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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 |
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 |
Editor’s Choice : Isolation and Identification of Plant Growth Promoting and Chromium Uptake Enhancing Bacteria from Soil Contaminated by Leather Tanning Industrial Waste
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Abstract: Hexavalent chromium is considered as a priority pollutant. Phytoremediation has been widely pursued for the cleanup of heavy metal from contaminated area. The success of phytoremediation is depending on two factors: metal accumulating capability and biomass production of the plants. This paper reports on the isolation and characterization of rhizobacteria having ability to promote plant growth and increase its chromium uptake. Thirty nine of bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of wild plants (Sida sp., Sida acuta, Sida rhombifolia, Eupatorium sp., Acelypha sp, Acelypha indica, Amaranthus caudatus, Borreria sp., Leucas lavandulifolia, Eleusine indica, Pennisetum purpurium, Imperata cylindrical, and Vigna sinensis) grow well on soil contaminated by leather tanning industrial waste. Three isolates, namely I26, I30, and I37, have an ability to enhance biomass production of maize (Zea mays) by 2.3, 2.6, and 4.0 times higher compare to the uninoculated one, respectively. The isolates also have an ability to increase chromium uptake by the maize from 7 to 14times. All of the isolates increase the accumulation of Cr in the maize root.The 16S rDNA gene sequence of the isolates relates them to Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Keywords: Maize, chromium, uptake enhancing, rhizobacteria.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Design and Development of Efficient Domestic Electric Cum Solar Oven
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Abstract: An improved design is proposed to investigate the characteristic study of an electric cum solar oven (ECSO) using circular cover in which both solar energy and electricity have been utilized as energy source for different food items. The newly designed solar oven has been fabricated by employing indigenous raw materials and it provides more reliable performance than the previously used solar oven for cooking of agricultural products and conventional food items. The new observations show that the cooking process of products is dependent on both the circular shape and climate conditions. The electrical heating has been used in combination with the solar energy to enhance the oven heating during the periods of lesser sunshine. The base of the oven was made up of the electric heating plate that is controlled by timer and an electric thermostat is used to control the heating of the oven. The performance and parameters obtained from the newly designed solar oven are found to be excellent than that obtained from previously known solar ovens for cooking of various edibles. It is shown that this newly designed solar oven can be efficient for cooking and preservation of all edible stuffs and appearance of cooked food products. The performance of the solar cooker has been checked under the local climate conditions of Faisalabad city to observe its efficiency with satisfactory results. Keywords: Circular cover, ECSO, agriculture products, edibles and climate conditions.Download Full Article |
