Contamination by antibiotics has emerged as a global apprehension with serious consequences for ecological and human health. This research screened the levels of azithromycin, cefixime, linezolid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin in the blood serum of albino rats administered surface water collected from the River Chenab for 30 days. The exposed group (n = 24) exhibited a considerable concentration of azithromycin with an average of 2.74 ± 1.69 µg mL-1, while the control group (n = 6) receiving clean water revealed undetectable concentrations. Correlation analysis uncovered moderate associations among fluoroquinolones, particularly between ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin (r = 0.34), suggesting their shared pharmacokinetics. Detection of antibiotics in blood serum following non-medical exposure confirmed the bioavailability and potential for systemic toxicity. Azithromycin levels indicate potential for unintended pharmacological effects in non-target organisms. This study is the first in Pakistan to demonstrate direct pharmacological exposure from river water to mammalian serum, highlighting an urgent health issue to achieve good health and well-being.

This study aimed to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health hazards of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables (n = 165) from the agricultural fields across upstream tributaries of River Chenab, Punjab, Pakistan. A holistic approach, GIS Arc mapping (Kriging method) along with statistical tools (risk indices) was used for spatial interpolation of the carcinogenic risk zones and polluted zones, respectively. All vegetable samples (garlic, turnip, potato, radish and mustard) were analyzed using GCMS. The mean total concentration of organochlorine pesticides (ΣOCPs) in the investigated vegetables was 4.46 ± 0.20 ng/g (garlic) and 6.51 ± 0.36 ng/g (mustard). Across all investigated vegetables, DDT and HCH isomers were the predominant residues, with the highest mean concentrations of DDE (0.76 ng/g) and ΣHCH (1.29 ng/g) observed in mustard. The findings of the spatial interpolation of carcinogenic risk of investigated OCPs revealed that DDT and DDE exhibited spatially restricted tolerable carcinogenic risk across 15% of downstream zones near the Nullah Palkhu River Chenab confluence, whereas α-HCH and β-HCH showed pervasive tolerable risk across 100% of study areas. Consequently, the findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and strengthened regulatory measures to control the persistence and potential introduction of OCP residues in the study area, thereby reducing long-term human health risks and supporting sustainable agricultural practices and good health and wellbeing.

Antibiotics are widespread consumed and released into the riverine ecosystem of Pakistan without proper treatment. This pioneering study investigated fluoroquinolones, macrolides, oxazolidinones and cephalosporins antibiotics from 11 sites of the Chenab River, Pakistan. Ecotoxicological and human health risk characterization was performed through GIS based geostatistical approaches, equipped with integrated risk modeling. Antibiotics were extracted via SPE, while analytical results were obtained through HPLC equipped with UFLC-PDA. Azithromycin was found most prevalent antibiotic across the study area (18.32 ± 2.69 μg/L). Ofloxacin, cefixime and ciprofloxacin were also detected in considerable concentration (6.70 ± 4.89, 1.67 ± 3.57 and 1.66 ± 2.93 μg/L, respectively). Single pollution index revealed the predominance of azithromycin throughout the study area, highlighting >62 % of areas as potential risk zones. Similar results were extracted through comparative pollution index, highlighting the Chenab River as polluted zone. Ecotoxicological risks characterization was determined by risk quotient (RQ), where RQ for azithromycin was18, which unveiled serious ecotoxicological threat. Health quotient (HQHH), health index (HI) and drinking water equivalent levels (DWEL) reflected that ofloxacin (chronic daily oral intake 1.8 × 10-4 and dermal 2.2 × 10-3) and ciprofloxacin exhibited potential risk to human health while azithromycin (chronic daily dermal exposure: 6.2 × 10-3) also posed considerable health risk to life. These results are the indication of possible risks associated with the prevalence of antibiotics in the Chenab River and needs to be considered a threat to be treated on priority basis by the concerned governmental authorities of the country.

