwala and Sheikhanwala. The concentration of heavy metals in upper layer of soil (0 -15 cm) is higher than the lower layer (15-30 cm).

218

P-145 METAL SPECIATION ROLE IN EARLY STEPS OF LEAD-INDUCED ROS PRODUCTION AS WELL AS LIPID PEROXIDATION IN VICIA FABA L. SEEDLINGS

M. Shahid1,2,3*, E. Pinelli1,2, C. Laplanche1,2, B. Pourrut4, J. Silvestre1,2, C. Dumat1,2

Universit de Toulouse; INP-ENSAT, Av. de lAgrobiople, 31326 Castanet -Tolosan, France. UMR 5245 CNRS-INP-UPS; EcoLab (Laboratoire dcologie fonctionnelle) ; 31326 Castanet -Tolosan, France. 3 Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, Pakistan; 4 LGCgE, Equipe Sols et environnement, ISA, 48 boulevard Vauban 59046 - Lille Cedex France. Corresponding author email: wajidnasim@ciitvehari.edu.pk
2 1

The present study evaluated the effect of metal speciation on lead-induced toxicity to Vicia faba seedlings. Young V. faba seedlings were exposed to 5 M of lead nitrate in the presence and absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA). All the treatments were exposed for 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h in controlled hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Pb toxicity to V. faba depends on its speciation and duration of exposure. Lead alone caused two burst of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 induction at 1 and 12 h in V. faba roots. In leaves, Pb-induced H2O2 induction and lipid peroxidation started after 8 h. Addition of EDTA dose dependently inhibited Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production indicating a protective role of this metal chelator. In contrast, CA did not show significant effects on Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production, but delayed the induction of effects. The present study suggested that metal speciation plays important role in early steps of Pb toxicity to V. faba seedlings.

219

P-146 INFECTIOUS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT AT PINUM HOSPITAL, FAISALABAD

Tauqir Shehzad
Corresponding author email: tauqir1214@yahoo.com

In Pakistan, like many other developing countries of the world, hospital and medical waste management practices are very unsatisfactory. Existing techniques and practices are not in accordance with the guidelines and levels prescribed by the WHO and other international bodies concerned with environment and human health. Reasons for poor management of infectious and hazardous waste from hospitals are lack of legislations, inability to adapt international protocols and guidelines for hospital waste management such as waste minimization, segregation, collection, storage, final treatment, recycling and disposal. Lack of trained and literate manpower, equipment, and socio-economic status of the country are major obstacles which hinder the proper and effective management of hospital waste. At present in most of hospitals present in country, waste is not managed properly. Mostly hospital waste is disposed off together with domestic and municipal waste or is openly dumped without any prior treatment. Moreover due to financial crises in country scavengers collect recyclable waste such as syringes, glass vials, and plastic bags which are highly infectious in nature. These items are repacked and reused. This exercise is affecting the community health to a large extent. Use of contaminated syringes has contributed a lot in spread of infectious diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV in the country. Many drug users pick syringes from debris and use them which can transmit infectious diseases to community. Many small-level medical facilities even dump their waste in nearby water courses. Syringes, needles, sharps, blood bags and other type of medical waste are found in most water courses running through urban areas. Objective of this study was to design and implement a proper waste management plan for the PINUM hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan. At PINUM hospital, infectious waste was produced as a result of diagnostic and radioactive waste was produced as a result of diagnostic and therapeutic activities in nuclear medicine. This study was carried out in a period of 10 months in two phases.In first phase a proper infectious waste management plan was design and incorporated at hospital and in 2nd phase proper management plan for radioactive waste was designed and implemented. Nested PCR was also performed to check any virulence for hepatitis B and C in incinerated ash of infectious waste arising from diagnostic labs. Results showed a 45% reduction on treatment cost and significant volume reduction of infectious waste due to proper management. There was significant decrease in prescribed` storage time of radioactive waste which is done to bring its activity to normal level. It was seen that if radioactive waste properly segregated, lose radioactive waste (gloves,swabs,absorbing sheets, tissue papers etc.) can be disposed off much earlier than the compact radioactive waste (radioactive vials, needles, sharps etc.)

220

P-147 IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF SOIL UREASE INHIBITORS FOR IMPROVING FERTILIZER USE EFFICIENCY OF SOIL
Tayyaba Huma1, Ume Robab Sana1
1

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Govt College University,Faisalabad Corresponding author email: tayyabashahbaz@gmail.com

Urease (urea amidohydrolase; E.C. 3.5.1.5) is a metallo enzyme which usually found in plants and microbes (algae, fungi and bacteria). It is ubiquitous that catalysis the hydrolysis of urea in the soil by using a bimetallic nickel center. It is involved in the final step of organic nitrogen mineralization. In plants, the major role of urease is to facilitate its growth by providing nitrogen in the form of ammonia. High catalytic rate of urease in soil may results in excessive release of abnormally large amounts of ammonia into atmosphere. If the hydrolysis of ammonia does not occur in the soil surface, soil pH will increase due to liberated OH- ions, ammonia will escape to atmosphere hence ammonia volatilization will occur which may lead to environmental and economic problems. In order to protect the crops from volatilization loss of ammonia, various inhibitors are used that can retard urea hydrolysis by blocking the activity of urease enzyme. Soil urease inhibitors are Phenylphosphorodiamidat, Hydroquinone, N-(Diaminophosphinyl)-N-BenzylN-methyl phosphoric triamide (NBPT) ,Trichloroethyl phosphorodiamidate Diethyl phosphoric triamide, Dimethyl phosphoric triamide and N-Butyl phosphorothioic triamide . In silico studies have been carried out to understand the interaction of inhibitors with urease by using different bioinformatics tools. Conformational changes occurred when ligand binds to the urease which causes the inhibition of urease activity.

