Hafiz Muhammad Tauqeer

Phytoremediation of heavy metals by Alternanthera bettzickiana: Growth and physiological response.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of Alternanthera Bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson plant subjected to different levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM) stress. A. bettzickiana was able to accumulate Cd and Pb in different plant parts and total uptake of both metals was higher in shoots than roots. Plant growth, biomass and photosynthetic pigments increased with increasing metal concentrations, up to 1.0 mM, in soil and then decreased with higher metal levels. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased under lower metal levels (0.5 and 1.0 mM) while decreased at higher metal levels (2.0 mM). Leaf and root electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents decreased at lower metal levels (≤1.0 mM) while increased at higher levels. The present study clearly signifies the potential of A. bettzickiana plant towards Cd and Pb tolerance and accumulation especially at lower metal levels.

Comparative Study of Noise Levels in Various Areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Noise pollution has become widespread due to increasing number of vehicles, Industries and urbanization. A survey was conducted to assess the noise levels in various areas of Faisalabad, at day and night time. The selected spots were divided into 5 categories distinguished by EPA Pakistan like, Commercial area, Residential area, Industrial area, Silence Zones and noise level on busy roads. The selected areas were visited randomly and the noise levels were noted and their mean values were found to get a single value in day and as well as in night. Similarly, 5 readings from single site ware measured and recorded. For the estimation of these noise levels the Sound level meter was used. After obtaining all readings, the data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. During industrial noise levels comparison, maximum noise level for day and night was recorded in Farooq Spinning and least level was recorded in Kalash Textile and fell within the NEQs limit (Day time 75 dB(A), Night 65 dB(A)). Commercial area comparison showed maximum noise level for day was noted at Clock Tower and for night was observed and at Koh-e-nor that fell within the NEQs (Day time 65 dB(A), Night 55 dB(A), while the minimum noise level for day and night was noted at Digluspura and Clock Tower respectively. Noise levels comparison at congested roads suggested that the maximum noise pollution was noted at Sargodha road while the minimum noise pollution was found for day and night at Khurrlianwala Road (Day, Night 85dB(A). The assessment of different silence zones showed that the maximum noise level for day and night was recorded at Allied Hospital which was beyond the NEQs level, while on other hand the minimum noise level for day night was estimated in AUF that fell within NEQs (Day time, 50 dB(A), Night time 45 dB(A). Comparison of various residential areas where the maximum noise level for day and night was noted in Faizabad which was exceeding the NEQs level, minimum noise level for day was noted in Liaqat town and for night was noted in Peoples Colony #2 which fell within NEQs (Day time 55 dB(A), Night Time 45 dB(A). It was concluded that noise pollution was higher at day time while it was minimum at night time but even those minimum levels were not complied with NEQs.

Organic Acids Assisted Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals: A Review

The applications of organic chelators (citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, etc) significantly increased metal uptake by various plant species. These acids are easily soluble in water and increased metal mobilization by lowering soil pH. The application of organic acids with energy crops will open new directions in multidisciplinary research approach among researchers.