This study was carried out to evaluate the interaction between terrestrial food crop plants and microplastics (MPs) with a focus on understanding their uptake, effects on growth, physiological, biochemical, and yield characteristics of two different cultivars of Solanum tuberosum L. i.e., Variety-1, Astrix (AL-4) and Variety-2, Harmes (WA-4). Polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) spheres of size 5 mu m were applied to the soil at concentrations of 0 %, 1 %, and 5 %. Morphological parameters, including seed germination rate, shoot and root lengths, leaf area, and fresh and dry biomass of plants, got reduced significantly with the increase in MP concentration. PS MPs caused the most negative impact, particularly at 5 %, leading to the greatest decline in growth and Na, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn nutrient content. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was observed in the 5 % PS MPs treatment with approximately a 45.34 % increase from the control, indicating its potential to enhance antioxidant activity in response to stress caused by PS MPs. Both reducing and non-reducing sugar contents and total proteins were also decreased significantly. Vitamin C content exhibited a significant increase in response to MPs, with the highest levels recorded under 5 % PS MPs treatments. This suggests an adaptive antioxidant response to mitigate oxidative damage induced by MPs. SEM analysis revealed tissue infiltration of MP particles in shoots, leaves, and tubers of both varieties. Among MPs, PS had the most detrimental effects, followed by PP and PE, with higher concentrations increasing the negative impact.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing concern, yet its impacts on agroecosystems remain poorly understood. This study investigates MP contamination in the agroecosystems of Sialkot, Pakistan, and its potential effects on the growth, physio-biochemical attributes, and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Plant and soil samples from 10 diverse agricultural fields were collected and analyzed for MP contamination. FTIR analysis revealed widespread MP presence in the soil across all sites. Fragment, film, and fiber types dominated, with low-density polyethylene (22.42 %), high-density polyethylene (18.05 %), and polystyrene (12.3 %) being the most prevalent polymers. A significant variation in plant growth parameters was observed. The number of tubers per plant also exhibited a significant difference, as evidenced by the decline in potato yield with increasing levels of MP contamination. Potato yield showed a negative correlation with MP contamination levels. The nutrients (Zn, Cu, Ni, and Na) uptake in plant shoots was also observed to be decreased except for Mg and Mn at all sites. This study showed that MPs are contaminating our agricultural lands and they may affect growth and yield of potato. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop mitigation strategies to improve agricultural productivity and food security.

The present study has employed an advanced GIS based statistical technique for spatial interpolation of lifetime carcinogenic risk to OCPs in water and sediments from tributaries of River Chenab. The findings revealed that among all detected isomers, DDT exhibited the highest concentrations (mean 14.41 ng/l: range 9.33 - 20.21 ng/l and mean 16.47 ng/l: range 10.55 - 21.24 ng/g) for water and sediment, respectively. Results of OCPs fingerprints revealed the presence of dicofol confirmed fresh input of OCPs isomers along with the DDTs (Dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane) historical usages in water bodies. The evaluation of ecological risk to benthic organisms' fish, daphnia and green algae (RQ 2 x 10(2)) indicated that DDTs (DDD, DDE) pose potential hazardous risks (>1) to fish species across all the studied sites. Moreover, Spatial interpolation of the lifetime carcinogenic risk denoted the sites along downstream zone surpassed the permissible limit. The non-carcinogenic risk (& sum;HQ) ranged from 2 x 10(-3) - 1.0 with the highest value for DDT, indicating DDT as a potential hazard through oral exposure (& sum;HQ >= 1). In the case of sediments results of SQGQs (Sediment Quality Guideline Quotient) levels for DDE (Dichloro-diphenyldichloromethane) and DDD (Dichloro-diphenyl dichloroethylene) denoted a severe biological risk to ecological integrities. The findings comprehend the more inclusive monitoring of OCPs usage and distribution in the studied region to reduce risks ecological integrities and to promote good health and wellbeing's.

In this study, polyurethane foam passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) were deployed to evaluate the atmospheric concentration levels and ambient exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Gujranwala, Lahore and Rawalpindi districts of the Punjab Province (Pakistan). The PAHs were extracted from the PUFs disks using Soxhlet extraction assembly, and were further concentrated using rotary evaporator, purified on a column, packed with alumina/silica, and eluted with a solution of dichloromethane:hexane (1:1 v:v). The PAHs quantification was carried out gas-chromatograph equipped with a mass-spectrometer (GC-MS). Regression scatter plots and molecular diagnostic ratios were used to identify and characterize the emission of PAH species from different sources. Among all detected PAHs, a high concentration of naphthalene (Naph) was observed in Lahore (327 pg m–3) and Rawalpindi (316 pg m–3) cities followed by phenanthrene, banzo(a)pyrene, pyrene, benzo(b)florenthene and benzo(k)flourenthene. Our findings revealed that the low molecular weight (LM)-PAHs in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala cities could have possibly originated from a local petroleum refinery and vehicular emissions respectively, whereas the high molecular weight (HM)-PAHs observed in Wazirabad, could be largely related to both biomass and traffic emissions. Results also showed that ~88 percent of the atmospheric PAHs could be attributed to the wood combustions (R2 = 0.88), out of which more than 50 percent of wood combustion were possibly with the brick kiln sector (R2 = 0.53).