221

P-148 ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CADMIUM AND LEAD IN MUNG-BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS, L.) IN SAND
Mehnaz Roohi*, Muhammad Riaz, Sabir Hussain, Muhammad Ahmad, Muhammad Saleem Arif, Muhammad Ibrahim
Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad Corresponding author email: mahanaz.roohi@yahoo.com

Heavy metals create serious problems in the environment due to their toxic nature heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are widely distributed throughout the environment due to soil erosion, industrial and agricultural processes. These metals accumulate in the environment causing different diseases in living organisms. Toxicity of these metals has harmful affects on plants, animals and soil microorganisms. Heavy metals have detrimental effects on the growth of some crops. In this context, two varieties of mung-bean NM-92 and NM-98 were used for the present study. The work was carried out in Plant Stress Physiology Lab, Plant Protection Division at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) Faisalabad, Pakistan to examine the effect of Cadmium and Lead in mung-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) in sand. The experiment was conducted in net house after the germination in glass house. Four treatments control, Cd (1mM), Pb (1mM) and Cd (0.5mM) +Pb (0.5mM) were applied to both varieties with three replicates before germination in small plastic pots. Physiological and biochemical parameters were used to examine the effect of these heavy metals on both varieties of mung-bean after the harvesting of 21 days. The concentration of Cd and Pb in plants given Cd+Pb alone and in combination indicated the plant tissue affinity for the uptake of the heavy metal ions in mung-bean and demonstrated the plant ability for its use as a bio-accumulator. The lack of interaction between the ions indicated that neither of the two ions had any antagonistic effect on the behavior of the other. This thus pointed to the plant ability to accumulate both the ions equally well and perhaps at equal rate. The plants grew well in both Cd and Pb and the two ions were distributed between tops and roots equally. Further studies in mung-bean are aimed at characterizing absorption and distribution of Cd+Pb in the plant further.

222

P-149 EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND COMPARING HEAVY METAL STATUS IN VEGETABLES IRRIGATED WITH FRESH AND WASTE WATER
Khadeeja Rehman1, Sobia Ashraf1, Umer Rashid2,3*, Muhammad Ibrahim1, Sadia Hina1, Tehreema Iftikhar4, Shahla Ramzan5
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 2Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang-43400, Malaysia; 3Department of Industrial Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 4Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 5Department of Statistics, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: umer.rashid@yahoo.com
1

Vegetables are irrigated with waste water in many developing countries like Pakistan due to inaccessibility of cleaner water resources. Inspite of enriched in nutrients, it may also lead to accumulation of heavy metals that poses severe health risks. In this study, two digestion methods were used to compare heavy metal concentrations in edible and leaf parts of vegetables; cauliflower, green pepper, spring onion and brinjal, irrigated with fresh and wastewater on ICPAES and also their proximate composition was accessed. The amount of Pb (1.87mg kg1), Fe (1.09 mg kg1), Cu (1.01 mg kg1), Zn (0.99 mg kg1), Cr (0.97 mg kg1) showed more accumulation than Mn (017 mg kg1) and Ni (0.31 mg kg1) both the edible and leaves of investigated vegetables but nearly all metals were found within safe limits. All the samplesshowedlarge variation of elemental concentration however, wastewater grown vegetables showed more accumulation of heavy metals than their respective fresh water irrigated vegetables. Only Pb (1.87 mg kg1) concentration in wastewater-irrigated vegetables exceeded the permissible limits defined by World Health Organization (WHO).In leaves of vegetables more uptake of metals were found than their edible portions. Of the two digestion methods nitric acid showed more recovery of metals as compared to dry ash procedure.Continuous accumulation of these metals can cause severe threats to health of people.

223

P-150 OPTIMIZING THE APPLICATION LEVELS OF ROCK PHOSPHATE ENRICHED COMPOST FOR ENHANCED NODULATION OF CHICKPEA AND LENTIL
Allah Ditta*, Muhammad Usman Munir, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Imran, Rashid Waqas, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Shakeel Ahmad
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan Corresponding author email: ad_abs@yahoo.com

Phosphorus (P) being the 2nd most significant plant growth limiting nutrient is crucial for growth and nodulation of legumes. The use of chemical phosphatic fertilizers is unavoidable but these are costly and mostly unavailable to crop plants when applied in soil. The need of hour is to find out alternate cheaper sources of P or to reduce their use under current scenario. The use of rock phosphate enriched compost might prove to be an economical and environment friendly technology. For this purpose a field study was designed in which different levels of rock phosphate enriched compost (RP-EC) were tested for their potential to improve growth, yield and nodulation parameters of chickpea and lentil. Already prepared RPEC was broadcasted @ 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800 and 1000 kg/ha in the field with four replications. Recommended doses of N and K were applied in all treatments. Recommended doses of N, P and K were (25-60-25 kg/ha for chickpea and 30-60-0 kg/ha for lentil) were applied in control. The application of RPEC applied @ 100, 200, 300, 400 kg/ha showed the insignificant but when it was applied 500 kg/ha, it gave significant results incase of growth, yield and nodulation parameters as compared to control. Further increase in the RP-EC levels i.e. @ 800 and 1000 kg/ha did not result in significant improvement in the above stated parameters. So from the results, it was concluded that application of RP-EC @ 500 kg/ha or more significantly improves nodulation, growth and yield of chickpea and lentil.

224

P-151 GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3): A SUBSTANTIAL REVOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF OKRA
Abdul Manan1*, Rashid Waqas2, M. Aslam Parvaiz1, C.M. Ayub1, Mohsin Ejaz 1, Muhammad Imran3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; 2Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; 3Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Sargodha Corresponding author email: mananbukhari@gmail.com
1

Gibberellic acid (GA3), a naturally occurring growth hormone which controls the extremely important aspects of plant growth through regulation of several growth processes such as seed germination, stem elongation, uniform flowering, increased flower number and size. Exogenous application of GA3 hastens the vegetative and reproductive growth of plants. A study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of GA3 applied as foliar application for enhanced vegetative and reproductive growth of okra. Results revealed that increase in number of foliar application of GA3 substantially improved the vegetative as well as reproductive growth of okra as compared to plants receiving no foliar GA3 application. It was found that GA3 application at different growth stages of okra predominantly boost the stem elongation, no. of leaves, no. of pods, no. of seeds per pod, seed weight and seed yield. So, it can be concluded that foliar application of GA3 could be an effective strategy for maximizing the growth and yield of okra.

