Journal of Himalayan Earth Sciences

Analysis of Microplastics in Assorted Tea Ingredients Available in Wah Cantt Pakistan

2024-11-26T08:03:06+00:00

Microplastics are considered as one of the most widespread environmental pollutants. The undertaken study presents an analysis of microplastics polymer in tea, powder milk and tea whitener in Wah Cantt Pakistan. Twenty-three samples of local and branded tea, powder milk and tea whitener were analyzed. Samples were examined via FTIR and SEM-EDX to detect presence of microplastics polymer. FTIR spectra of all samples revealed presence of various microplastic such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, nylon, along with other toxic contaminants such as chromium hydroxide, phosphorus, polyamide. Moreover, SEM images show irregular, rod shape, fragments, thread like structure which were commonly observed in microplastics. The EDX spectra have further authenticated SEM results as it has shown carbon dominant peaks which are common attributes of microplastics polymers. Comparatively, local samples are more contaminated compared to branded samples. The microplastics polymers found in tea ingredients are reportedly highly toxic and capable of damaging nervous system, immune system, hormonal imbalances and causing cancer. The study recommends that use of plastic should be minimized particularly for packaging of tea, powder milk and tea whitener.

Exposure to whole Body Vibration (WBV) and prevalence of MSDs amongst haulage operators of underground coal mines of Punjab, Pakistan

2024-11-26T08:37:04+00:00

To measure exposure to whole-body-vibration (WBV) and musculoskeletal-disorders (MSDs) amongst haulage operators of underground mines, present research was conducted. 100 workers from 20 mines were surveyed using Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Their 8-hours exposure to WBV was measured by fixing tri-axial seat pad accelerometer (equipped with a control panel to record vibration exposure). IBM SPSS, 26 was used to get Multivariate-Logistic-Regression-Analyses. The mean value of age was 42.2389 years, working hours/day 9.56, and working months/year 8.82. The operators with BMI 25- 34 category were having alarming pain in neck with OR 7.79 (95% CI 1.14-53.59). Values of frequency- weighted root mean square acceleration and vibration dose along three (X/Y/Z) axes has been measured. The crest factor of highly exposed group (N=82) were crossing limits, categorizing all workers “high risk” by ISO 2631-1. The operators of mines are being exposed to WBV and MSDs, effecting their social lifestyle. Intervention is required to reduce risk.

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality from Shah Faisal Town, Karachi employing SPSS and GIS-IDW Techniques

2024-11-26T08:43:06+00:00

To assess the quality of groundwater, selected samples from Shah Faisal Town, Karachi have been
evaluated employing spatial and multivariate analyses using ArcGIS-Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW)
method and SPSS-factor and cluster techniques. All samples exhibited alkaline pH; samples adjacent to local
drain revealed very high TDS due to contamination of groundwater. Majority of the samples exhibited Na+
>Ca2+ >Mg2+ >K+, Cl- >SO 2- >HCO + CO 2-, however on the Piper diagram; bulk of the samples demonstrated 4 3- 3
NaCl-type hydrogeochemical facies. Samples plotted on Gibbs' diagram displayed the impact of intrusion
and evaporation in the area. The spatial analysis of pH, SAR and PI revealed that entire study area is good for
irrigation water, though less suitable for drinking purpose. The distribution of WQI, K+, SSP, Na% and KI
values showed that samples collected from the region away from Chakoar Drain is more suitable for
industrial and irrigation applications. Very strong to strong positive correlation matrices are found between
EC, TDS, Na+, Cl-, and TH, SO 2-, Mg2+; Na+ and Cl-; Mg2+ and SO 2-; SSP with Na%; Cl- with Na% and SSP; 4 4
SO 2- with K+; Mg2+ with MAR; Na+ with Na%, KI and SSP. However, RSC showed a very strong to strong 4
negative correlation with EC, TDS, TH, SO 2-, and Mg2+. Strong positive correlation was noted between all 4
irrigation parameters except RSC and MAR. Overall it is reflected from the present study that groundwater
quality was not good alongside the drains of Shah Faisal Town while away from drains the quality become
better.

Dioxins Leaching Prediction in Selected Soils Series through Breakthrough Curves (BTCs) Model

2024-11-26T09:07:04+00:00

This study investigated the possibility of selected dioxins leaching and causes of groundwater
contamination. For this purpose, soil samples were taken from the KP districts of Peshawar, Charsadda, and
Swabi. Soil desorption analysis was used to assess the sorption capacity of these particular soil series.
Breakthrough Curve (BTC) plots were used to describe the transportation of solutes. The distribution
coefficient (K ), retardation factor, and dispersivity are used to determine the K values during sorption and d d
desorption. Dioxin transportation was expected to occur at two different velocities: steady or preferential
flow (50 cm day -1) and normal velocity (20 cm day -1). Regarding Dibenzo-p-Dioxin (DD), the K values for d
three series were found to be in ascending order: Charsadda > Peshawar > Sultanpur series; however, the
order for 2 Chloro-p-Dioxin (2Cl-DD) was determined to be Charsadda > Sultanpur > Peshawar. Comparing
the results with those from other studies, the total sorption was observed to be low. In contrast to high seepage
velocity, BTC graphs took comparatively longer to reach the point of saturation under the usual velocity for
both of the selected Dioxins (DD and 2Cl-DD). The investigation found that the chosen dioxins significantly
leached and had low sorption.