The current study aimed to employ integrated risk assessment models to estimate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from Pakistan. GIS-based geostatistical technique was used to classify OCPs' polluted risk zones using risk indexes. The residual level of ∑OCPs detected in wheat and rice ranged from 1.78 to 12.46 ng g−1 and 4.92–18.19 ng g−1, respectively with the prevalence of DDD, DDE and HCH. The distribution pattern revealed a significantly higher concentration towards downstream region, suggesting industrial and agricultural activities as a pollution source in the area. Single pollution index (SPI) was employed for the identification of pollution zones. The findings of SPI for detected OCPs were found (0.7 < Pi < 1), respectively, depicting minimal pollution at the studied sites. Furthermore, risk assessment results reflected non-cancer risk (>1) for studied ∑OCPs. However, the suggested USEPA value for tolerable carcinogenic risk is < 10−6 (one in a million) which was found higher for DDD, DDE, HCH, CT, and HC in the current study. Consequently, the carcinogenic risk in the study area indicated the need for an assessment, monitoring, and reporting program grounded on laws that can reduce pollution and exposure levels to pesticides in Pakistan for good health and well-being.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have adverse effects on the environment as they accumulate in the fatty acids and have a half-life on the scale of years to decades. These pollutants are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) owing to their biological concerns related to health impacts and also economic benefits. In the US, UK, and Asia about 20% of the food is reported to be contaminated with low levels of POPs and there is no scientific accord on whether these low-level POPs are a matter of concern for humans. The treatment and removal of these organic pollutants are difficult as they travel to far areas through different mediums such as food, air, water, and soil. Remediation of POPs from air, water, soil, and other environmental compartments is crucial and a fundamental concern. For the remediation of POPs conventional treatments such as physio-chemical methods, i.e., coagulation, flocculation, oxidation, and adsorption have been utilized extensively in past decades. However, one of the useful methods of remediating POP pollution in the environment is bioremediation. Biological methods are expected to be a tremendous accomplishment in the cleanup of POPs by having advantages over conventional process. There are different methods that are used to remove these pollutants such as bioremediation, osmosis, adsorption process, membrane technology, and AOPs. For the implementation of these techniques there is a need to consider other factors such as economy, potential, and technical feasibility. Different research projects have been carried out and attempts have been made to find alternatives that are more cost effective. POPs are of great importance for some industries; thus, they are not totally avoidable. The only solution to this problem is to adapt techniques that can degrade the POPs effectively.

A pioneering study employed a holistic geostatistical approach to predict the spatial variability of a non sampled area in the Chenab River, Pakistan, using kriging interpolation for organochlorine pesticide (OCP)-polluted risk zones. The Present research intended to investigate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks, contamination levels, and spatial variation of OCPs in the Chenab River, Pakistan. The residual OCP content in sediment samples (n = 120) ranged from 0.056 to 32.14 ng/g. DDE and α-HCH were prevalent among all the samples analyzed, with mean concentrations of 15.84 ± 8.02 and 12.45 ± 6.72 ng/g, respectively. The order of magnitude of OCPs in sediment samples was DDTs > α-HCH > chlorothalonil > heptachlor > endosulfan > aldrin > dieldrin. The findings of the single (SPI) and Nemerow (Nel) pollution index of α-HCH, heptachlor, and aldrin depicted the Chenab River as a serious pollution risk zone. The outcomes of the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis represent the positive correlation among all OCPs, revealing the common origin. Distribution trends showed substantially higher (p < 0.05) contents of analyzed OCPs along the downstream zone. With regards to USEPA human health hazard assessment model, the estimated non-carcinogenic (ΣHI) and non-carcinogenic (ΣTCR) risk ranged from 1.1 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−1, 4.0 × 10−8 to 3.2 × 10−4 respectively. TCR >10−4 illustrated a substantial cancer health risk posed by α-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin in the downstream zone. We recommend the urgent cessation of the ongoing discharge of OCPs into the Chenab River, which needs to be highlighted owing to the significant cancer risk to public health to ensure the good health and wellbeings.

Need for irrigated agriculture is rising daily, but quality water for irrigation is on the decline, necessitating the use of urban wastewater as alternative source, particularly in low or middle income countries. This study assessed the effect of urban wastewater irrigation on the quality of groundwater, soil and vegetables in farms around Faisalabad, Pakistan. Human health risks of heavy metals were investigated through consumption of wastewater irrigated vegetables. Samples of soil, vegetables and water were obtained and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (cadmium, Cd; lead, Pb; manganese, Mn; nickel, Ni; cobalt, Co; and zinc, Zn). The groundwater could be declared safe for consumption in the present state, as concentration of heavy metals standards. But wastewater-irrigated vegetables had higher Pb, Cd and Mn than the permissible limits. In wastewater-irrigated vegetables, highest HRI-Pb was recorded in mustard leaf and cabbage and was >1. EF for Zn and Mn in all vegetable plants, Ni in potato and cauliflower, Pb in mustard leaf and cabbage were >1.5, suggesting that the metals were generated by anthropogenic processes (such as wastewater irrigation). Long-term irrigation of farmlands with the wastewater will result to heavy metal contamination of groundwater, soil and vegetables in the study area. Therefore, strategies to save the groundwater from future contamination are necessary.