225

P-152 BIOSORPTION OF LEAD BY CHEMICALLY PRETREATED COTTON LEAVES BIOMASS

Muhammad Riaz1,2*, Raziya Nadeem1,* Muhammad Asif Hanif 1, Muhammad Adeel Hanif1, Shaukat Ali2, Yasmeen Gull2, Mnaza Noreen2, Muhammad Ibrahim3, Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari2
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan 2 Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan 3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author E-mail: riaz_453@yahoo.com,
1

Biosorption Pb(II) on chemically pretreated G. hirsutum (cotton) leaves waste biomass was investigated in the present study. The Pb (II) sorption was found dependent on solution pH, initial Pb (II) concentration, temperature and contact time. The chemical pretreatment of biomass resulted in significant enhancement and reduction in sorption capacity depending on the nature of pretreatment. Results revealed that chemical modifications of G. hirsutum (cotton) leaves waste biomass with alkali, inorganic salts, organic salts and organic solvents enhanced the adsorption capacity, while acidic pretreatments caused reduction in adsorption capacity. The sorption data was fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and kinetic data to pseudo second order model, due to higher value of correlation coefficient (R2). The effect of contact time showed that sorption of Pb (II) occurred rapidly within first 30 minutes followed by slow adsorption till equilibrium. Present research work illustrated an effective and economical biosorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

226

P-153 BIOSORPTION OF CU(II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY OCIMUM BACILICUM SEEDS

Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1,*, Bushra Parveen1,*, Nasir Rasool1, Kalsoom G. Ali1, Naila Raza1, Muhammad Riaz1, Mnaza Noreen1, Yasmeen Gull1, Muhammad Ibrahim2
2

Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: hadeel_488@yahoo.com

The feasibility of using Ocimum bacilicum seeds for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solution has been investigated. Batch biosorption studies were conducted to study the effect of different experimental parameters such as initial metal ion concentration, contact time, agitation speed, biosorption dose and pH. The result indicated that sorption equilibrium was established in 30 minutes. Biosorption efficiency was maximum at biosorbent dose 0.5 g. The copper sorption was strictly pH dependent and maximum removal was observed at pH 5. Effective biosorption of copper was taken place at 150-rpm. Maximum biosorption capacity was found to be 73.1 mg/g. The influence of Pb, Zn and Ni on biosorption of copper was found in the order of, Pb > Ni > Zn. The equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model with R2 = 0.9979. The study revealed that O. bacilicum biosorbent could be used as an adsorbent for the removal of other heavy metals on large scale.

227

P-154 RHIZOSPHERE ACIDIFICATION OF SALIX SMITHIANA AS A MEAN TO ENHANCE TRACE METAL MOBILIZATION AND PHYTOEXTRACTION AN ASSESEMNT BY APPLICATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND IMMOBILIZING AGENTS
Muhammad Iqbal1, Markus Puschenreiter2, Walter W. Wenzel2
1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road 38000-Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), A-3430 Tulln, Austria, Corresponding author email: muhammad.iqbal@boku.ac.at

Phytoextraction is a technology that uses plants and/or associated microbes for the removal of potentially toxic trace elements (TE) from contaminated soils. The efficiency of this approach depends on the concentration of TE in the harvestable biomass (i.e. shoot) and the amount of biomass produced. However, establishing the phytoextraction crops on TE polluted soils and their performance may be limited by TE toxicity during the initial phase. Moreover, if soil conditions favour high solubility of labile TE species, the use of phytoextraction may be limited because of the risk of TE leaching from the root zone and/or deeper soil layers, depending on the contaminant location, to the groundwater. We recently proposed a combined approach to overcome these limitations, where initially TE are immobilized by soil additives such as red mud, and, after successful establishment of the phytoextraction crop, being re-mobilized by application of elemental sulfur to enhance the phytoextraction process. Here we present data from a pot study where Salix smithiana was grown on two soils mainly contaminated with Cd and Zn polluted soils treated with a mixture of gravel sludge and red mud. To mimic the rhizosphere acidification, elemental sulphur was added. Soil pore waters were collected from planted and unplanted pots using soil solution samplers and were measured for pH and TE concentrations (ICP-MS). Plants were analyzed for TE concentrations after a growth period of 160 days. Our results show that the solubility and bioavailability of Cd and Zn in both soils were strongly affected by the addition of both amendments. Interestingly, soil pH plots against the corresponding mobilized TE concentrations were explained only to some extent by soil acidification during sulfur oxidation. Enhanced Cd and Zn mobilization was particularly observed in planted pots amended with sulfur. Higher concentrations of Mn in soil pore waters indicated substantial reduction of Mn (oxy)hydroxides due to partially aerobic rhizosphere conditions, explaining that Mn served as electron acceptors during sulfur oxidation in O2-depleted zones. Enhanced Cd and Zn solubility in the sulfur treatments was generally associated with substantially increased uptake of Cd and Zn in willow tissues. It can be calculated that the observed magnification of Cd and Zn mobilization in the partially anaerobic willow rhizosphere, i.e. at the location of plant uptake, upon addition of elemental sulfur can substantially enhance the efficiency of phytoextraction process and seems practical to keep the risk of TE leaching from the bulk soil relatively low.

228

P-155 EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF EUPHORBIA ROYLEANA

Mnaza Noreen1,2*, Sofia Nosheen1, Yasmeen Gull2, Nasir Rasool2, Muhammad Riaz2, Muhammad Ibrahim3, Hafiz Muhammad Adeel2
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 3Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author email: mnazanoreen@yahoo.com
1

Medicinal plants contain many phytoconstituents like Alkaloids, Saponins, Glycosides, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Flavonoids etc. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Euphorbia royleana against CCl4 induced toxicity using chicks as model. It involved qualitative and quantitative analysis of aqueous extracts for the presence of phytochemicals and a correlation was developed between hepatoprotective activity and phytochemical responsible for it. Different phytoconstituents such as Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Tannic acids, Steroids, Triterpenoids and Saponins was present in 2.20%, 6.00%, 10.9%, 1.15%, 21.3% and 9.00% respectively.