Evaluation of High Value Medicinal Plants Used as Stop Wash Barriers to Intercept Runoff in Eroded Lands of Fateh Jang, Pakistan

2024-11-26T09:22:23+00:00

Rainfed soils are more vulnerable to erosion as compared to other areas. The best strategy to conserve
these soils from degradation is to provide soil cover e.g., agronomic cover which plays a vital role to intercept
raindrop in situ which ultimately minimizes the rate of runoff. Farmers in rainfed areas mostly cultivate
forages and fodder crops which act as soil cover and source of feed for their livestock without significant
economic return. It has been anticipated that use of medicinal plants is increasing day by day for the cure of
diseases. Therefore, considering above objective research was planned to introduce high value medicinal
plants which improve soil health and quality. The research was conducted at Soil and Water Conservation
Research Station, Fateh Jang during 2019-2023. The selected plant species included were Steviarebaudiana,
Aloe barbadense miller, Menthapeperita, Melissa officinalis, Mentharoyleana, Salvia rosmarinus,
Origanumvulgare, Murrayakoenigii, Ocimumtenuiflorum. In addition, in Rabi season Foeniculumvulgare,
Lepidiumsativum, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, Nigella sativa and Carumcopticum showed best
performance. The outcomes of the study revealed that these plants species effectively, restored the soil health
and improve the soil physiochemical characteristics. So, cultivation of these plants as a cover crop will
ultimately uplift socio-economic condition of farmers in respect of more economic return from the same
piece of land by adopting innovative technology of medicinal plant cultivation.

Groundwater Resources and Quality in the Lai Catchment: A Geophysical, Hydrochemical, and Geological integration in twin cities of Pakistan

2024-11-26T09:36:18+00:00

The population residing in the Lai River Basin has been subjected to water management issues since
long. The area is facing a surge in population due to migration of people from different cities into the twin
cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The present study integrated geophysical, geological and hydrochemical
datasets to identify the subsurface aquifer system, delineate the source of contamination and identify the
nature and type of contamination. The geophysical data comprised of 17 Audio Magneto Telluric (AMT)
profiles coupled with 30 borehole data sets and 60 water samples. The geophysical data identified numerous
shallow and deep aquifer system along with paleo channels. The lithologies were classified into high, low and
intermediate resistivity zones. It was observed that higher resistivity zones were associated with surficial clay
and silt deposits whereas low values were attributed to presence of contaminants that were seeped into
shallow paleochannels. The geological data revealed presence of sandy clay, gravel as shallow aquifer system
whereas at greater depth confined aquifer was encountered comprising of gravel and sand. It was further
observed that the slope has greater influence on localized stream deposition. Results of hydrochemical
analysis revealed the dominance of Ca²+ and Na+, whereas HCO - followed by SO ²-, respectively. Based on 3 4
this chemical composition, the river system had its origin mainly in major carbonate weathering and minor
silicate dissolution. The presence of higher concentrations of these ions is attributed to the discharge of
untreated sewage, industrial effluents and domestic waste into the Lai River. During groundwater recharge
these contaminants infiltrate into the aquifers and pose significant threat to human and environmental health
risk. This process in more concentrated in densely populated regions of Rawalpindi which lies in middle or
lower reaches of Lai River Basin (LRB) area. The present research critically analysis the subsurface water
bearing bodies and threats that are faced by those due to Lai River.

Petrographic Analysis and physico-mechanical Properties of Nikanai Ghar Formation, Swabi, North-western Pakistan

2024-11-26T09:43:55+00:00

The petrographic analysis and physico-mechanical assessment of the Nikanai Ghar Formation, exposed
in the vicinity of the Bando Obo marble, near Swabi Town, north-western Pakistan, were carried out to assess
and look into its prospects to serve as a building stone for engineering projects. Nine fresh bulk samples
representing different textural types were chosen to investigate petrographic properties, as well as the
physical and mechanical behaviour of the Nikanai Ghar Formation. A series of geotechnical tests and
petrographic analyses were carried out to assess the material's suitability for construction applications. These
geotechnical tests included measurements of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), Unconfined tensile
strength (UTS), specific gravity (SG), shear strength (SS), porosity, and water absorption. The obtained
physical qualities were then compared to standard specifications to evaluate their appropriateness for use in
construction. The analysed samples are divided into different textural and mineralogical categories based on a
careful microscopic examination of three representative thin sections. Four of the samples, JTN-1, JTN-2,
JTN-4, and JTN-7, have a striking mineralogical similarity, both consisting primarily of calcite with only
traces of opaque ore minerals. However, their textures are different, i.e., shape, grain size, and grain
boundaries. JTN-2, JTN-9, and JTN-8 samples are medium-grained and sub-equi-granular while JTN-1,
JTN-4, and JTN-5 are predominantly fine-grained and equi-granular. The JTN-3, JTN-6, and JTN-7 Samples
are coarse-grained and sub-equi-granular to granular and contain trace amounts of muscovite, rutile, and
ilmenite. The analysis showed that the Nikanai Ghar Formation can be used as aggregates by the domestic
building sector because it falls within the parameters of standard specifications.