The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence, spatio-temporal variations, source apportioning, and ecological risk assessment of selected PCBs and OCPs in surface water and sediments collected riverine environment of Punjab province, Pakistan. The concentration of ΣOCPs (water: 64–455 ng/L; sediments: 117–616 ng/g) and ΣPCBs (water: 2–132 ng/L; sediments: 3.27–200 ng/g) was found comparatively higher than the levels reported from other parts of the world. The higher concentrations of DDTs and HCHs were detected in both studied matrices, whereas among PCBs, CB-28, 49 and CB-37, 82 were dominant in water and sediments, respectively. The isomeric ratios including α-HCH/γ-HCH, (DDE + DDD) / DDTs, and α /β-endosulfan reflected the recent use of lindane, technical DDT, and endosulfan in the study area. The WHO–TEQ values of DL-PCBs ranged from 3.6 × 10−6 to 0.115 ng/L and 8.7 × 10−6 to 0.157 ng/g in surface water and sediments in both seasons, respectively. The spatial variation analysis revealed that the sites in the industrial and agricultural zones were highly contaminated. The OCPs and PCBs fluxes to downstream areas were estimated to be 12.4 tons/year and 1.9 tons/year, respectively. The significant ecological risks were estimated to be posed by OCPs and PCBs, as their levels in 67% and 62% of surface water and sediment samples were exceeding the threshold limits, highlighting effects to ecological integrities.

For the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan, samples of sediments, water, aquatic plants ( Alternanthera philoxeroides , Typha latifolia , and Ipomoea carnea ), and fish ( Labeo rohita) were studied from five different locations. Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were above permissible limits devised by WHO in sediments and water at most of sites. High concentrations of Cd were recorded in water samples compared to sediments with maximum values recorded at Site-2 (52.08 ± 9.55 mg kg −1 ) and Site-5 (62.29 ± 10.12 mg kg −1 ). The maximum concentrations of Cr (7.23 ± 0.40 mg kg −1 ) and Pb (22.87 ± 0.83 mg kg −1 ) were found at Site-4 in water samples. The maximum abundance of microplastics (3047 pieces kg −1 of sediments) was at Site-1 with filaments in the highest proportion among the other types. Zn, Ni, and Cu remained generally low in concentrations in both sediments and waters. Plants showed accumulation of heavy metals, notably the amount of Cd (33.36 ± 0.26 mgkg −1 ) and Ni (163.3 ± 1.30 mgkg −1 ) absorbed by T. latifolia and A. philoxeroides , respectively were high . Also, photosynthetic pigments in plants seemed to be affected. However, estimated daily intake (EDI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) calculations for the human population consuming fish from this wetland remained below the FAO/WHO limits. PCA analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of metals that might be causing adverse effects on the biota which depend on this wetland for their food.

This study was designed to assess the distribution of organochlorines (OCs) in fish species, their spatio-temporal variations, bioaccumulation potential, and associated human health risks via dietary intake. The levels of twenty-three organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and thirty-five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in six fish species collected from the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The results indicated that the mean levels of Σ23OCPs were 74.1 ng/g ww and 184 ng/g ww, and for Σ35PCBs the levels were 38.8 ng/g ww and 74.8 ng/g ww in herbivorous and carnivorous fish species, respectively. The most abundant contaminants in all fish species were DDTs (65

Carcinogenic hazards to human health were investigated through oral and dermal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from water samples (n = 120) of River Chenab, Pakistan. The Pioneering study aimed to employ an integrated geographic information system (GIS) based geostatistical method for the determination of pollution load by GC-ECD from water of River Chenab. The residual levels of OCPs detected from water samples ranged from 0.54 to 122 ng L-1 with significant prevalence of DDE and α-HCH. Results of the Nemerrow pollution index (NeI), single pollution index (SPI), and comprehensive pollution index (CPI) reflected the downstream zone a stern pollution risk zone. The spatial distribution pattern through geostatistical approaches also revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) OCP levels in the downstream zone. Risk quotient (RQCCC) of surface water quality with respect to heptachlor epitomized a high level of risk (RQCCC > 1). Non-carcinogenic human health risk (Σ HQ) assessment ranged from 8.39 × 10-9 to 1.7 × 10-3, which represented a marginal risk through oral and dermal exposure. However, carcinogenic risks by oral exposure route were ranged from 3.57 × 10-11 to 4.46 × 10-6. Estimated cancer risk (ΣCR) exhibited a considerable carcinogenic risk posed by heptachlor, α-HCH and dieldrin. It is suggested to employ an immediate mitigation strategy for the constant discharge of OCPs in the studied area.