229

P-156 BIOSORPTION OF Pb (II) FROM SYNTHETIC SOLUTION BY ACIDIC AND BASIC PRETREATED NEEM(AZADIRACHTA INDICA) LEAVES
Yasmeen Gull1,2*, Raziya Nadeem2,*, Mnaza Noreen1, Nasir Rasool 1, Muhammad Riaz1, Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1, Muhammad Ibrahim3
Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan 3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding Corresponding author email: yasmeenchem1@yahoo.com
2 1

Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves have excellent pharmaceutical importance. In present study neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves were treated with three acids like HNO3, H2SO4 , H3PO4 and three bases like NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and Al(OH). Different parameter on biosorption of Pb (II) are analysed like effect of pH, effect of different initial concentration of Pb (II) and effect of kinetics by these acidic and basic pre-treated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves. Pretreated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves with NaOH at pH 5.0 showed high removal of Pb (II) which was 80.01%. These NaOH pretreated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves showed maximum removal of Pb (II) which was 80.333 at 100 ppm.

230

P-157 AN ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH FOR CONTROL OF ECHINOCHLOA CRUSGALLI (BARNYARD GRASS)

Muhammad Kamran1,2, Abdul Latif Khan1, Muhammad Waqas 1, Sang-Mo Kang1, Yoon-Ha Kim1, Duk-Hwan Kim1, Q. Muhammad Imran2, In-Jung Lee*1
1

School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Plant Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan Corresponding author email: m.kamran60@gmail.com

The stimulation of seed germination by smoke and aqueous smoke extracts from the combustion of plant material has received much attention in recent years. Here we report, that smoke derived from a weed Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae) can stimulate seedling emergence of the economically important rice weed specie Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass-Poaceae). The result shows that Plant extracted smoke tested seeds had a significantly higher speed of germination, germination percentage, fresh weight, relative seed germination percentage, peak value, germination value, shoot and root length, germination index and vigor index as compared to control. This research highlights that plant extracted smoke can be used as a tool for minimizing weed impacts in agriculture, horticulture and land restoration by stimulation and seedling emergence of the dormant weed seed bank, followed by chemical control through known weedicide/herbicide treatments without harming economically required crops in an eco-friendly way and may provide a new and exciting opportunity for weed control.

231

P-158 PHOTOCATALYTIC WATER REDUCTION (PCR) AND WATER OXIDATION (PCO) USING TIO2/CARBON ALLOTROPES
Gulzar Khan1, Hyunwoong Park 1,2
1

Department of Physics & 2School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea Corresponding author email: hirampark@gmail.com

TiO2 (P25) has been one of the most widely investigated and used photocatalytic materials Over the past decades, because TiO2 is inexpensive, non toxic and chemically stable. Due to their broad applications in the fields of H2 production, water and air purification, photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells, TiO2-based nanomaterials have attracted significant research attention, However, one of the major factors that limits the efficiency of TiO2 photocatalysis is its fast recombination of photo-generated electron/hole pairs, which releases energy in the form of unproductive heat or photons and alternatively lowers its efficiency. To solve this problem a simple and straight forward approach i.e. hydration and dehydration process to synthesize TiO2-coated carbon allotropes is presented here. The composite showed great activity for water reduction from aqueous methanol (1 M) solution (photocatalytic reduction: PCR) and degradation of aqueous pollutants (Phenol, methylene blue, and rhodamine B) (photocatalytic oxidation: PCO) under AM 1.5-light irradiation. The TiO2 NPs-coated Carbon allotropes exhibited 30 times higher photocatalytic activity for H2 production compared to pristine TiO2. For the dye degradation The composites showed good adsorption capacity, which further facilitated the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs-coated Carbon allotropes for the degradation of dye molecules while the degradation of phenol was not enhanced too much. excellent light absorption and charge separation on the interfaces between the modified Carbon allotropes and TiO2 may be attributed to the synergetic effect of the intrinsic photocatalytic activity of the composite.

232

P-159 EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON FISH

Sehar Afsheen1, Shafaqat Ali*1, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor1, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Skhawat Ali1, Wajed Ishaque3, Sharafat Ali2

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad Corresponding author email: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

The objective of the present study is to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in various organs of the fresh water fish exposed to heavy metal contaminated water system. The experimental fish was exposed to Cr, Zn, Cd and Pb at sublethal concentrations. The order of heavy metal accumulation in the gills and liver was Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr and Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr. Similarly, in case of kidney and flesh tissues, the order was Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. Heavy metals entre in fish bodies by three possible way : by gills, by body surface and digestive track.In all heavy metals, the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium proportion was significantly increased in the tissues of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). Heavy metals accumulate in water and move up through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic system.humans are also effected by intake of fishes mostly people of area which main food is fishes.

233

P-160 EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION OF WASTE WATER FROM DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES (TEXTILE, PAPER AND PULP INDUSTRIES) ON VEGETABLES GROWN IN VICINITY OF FAISALABAD CITY: A REVIEW
Irum Bashir Khan1, Jadoon, Shafaqat Ali1*, Qurratulain Bashir Khan Jadoon1, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor1, Wajed Ishaque3, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Skhawat Ali1,Sharafat Ali2
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad Corresponding author email: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Faisalabad is known for its various industries such as textile, ghee, paper and tanneries etc. There is scarcity of water so Irrigation in Faisalabad is mostly done by recycle waste water from these industries. This review focuses on effects of different industrial effluents on various vegetables grown in the Faisalabad city. Waste water from different industries such as Textile and paper industries etc. is discharged into streams and land with or without any secondary or tertiary treatment. This results in severe effect on the surface and underground water and also affects the quality of crops. Under different amounts of effluents there are improved seedling and root lengths of various vegetables and on the other side at high concentration of numerous effluents there is a decreased germination and reduced growth. Untreated textile effluent decreased biomass of root and shoot but treated textile effluent resulted in a prominent growth, increase sugar and protein percentage. Wastewater contains heavy metals that accumulate in vegetables and has negative impacts on vegetables grown. These heavy metals results in inhibition of root growth, reduced yield due to less uptake of water and nutrients and reduced growth and germination.

