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Editor’s Choice : Seasonal Variability of Trace and Heavy Metals Concentration in Groundwater and its Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose under Phuleli Canal Command Area (Sindh), Pakistan
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Abstract: The availability of good quality groundwater is a serious problem not only for drinking purpose but also for agriculture production. Human health problems due to waterborne diseases are commonly reported in Phuleli Canal Command area. In this context, a study was conducted to find out the existence of heavy metals as well as trace elements in groundwater of Phuleli Canal Command area, (Sindh) Pakistan which were affected by seasonal variability. The groundwater samples were collected from different seven locations i.e. RD-0, RD-30, RD-50, RD-70, RD-90, RD-110 and RD-130 throughout four seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring). Results of analysis of groundwater samples showed that Fe, Cd, Cr and Pb concentration in groundwater was higher than WHO permissible limit while Cu and Mn concentrations were greater than FAO limit. Comparatively heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and As) concentrations in groundwater were higher towards downstream reach in winter as compared to upstream reach. Regarding seasons, the values of these parameters decreased in autumn>spring>summer. The results also showed increasing trend of heavy metal concentrations towards downstream reach (RD 130>110>90>70>50>30>0). It was concluded that groundwater in Phuleli Canal Command area contains highly toxic metals above the permissible limits of WHO and FAO for human consumption and agricultural crops respectively. Hence, people using groundwater, directly or indirectly, at downstream reach of the canal are at health risk. Keywords: Trace metal, Heavy metal, Phuleli Canal, reduced distance (RD), WHO and FAO.Download Full Article |
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Abstract:This study examined the affective and cognitive benefits of taking photographs of one’s everyday surroundings. Thirty-eight undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to either take photographs in a mindful, creative way; take photographs in a neutral, factual way; or do a count-your-blessings writing exercise, an activity that is known to reliably increase mood [1]. Planned contrasts revealed that those taking mindful, creative photographs were, on average, in a significantly better mood and were significantly more appreciative and motivated than those taking neutral photographs. There were no significant differences between either photography condition and the writing activity. These results suggest that, when done thoughtfully, photography can be an effective way of improving mood and appreciation of everyday life. Keywords: Happiness, savoring, appreciation, well-being, emotion, positive psychology.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Spatial Appraisal of the Impacts of Drought on Agricultural Patterns in Karachi
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Abstract: This paper is aimed at studying the spatial changes in agricultural patterns practiced in the suburbs of Karachi, which is the most densely populated city of Pakistan with high food demands of the inhabitants. This study deals mainly with Physical factors primarily climatic indicators to observe and analyze the changes in the pattern of agricultural production and the types of crops in last 20-30 years. Variability of climate when coupled with anthropogenic factors play important role in the acceleration of problems for farmers. Trends of associated agricultural output observed in different years of high and low rainfall. This study has successfully demonstrated inquisitive approach by using published secondary data from governmental sources and ground verification in recent times. Temporal variation in biomass, was found dependent upon pattern of rainfall and temperature etc. Study reveals that there are clear signs of desertification and drought in the study area. Keywords: Agricultural patterns, Variability of climate, desertification, drought.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: The increasing demand and raising cost of high quality peat for horticultural use have led to search for low cost substrates as an alternative. The source of materials for their production can be various types of industrial, municipal and agricultural waste. Most of them are rich in organic matter and minerals essential for plant growth. The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth and flowering of two ivy pelargonium cultivars (‘Beach’ and ‘Boneta’) grown in the media containing sphagnum peat and composts made from municipal sewage sludge and structure-forming components. Two different types of composts were used, consisting in equal proportions of sewage sludge and straw (SSRS) or leaves (SSL). The composts replaced 25% or 12.5% of sphagnum peat (v/v) in the growth media. A control media was sphagnum peat (100%) supplemented with a mixed fertilizer. It was found that the media containing both types of compost might be useful for growing ivy pelargonium. The most beneficial effect on the growth, foliage, and a decorative value of the pelargonium was observed for the medium containing 12.5% of SSL compost and 87.5% of peat. Decorative value of the pelargonium grown in the medium with 25% of SSL compost or with either dose of SSRS compost, did not differ from the control plants. The investigated cultivars differed in the number of shoot, color and area of leaves as well as length of stem of inflorescence. ‘Boneta’ cv. developed more stems and had greener leaves than those from ’Beach’ cultivar. While cultivar ‘Beach’ had greater area of leaves per plant and longer stem of inflorescence. Keywords: Bedding plants, decorative values, growing media, ornamental plant, sphagnum peat, rye straw, waste material. Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Surface functionalized gold nanoparticles that mimic the surfaces of host cells are proposed for antiviral medicines and the strategic design is theoretically described. As for the interaction between the gold nanoparticles and the viruses, the former acts as the adhesive balls for viruses. This will lead to gathering viruses and forming clusters or chains of them, bringing about four-stage antiviral mechanisms. The mechanisms are the interference against budding, reduction of diffusion velocity, inhibition of entry into host cells and the damage to RNA/DNA by X-ray exposure. Keywords: Influenza, virus, NANA (N-Acetylneuraminic acid), endocytosis, HA (hemagglutinin), NA (neuraminidase).Download Full Article |