Personal immunity frolicked an essential role in combating COVID-19 impacts on human health individually and collectively in community. Literature represented the fact about food or nutritional supplements are certified to protect against diseases; this was the reason behind public trust on certain plants and other commercial products to boost up immunity against coronavirus disease. Present study was conducted to observe the attitude of common public towards natural herbs in treating various diseases and to assess the possible potential of herbal medication in prevention of negative impacts of different variants of COVID-19 on human health at herbal clinic named "Pakistan Matab". Results concluded that most of the patients (About 80%) avoided COVID-19 testing even on experiencing major symptoms and they preferred herbal medication. Patients who died by COVID-19 were also experiencing different diseases like liver and Kideny malfunctioning; old age was another significant factor in this case. About 90% of patients were COVID symptomatic and 10% were carrying other diseases during observational study period at herbal clinic. Study represented that patients who visited clinic, have a faith on herbal medication with about 60% of patients in favor of vaccine and allopathic medication in combination with herbal treatment. Study investigated that vaccine was only for one type of variant and use of herbal medicines could be better option to boost up immunity against various COVID variants.

The present study was conducted to evaluate Carcinogenic (TR) and non-carcinogenic (THQ) human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in three edible fish species (Labeo boga, Channa marulius and Wallago attu) of River Chenab, Pakistan using USEPA human health risk assessment model. Holistic GIS (Geographic information system) based Geo-Statistical approach has been employed for the first time in River Chenab, Pakistan to categorize contaminated risk zones of OCPs based on single pollution index. The ∑OCPs concentrations in fish species were ranged from 5.09 to 414 ng/g with the prevalence of dieldrin. Results of single pollution index of DDE, aldrin, dieldrin and ∑endosulfan revealed River Chenab as polluted and risk zone area. Distribution pattern assessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of OCPs in downstream area suggesting substantial pollution of surrounded industrial region. The human health risk assessment depicted no harmful non-carcinogenic (THQ) risk except for ΣOCPs concentration of C. marulius. Significant carcinogenic (TR) health risk exhibited by all examined OCPs from maximum of the studied sites. Therefore, the high carcinogenic human health risk had highlighted an immediate removal of continuous disposal of OCPs in the River Chenab.

This study was performed to evaluate the impact of microplastics and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni) on sediments, water, aquatic plants (Pistia stratiotes, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) samples collected from five different sites in the Bajwat wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were above the permissible limits devised by WHO in all the ecosystem components (i.e. sediments, water, plants, and fish) at all sites. The maximum amount of microplastic particles (2317 microplastic particles per kg of sediments) was recorded at Site 1. The filaments were the most commonly found type of microplastics. Plants and fish samples also showed considerable concentration of metals. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed anthropogenic sources of elevated concentrations of metal elements which could cause adverse biological effects in the ecosystem.

Decomposition of organic waste in dumping sites and landfills prompts the uncontrolled emission of greenhouse gases which enhances global warming and related issues. The present investigation estimated the total landfill gas, methane, carbon dioxide and non-methane organic compounds emissions from Mahmood Booti dumping site located at Lahore, Pakistan from 1996 to 2045. LandGEM 3.02 model was utilized to evaluate the gas emission with the volumetric methane 50%, production potential (170 m(3)/Mg), and methane generation rate (0.050/year). The findings demonstrated that organic and food wastes had the maximum quantity in the solid waste stream (63.46%). Methane measured from solid waste was 1.150E+03 (Mg/year) in 1997 in the first year after waste was accepted by landfill while the maximum methane generation rate happened from 2014 to 2018, i.e., from 4.049x10(4) to 4.654x10(4) Mg/year, respectively. The study finding highlighted that all gases emissions have an increasing/rising trend up to 2021 and then gradually their level will decrease because most of the organic fractions of solid waste would degrade with time. The findings of this study can be used to identify the impacts and contribution of MBODS in the global emission of greenhouse gases. The study concludes that proper management of landfill gas will not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions, diminishing adverse impacts on public health but can also be used as a sustainable energy source.