234

P-161 HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: A GLOBAL PROBLEM AND ITS REMEDIATION BY CHEMICALLY ENHANCED PHYTOREMEDIATION: A REVIEW
Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Shafaqat Ali*, Mujahid Farid, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq, Faisal Mahmood, Muhammad Kashif Irshad
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan Corresponding author email: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Heavy metal contaminated soils are very hard to restore. This type of soil pollution is primarily attributed to anthropogenic activities, including, smelting, mining and various industrial activities. Heavy metals are being acknowledged as toxic contaminants around the globe. The world's heavily effected areas from heavy metal pollution have been proving as health risks to more than 10 million people in various countries. Linfen in China people faced extreme loads of pollution, Haina of Dominican Republic, was a center of automobile battery recycling industries previously where people suffered from a huge amount of lead poisoning, in Ranipet a city of India about 3.5 million people are being effected by annery waste. Bioaccumulation of metal toxins in the food chain poses disastrous effects on human health. General route of exposure to heavy metals in human are Ingestion of food and water. Plants demand various quantities of some essential metal elements for their growth and development. This capability to accumulate metals also allows accumulation of other non-essential metals (Al, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pt, Sb, Te, Pb, Pd, Tl, Au and U) which do not have any contribution in biological function. These heavy metals cause serious risks to plants, animals and human health. In order to remediate this problem in situ and ex situ techniques are used but in situ methods are more effective than ex situ. Phytoremediation is one of the most successful and environmental friendly in situ method of modern era, coupled with chemical chealtores this method is being proved to be more useful and soil friendly. EDTA is although a good chelator but its slow biodegradation rate makes it unusable for remediation purposes. Methylglycinediacetate (MGDA) and ethylenediaminedissuccinate (EDDS) are considered as better alternatives for EDTA due to their high degradation rate and effectiveness in phytoremediation.

235

P-162 EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION OF WASTE WATER FROM DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES (TEXTILE, PAPER AND PULP INDUSTRIES) ON VEGETABLES GROWN IN VICINITY OF FAISALABAD CITY: A REVIEW
Irum Bashir Khan Jadoon, Shafaqat Ali, Qurratulain Bashir Khan Jadoon, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan *Corresponding Author: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Faisalabad is known for its various industries such as textile, ghee, paper and tanneries etc. There is scarcity of water so Irrigation in Faisalabad is mostly done by recycle waste water from these industries. This review focuses on effects of different industrial effluents on various vegetables grown in the Faisalabad city. Waste water from different industries such as Textile and paper industries etc. is discharged into streams and land with or without any secondary or tertiary treatment. This results in severe effect on the surface and underground water and also affects the quality of crops. Under different amounts of effluents there are improved seedling and root lengths of various vegetables and on the other side at high concentration of numerous effluents there is a decreased germination and reduced growth. Untreated textile effluent decreased biomass of root and shoot but treated textile effluent resulted in a prominent growth, increase sugar and protein percentage. Wastewater contains heavy metals that accumulate in vegetables and has negative impacts on vegetables grown. These heavy metals results in inhibition of root growth, reduced yield due to less uptake of water and nutrients and reduced growth and germination.

236

P-163 EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON FISH

Sehar Afsheen, Shafaqat Ali*, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan *Corresponding Author: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

The objective of the present study is to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in various organs of the fresh water fish exposed to heavy metal contaminated water system. The experimental fish was exposed to Cr, Zn, Cd and Pb at sublethal concentrations. The order of heavy metal accumulation in the gills and liver was Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr and Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr. Similarly, in case of kidney and flesh tissues, the order was Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. Heavy metals entre in fish bodies by three possible way: by gills, by body surface and digestive track.In all heavy metals, the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium proportion was significantly increased in the tissues of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). Heavy metals accumulate in water and move up through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic system.humans are also effected by intake of fishes mostly people of area which main food is fishes.

237

P-164 HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: A GLOBAL PROBLEM AND ITS REMEDIATION BY CHEMICALLY ENHANCED PHYTOREMEDIATION
Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Shafaqat Ali*, Mujahid Farid, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan *Corresponding Author: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com

Heavy metal contaminated soils are very hard to restore. This type of soil pollution is primarily attributed to anthropogenic activities, including, smelting, mining and various industrial activities. Heavy metals are being acknowledged as toxic contaminants around the globe. The world's heavily effected areas from heavy metal pollution have been proving as health risks to more than 10 million people in various countries. Linfen in China people faced extreme loads of pollution, Haina of Dominican Republic, was a center of automobile battery recycling industries previously where people suffered from a huge amount of lead poisoning, in Ranipet a city of India about 3.5 million people are being affected by annery waste. Bioaccumulation of metal toxins in the food chain poses disastrous effects on human health. General route of exposure to heavy metals in human are Ingestion of food and water. Plants demand various quantities of some essential metal elements for their growth and development. This capability to accumulate metals also allows accumulation of other non-essential metals (Al, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pt, Sb, Te, Pb, Pd, Tl, Au and U) which do not have any contribution in biological function. These heavy metals cause serious risks to plants, animals and human health. In order to remediate this problem in situ and ex situ techniques are used but in situ methods are more effective than ex situ. Phytoremediation is one of the most successful and environmental friendly in situ method of modern era, coupled with chemical chealtores this method is being proved to be more useful and soil friendly. EDTA is although a good chelator but its slow biodegradation rate makes it unusable for remediation purposes. Methylglycinediacetate (MGDA) and ethylenediaminedissuccinate (EDDS) are considered as better alternatives for EDTA due to their high degradation rate and effectiveness in phytoremediation.

238

P-165 INFLUENCE OF VARYING NITRATE-AMMONIUM (NO3-/NH4+) RATIOS ON GROWTH, WATER RELATIONS, GAS EXCHANGE PROPERTIES AND IONIC RELATIONS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS
Habib-ur-Rehman Athar1, Zafar Ullah Zafar1, Pakeeza Sabir1, Nudrat Anees1, Muhammad Ashraf2
1

Department of Botany, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan; 2 Department of Botany, University of Agriculuture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Nitrogen (N) uptake, growth, and N use efficiency in plants may be affected by N form (NO3- or NH4+) and in varying NO3-/NH4+ ratio in rooting medium under normal or saline conditions. A hydroponic study was conducted in controlled conditions to investigate growth, gas exchange properties and nutrient relations of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants at varying nitrate: ammonium ratio under non-saline or saline conditions. Eleven day-old sunflower plants were grown for 21 days at varying nitrate: ammonium ratios (80/20, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 20/80 NO 3/NH4+ ratios with 8 mM total nitrogen in Hoaglands nutrient solution) under normal or saline conditions (120 mM NaCl). Shoot fresh and dry biomass decreased with the decrease in nitrate: ammonium ratio under non-saline conditions. Optimum nitrate: ammonium ratio for non-stressed sunflower plants was 60/40 (1.5). Better growth of non-stressed sunflower plants at optimum nitrate: ammonium ratio was associated with high uptake and use efficiency of N, due to nitrate ammonium synergism, as well as uptake and utilization efficiency of other cations. Although high nitrate: ammonium ratio reduced sodium accumulation in shoots of stressed sunflower plants, it can not avert toxic effects of salt stress on the growth of sunflower plants.

