Assessment of selected heavy metals uptake from soil by vegetation of two areas of district Attock, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to examine the heavy metals in the soil and vegetation of two areas of district Attock (Pakistan). Investigations were 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). An assessment of the selected heavy metals uptake by the soil and vegetation was made through calculation of bioaccumulation and enrichment factors. 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 using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lead concentration was highest amongst other heavy metals in both soil and vegetation (Cynodon dactylon). In studied plant species heavy metals concentrations varied among different species. The level of heavy metal concentration in Khour Company was greater compared to Khour City. The increasing level of heavy metal contamination in the Khour Company area may be because of higher traffic density and industrialization compared to Khour City

A Critical Edition of AI-Lu'lu' al-Manthur fi Nasihat Wulat al-Umur by Nur-al-Din al-SamhudI (d.911H)

This thesis is the outcome of an investigation to authenticate and verify a work titled UaI-Ju''lu' al-ManthurnN~I!Jat Wulat al-Umur' (Pearls ofAdvice to Rulers) written by Nur-al-Din al-Samhuctr, also known as the Faqih (jurist) and historian of Madina. He lived in the' 9th Hijri century during the closing stages of the Mamluk era (844-911 AH). In his work, al-Samhudf presented a series of reminders and admonitions focused on governance, and woven in an attractive admonitory style. At the same time, he mentioned a number of problems that were prevalent in his time, analysing these and presenting the ShaIf'ah perspective on them from his own viewpoint. The work may be classified in the genre or body of knowledge dedicated to the admonition of kings and rulers, which is part of al-Siyasah al-Shar'iyyah (Islamic politics). The work may also be considered an example and model of how to tender n~I!Jah (advice) to kings and rulers, whereby it contained meanings and topics of interest to the ruler in his time, as well as other meanings of use to every ruler and king at any time.' This research involved a substantial academic examination of the science of Islamic . politics which includes through providing a critical edition to the manuscript in question. It also attempts to analyse the content of the manuscript and prov~des a detailed introduction to manuscript and its author. In doing so, the research also·, discussed in detail the Mamluk period, which had signifcant impact on the content of the manuscript. In sum, the present research provides a critical evaluation of a valued manuscript.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Effect of combined Ce and Er Addition on Solidification, Microstructure of the Al-7Si-alloy

This paper highlights the effects of the additions of two rare earth elements (REEs) (Ce and Er) on microstructure and to investigate the characteristic temperatures during solidification of the modified alloy. Five changes of Al-7Si alloys with xEr+xCe additions (x=0.15, 0.25, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.75) were produced by casting technique via the solidification parameters examined using computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA-CCTA). The thermal analysis tests were carried out for each one by using a thermal analysis system that includes (K-type Thermocouple, EPAD-TH8-K, EPAD-Baes2 and Laptop with Dewesoft-7.5-Lt). To estimate the change in microstructure and solidification as a result of adding (Ce+Er) additions, the obtained result showed that the growth TG Al-Phase and nucleation TN Al-Phase temperatures decreased to lower temperatures 614.7°C and 615.5°C respectively as the amount Ce, Er increased

Dioxins and Furans: Emerging Contaminants of Air

Dioxins and furans are classified highly contaminating toxic chemicals having serious effect on human health. This chapter begins with a brief summary on the formation, occurrence and toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) with their potential health effects, mitigation measures of these harmful compounds. Depending on position of chlorine atoms on aromatic rings, about 210 chemically different PCDD/PCDFs known as “congener” are present in the environment. The expected biological activity of PCDD/PCDFs is expressed relatively to the activity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) using a common metric. TCDD is the most biologically potent among all the congeners. Toxic level of a mixture of PCDD/PCDFs is therefore expressed in TCDD toxicity equivalents or TEQs. There are two mechanisms for the formation of dioxins and furans, one from precursors and other by de novo synthesis. PCDD/PCDFs followed a mechanism which uses macromolecule carbon and chlorine in fly ash to form dioxins at low temperature. There are various sources of the formation of PCDD/PCDFs like hospital waste incinerators, industrial combustion and burning of domestic waste. Dioxins and furans have very harmful effects on the human health causing cancer, diabetes, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and chloracne. It has been experienced that hybrid method secure a sustainable future for the incinerators and PCDD/PCDFs removal technologies. This chapter will help the researchers and practitioners for better understanding and decision making for future research to establish a sustainable PCDD/PCDFs free life

Sources and Prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 in different rice paddies of Punjab and Sindh

Rice is a major cash crop used in over world. The hygroscopic nature of rice kernel with warm and humid conditions is most favorable to enhance the growth and development of toxigenic fungi which are strongly able to produce mycotoxins. The purpose of this study was to estimate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in different rice paddies collected from twelve regions of Pakistan. All samples were analyzed for their phenotypic characteristics (Appearance, Odor and grain length). Competitive (ELISA) was used to evaluate AFB1 both before and after steam decontamination procedure. PDA and SDA agar was used to detect aflatoxin producing fungal species. Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LCB) staining was used for microscopic identification of fungal contaminants. Paddies from majority of regions appeared yellowish in color and odorless with exception of Hafizabad, Jhang, Sheikhupura and Gujarat that appeared blackish yellow in color with pungent smell. According to our results, about 61.42% (43) samples were detected with aflatoxin B1 out of 70 samples with average 15.86±1.7 µg/kg before treating with steam. After treatment with steam, about 10% (7) samples detected with aflatoxin B1 with average 2.55±1.51 µg/kg. Majority of regions showed P. chrysogenum with the exception of R.Y Khan which showed A. niger. Steam on an average reduced aflatoxin to 51.42%. Our study indicates that steam is an effective treatment to eradicate aflatoxin at industrial level. New approaches may be explored to target the contaminants for ensure of food safety

A Survey on Electrical Energy Storage Potential in South-East Europe to Support Transmission Network Flexibility

Electrical Energy Storage (EES) facilities have attracted a huge interest recently in increasing the operational flexibility of modern power systems. This interest is fueled by the integration of a high amount of intermittent renewable energy resources (RES) in the networks. This study has been performed to analyze and identify the potential of EES in providing the operational flexibility of power networks in 8 South-East European countries. For that purpose, a survey questionnaire was developed on EES, which was distributed in late 2017 and responses were collected in January 2018. The questionnaires collected information on existing EES capacities, the required amount of EES for flexible operation and the future potential of these resources. Additional key information was collected about these resources, such as the characteristics, location and network services obtained from these resources, as well as the influential market participants to provide these services in the network. This study will facilitate the cross-border management of RES by increasing the operational flexibility of the transmission network in South-East Europe