239

P-166 GC-MS, HP-LC, CYTOTOXICITY AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF GLACIER BUTTERCUP PLANT PARTS

Hafiz Muhammad Adeela, Nasir Rasoola, Matloob Ahmada, Muhammad Zubaira, Muhammad Riaza, Yasmeen Gulla, Mnaza Noreena, Muhammad Asghara, Lubna Tahirb
a

Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; bApplied Chemistry Research Center, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: hadeel_488@yahoo.com

Plants generally produce many secondary metabolites which constitute an important source of microbicides, pesticides and many pharmaceutical drugs. Present research work is a part of such investigations on Glacier Buttercup (Ranunculus glacialis). It belongs to the family Renunculaceae. There is a very little work on this plant so far and limited information published on the biological activities of this plant. So there is a need to analyze antimicrobial activity of this plant. The various parts of Ranunculus glacialis were extracted with absolute methanol and further fractionated by solvent-solvent extraction method with increasing polarity based absolute solvents i.e. chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, n-hexane. The methanolic extract of various parts of Ranunculus glacialis and their fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. It contained appreciable levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. HPLC analysis of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fraction of various parts for total phenolic and flavoniods also carried out. The GC-MS analysis of Ranunculus glacialis essential oil and n-hexane extract revealed the presence of several compounds. The plant extract and fraction were assessed against human blood erythrocytes (RBCs) for cytotoxicity studies by haemolytic activity.

240

P-167 EFFECT OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES ON THE HEAVY METAL BIOACCUMULATION AND HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE GILLS OF OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS DOMICILED IN THE RIVER INDUS
Farhat Jabeen1, Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry2
1

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2 School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, UK

This study monitored the accumulation of selected metals (Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg and Cr) in gills and their relevance to the histology of these organs in Oreochromis mossambicus from two selected sites of the Indus River in Mianwali district of Pakistan. These two sites were receiving agricultural runoffs and municipal and domestic wastes. Selected metals were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mn, Cu, Zn and Cr in fish tissues showed significant differences between two sites (P<0.01). While the Mn, Zn, Hg and Cr levels were higher in gills of fish than the WHO standards, the Pb and Cu levels were within the permissible limits for fish as a food for human consumption. Most common gill abnormalities observed in O. mossambicus were desquamation of secondary lamellar epithelium, hypertrophy of epithelial cells, lifting up of epithelium, intraepithelial oedema, aneurysm, hyperplasia, and haemorrhage at primary lamellae. In conclusion the evidence of pathological alterations in gills of O. mossambicus appeared to be a useful bio-marker to assess the impact of metal pollution in water on the health of fish.

241

P-168 AQUAPORINS IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT A MOLECULAR GEAR FOR WATER REMODELING INSILICO APPROACH FOR ARABIDOPSIS MAJOR INTRINSIC PROTEINS MIPS
Madiha Hamyat, Sadia Ali, Ambreen ijaz, Tayyabea shaheen
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology GC University Faisalabad

Plants have to adjust their water balance in response to very challenging environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, and cold but also changes in light, nutrient deficiency or soil acidity. The molecular and functional characterization of aquaporins, a class of membrane proteins that facilitate water diffusion across cell membranes, has revealed the significance of their regulation in response to these environmental stimuli Aquaporins are proteins embedded in the cell membrane that regulate the flow of water. They are "the plumbing system for cells" Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins from a larger family of major intrinsic proteins (MIP) that form pores in the membrane of biological cells. Arabidopsis thaliana contains 35 members of this family. 35 members of this family were collected from available databases to perform multiple sequence alignment Identification of conserved motifs within the Aquaporin family for function recognition, Analysis of domains Prediction of secondary structure, study basis of common functionality of different Aquaporin subfamilies in Arabidopsis and Development of Motif search tool using visual basic programming. TAIR (The Arabidopsis Information Resource) SBASE was used for the Identification of protein domains and function. Aminocomp was used to find Composition of Amino Acids and their pI. Domain prediction of Aquaporin protein family showed that Major intrinsic protein - like domain is present throughout the family members. Motif search of Aquaporin Protein family showed following motifs are almost common to all members: 1) Nglycosylation site. 2) N-myristoylation site. 3) Casein kinase II phosphorylation site. 4) Protein kinase C phosphorylation site. 5) cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site. Secondary Structure Analysis and Composition of Amino Acids showed little divergence in these proteins. The over all analysis of all the 35 members showed that they show similarity at structural level so belongs to same family. But are involved in transport of different molecules, due to low similarity at sequence level. This study provide insight for Functional characterization of these proteins to resolve water stress a global environmental issue in plants

242

P-169 THE TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LEAD ON SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF NORMAL AND LEAD EXPOSED WORKERS
Narjis Shafiq, Ambreen Ijaz, Sadia Ali, Ibrahim Rajooka
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology GC University Faisalabad

Lead poisoning is an old but persistent public health problem throughout the world. Lead is a ubiquitous environmental toxin that may result in severe damage to many body systems including central nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, haematologic, renal, hepatic and reproductive organs. Oxidative stress is the destruction caused by free radical molecules. Antioxidants protect and repair cells and neutralize free radical damage to organs and cell membranes. We studied fifty two (52) blood samples from normal and lead exposed workers. Different biochemical parameters were apply such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDLcholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, total proteins and total antioxidative status. Statistical technique was applied for finding its correlation with anti- oxidtive status. Level of triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose was very high in lead exposer workers as compared to control. HDLcholesterol, globulin were related negatively while, total proteins, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol showed a positive relationship with total antioxidative status.

243

P-170 PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ADONIS AESTIVALIS

Asim Anwara, Muhammad Zubair*a, Komal Rizwana, Rasool Bakhsh Tareenb, Nasir Rasoola, Muhammad Ibrahimc , Muhammad Riaza
Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; bDepartment of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: zubairmkn@yahoo.com
a

Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for thousands of years and a substantial number of modern drugs have been isolated from natural sources, many based on their use in traditional medicines. Present research work is a part of such investigations on Adonis aestivalis. Different fractions were taken by solvent extraction method and their phytochemicals and biological analyses (antimicrobial and antioxidant) were carried out. Essential oil of the plant was extracted and subjected to GC-MS analysis. During the course of this work, n-butanol, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate and Methanol fractions were studied by HPLC and LC-MS. The cytotoxicity was analyzed by haemolytic assay

244

P-171 ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF VARIOUS PARTS OF DAPHNAE MUCRONATA

Hafiza Iqra Ashrafa, Muhammad Zubair*a, Rasool Bakhsh Tareenb, Komal Rizwana, Muhammad Ibrahimc, Nasir Rasoola, Muhammad Riaza
Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; bDepartment of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding author e-mail: zubairmkn@yahoo.com
a

Plants are a proven source of anti-tumor compounds and it is reasonable to assume that many such substances remain to be discovered. This prompted us to investigate the effects of Daphne mucronata (belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae). Different fractions were taken by solvent extraction method and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were determined. Essential oil of the plant was extracted and subjected to GC-MS studies. During the course of this work, nbutanol, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate and Methanol fractions were studied by HPLC and LC-MS. The cytotoxicity was analyzed by haemolytic assay.

245

P-172 PRODUCTION OF SULFUR FREE COAL BY USING EU32 STRAIN OF RHODOCOCCUS IN PRESENCE OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES
Muhammad Mustafa, Muhammad Afzal Ghauri, Nasrin Akhtar, Muhammad Ilyas
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Coal reserves in Pakistan are estimated to be more than 186 billion tons and are important for the cost-efficient alternative to ethanol in Pakistan. Coal contains appreciable quantities of both forms of sulfur, organic and elemental, with total sulfur content typically between 1- 4% but in some cases being greater than 11%. Unfortunately, Lakhra coal contains 1.2 14.8% of sulfur that is the major issue that we are facing in air pollution and acid rain. Removal of this sulfur is of prime importance so that we can use it as clean energy fuel. Crushing washing, scrubbers, and biodesulpherization are ways to reduce sulfur from coal deposits. Former two methods are not very useful these days but biodesulfurization has played a vital role in clean fuel technologies.Organic sulfur is present in the coal in the form of dibenzothiophene. The initial oxidation and cleavage of one of the aromatic rings by conventional methods initiate the complete degradation of the molecule to CO 2, H2O and SO4. This pathway, also called Kodama pathway, involving the C-S cleavage as well as C--C bond cleavage which is undesirable due to the lack of specificity for sulfur resulting in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds thereby greatly reducing the efficiency and the calorific value of the fuel. On the other hand, biodesulferization has made a great break through in cleaning of sulfur containing coal deposits which can degrade dibenzothiophene (DBT) aerobically without cleaving C-C bond and, hence, do not decrease the calorific value of coal by using Acidothiobacillus ferroxidans. EU32 strain of Rhodococcus was used for desulfurization of pyrite bearing coal deposits of Larkana. Rate of desulfurization of dibenzothiophene was tested in presence of different carbon sources. Gulucose+Sodium Citrate was proved as best carbon source for production 2-HBP (2-hydroxybiphenyl) which is the pure form of coal without any organic of elemental sulfur. This microbial desulfurization process which removes organically bounded and elementally present sulfur without cleaving g carbon-carbon bond from the coal, thereby operating at efficiency, and retaining the calorific value of the fuel.

246

LONG-TERM MANURE AND FERTILIZERS ENHANCES SOIL ORGANIC CARBON FRACTIONS IN ARABLE LAND OF CHINA
Muhammad Aslam, Minggang Xu*, Wenju Zhang, Wendy Wang, Huimin Zhang, Haiwen Wu
Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Crop Nutrition and Fertilization, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, P. R. China Corresponding author e-mail: mgxu@caas.ac.cn

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a key role in several physical, chemical and biological soil processes that contribute productivity of agricultural soils. More researches are mainly focused on the dynamics of total SOC and particle fractions of SOC in the upper surface (020 cm) layer of soil. A few studies were conducted to examine the labile and recalcitrant fractions of SOC in different soils, much less along further soil profile or under long-term application of manure and fertilizers. Thus, in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the effects of long-term manure and fertilizers on labile and recalcitrant fractions of SOC, and to investigate the depth distribution and relative proportion of labile and recalcitrant fractions, and their relationship to soil quality. This study was carried out in five long-term fertility experiments (Gongzhuling, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Jinxian and Qiyang) varying in soil type, cropping patterns and agroclimatic conditions in the arable cropping regions of China. The treatments examined were: (1) Nofertilization (control); (2) Fallow, where no crop was grown since the initiation of the experiment; (3) NPK; (4) NPK combined with crop straw (NPKS); (5) NPK with livestock manure (NPKM); and (6) higher application rate of NPKM (1.5NPKM). Soil samples were collected at 0 20, 2040 and 4060 cm depths and analyzed for total SOC, and four fractions of SOC: very labile (Cfrac 1 = 12 N H2SO4), labile (Cfrac 2 = 18 N12 N H2SO4), less labile (Cfrac 3 = 24 N18 N H2SO4) and non-labile (Cfrac 4 = Total SOC24 N H2SO4). The application of manure and fertilizers increased the SOC and its fractions when compared with the initial C content of 1990. At Gongzhuling site, the NPK, NPKS, NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments increased the SOC content by 14, 17, 54 and 69% in 020 cm and 15, 28, 52 and 80%, respectively in 2040 cm soil layers. The 1.5NPKM had the highest SOC and its fractions in all five sites. The long-term manure and fertilizers application decreased the labile: recalcitrant ratio of SOC compared with the no-fertilization control. The SOC retention was higher in the NPK and manure treated plots compared to control plots. The labile C pool (Cfrac 1 and Cfrac2) constituted 5256% and recalcitrant C pool (Cfrac 3 and Cfrac4) constituted 4448% of total SOC at all five sites. Manure increases the recalcitrant fraction (Cfrac 3 and Cfrac 4) in deep layer. For Qiyang site, the recalcitrant C fraction was 55% of total SOC at 20 40 cm in M treatment compared with the surface layer (51%). We concluded that the combined application of manure and fertilizers has the potential to significantly increase the SOC and its fractions in agricultural soils of China. The inorganic plus manure fertilizer treatments contained a larger proportion of total SOC in recalcitrant fraction compared with NPK and no-fertilizer treatments indicating that manure application helped in promoting the formation of SOC in the recalcitrant fraction and thus protecting SOC from decomposition losses. The higher labile:recalcitrant SOC ratio in surface layer than deeper soil layer indicating that improving the depth distribution may be practical suggestion to achieve C retention.

247

MEDHERB: AN INTERACTIVE BIOINFORMATICS DATABASE AND ANALYSIS RESOURCE FOR MEDICINALLY IMPORTANT HERBS
Sobia Idrees1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1, Sana Khalid1, Beenish Ehsan1
1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University (GCU), Faisalabad. Corresponding author email: sb.genny@gmail.com

Ethnopharmacological findings are spread over a multitude of databases and publications and are not well connected to other biomedical databases. Consequently, the utility of these sources as knowledge resources are badly limited. It results in a further obstacle for modern day e-science research, relying mainly on multiple and heterogeneous data sources. Herbal medicines have long been used for the treatment of different ailments and have attracted the attention of scientists and common people due to their easy availability, low cost, affordability and minor side effects. Much research is being performed on the active constituents, protein availability, healing benefits of the medicinal herbs, their implication in the treatment of multidrug resistant pathogens and other related properties. Thus, the cataloging of medicinal herbs information along with their DNA/protein sequences has become a fundamental step in the development of new medicinal drugs against diseases. However, assembly of this information requires proper storage, management and analyzing tools. This database provides comprehensive information on medicinal properties of herbs with a stylish web interface. MedHerb database provides quick information access to medicinal herbs, genes, proteins, plant species, statistical vision, and published literature with detailed information on each aspect at only one click. Although several medicinal plants have been tested for different diseases but detailed information on 9 medicinal plant species is available. Studies are being done to explore other plant species and assemble their all characteristics and will be added in this database when available. This database encompasses an interactive approach of Bioinformatics Tools by which users can perform bio-analysis for their different research needs. Availability of primers is another unique feature of the database assisting in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) application. The database aims to expand the information by adding new features like addition of more plant species, expressed sequence tags, therapeutically important information, more published literature, information on active constituents and new tools to facilitate the researches from different backgrounds. The database is available at http://medicinalherbs.comule.com/.

248

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS PRODUCTION UTILIZING WASTEWATER AS CARBON SOURCE

Sajida Munir, Nazia Jamil
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Lahore 54590, Pakistan

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers stored in intracellular inclusion bodies by a wide variety of bacteria as an energy reserve, in response to excess carbon under nutrient-limited conditions broader usage of biodegradable plastics in packaging and disposable products as a solution to environmental problems would heavily depend on further reduction of costs and the discovery of cheap carbon sources as a substrate for bioplastic production. The monomeric composition of PHAs can be related both to the nature of the carbon source supplied and to the bacteria. PHAs exhibit great variety of properties and thus may have different applications. The aim of present study is to check the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by bacteria using industrial wastewater as carbon source. Different strategies will be adopted to check the maximum accumulation of PHA. In this work wastewater was used as a carbon source in different concentrations. Wastewater was analysed for different nutrients. Total of 30 bacterial strains were isolated from different water samples. Screening for bioplastic producing strains was done by Nile blue and Sudan black B staining. Screening for bioplastic producing strains was done by Nile blue and PHA extraction was carried out at different time intervals using sodium hypochlorite method. Genomic DNA was isolated to amplify phaC gene and amplified products were submitted for sequencing after PCR product purification.

249

TRANSPORT NETWORK MODEL FOR THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN FAISALABAD CITY: A GIS APPROACH

Shoaib Khalid1, Fariha Zameer2, Rana Muhammad Ahsan3

1

Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad; 2House No. 40-C, ABC Road, Sheikh Colony, Faisalabad; 3SIT Digital International, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The rapid growth of urban population in Faisalabad city of Pakistan from last decades has made solid waste disposal an important issue and has lead to various environmental problems. This research aims to contribute into the efforts being made for the solution of this problem. The Geographic Information System (GIS) approach has been used for the transport route optimization for the solid waste collection vehicles in Faisalabad city. The locations of solid waste collection containers, transfer stations and the dumping sites have been marked by using the Google earths imagery. The population density, waste generation and the solid waste services in the entire city have been spatially analyzed in GIS environment. After measuring the solid waste facility radius, the different zones have been developed. The best locations for the new transfer stations and collection containers have also been identified. The road network of the city has been digitized in ArcGIS software. This resulted into the development of a transport network model for the solid waste disposal. This model helped in finding the shortest routes from the waste collection containers to the transfer stations and finally to the main dumping site. This approach could reduce the time and fuel cost for the solid waste disposal in the city.

250

USE OF WASTEWATER IN AGRICULTURE FIELDS OF PERI URBAN AREA OF FAISALABAD

Shamila Shabir2, Tahira Yasmeen1, Faisal Islam1, Shafaqat Ali1
1

Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad; 2Department of botany, Government College University, Faisalabad

Growing population and rapid industrialization has increased the volume of wastewater manifolds eventually deteriorating the freshwater resources and surrounding environment due to inappropriate management. Wastewater can be considered as both a resource and a problem. Wastewater and its nutrient content can be used extensively for irrigation and other ecosystem services. Its reuse can deliver positive benefits to the farming community, society, and municipalities. However, wastewater reuse also exacts negative externality effects on humans and ecological systems. Irrigation of agricultural lands with wastewater led to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and crops grown on it. Variations in the heavy metal concentrations between the vegetables/cereal crops reflect the differences in uptake capabilities and their further translocation to the edible portion of the plants. This raises the concern of contamination and bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements such as Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in crops. Pakistan is a case which illustrates this problem. Both treated and untreated wastewater in the vicinity of large cities like Faisalabad is used for vegetable production. But, how safe is this practice? How does one tradeoff between the obvious benefits of this use and the costs associated with it?

251