Magnetic nanoparticles incorporation into different substrates for dyes and heavy metals removal—A Review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Substantial discharge of hazardous substances, especially dyes and heavy metal ions to the environment, has become a global concern due to...     

DNA fragmentation,apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by sodium arsenite in cultured murine Sertoli cells: prevention by curcumin

Arsenic is a significant environmental concern worldwide, primarily due to geo physiochemical contamination of drinking water, and a major public health hazard in both developing and developed countries. The present study was aimed to investigate ameliorative effects of curcumin (Cur) against sodium arsenite (SA)-induced toxicity in cultured murine Sertoli cells. The cells were treated with SA (5 μM) and Cur (5 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml) alone or in combination for 12 hr. The SA treatment decreased cell viability, produced oxidative stress, and induced apoptosis as reflected by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic cells. Moreover, the SA-induced cell cycle arrest in the cells is characterized by a rise in the number of cells in the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle. The Cur was found to be effective in reversing all these arsenic (As)-induced cellular events. Data suggest that Cur modulates As-mediated oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest through suppression of excessive ROS generation. Evidence indicates that Cur may emerge as a useful protective agent against As-induced Sertoli cells toxicity by inhibiting As-induced damage in testes.     

New Perspectives on Marine Biodiversity

Marine and terrestrial ecosystems are so fundamentally different in some aspects that many of the issues concerning biodiversity cannot be interpreted using a single theory of common application to all ecosystems. Their limitation is evident when it comes to highly biodiverse and interconnected marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Trophic links are a major factor, but space, breeding, shelter from predators, environmental cues, behavior ingrained in genotypes, genetic variability, mutations, and connectivity of marine critical habitats are also important. The importance of the connectivity of habitats such as coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangrove in biodiversity preservation should be recognized. Migratory species require corridors for gene flow and that influences diversity. The existing theories do not address the biodiversity issues related to life in the abyssal plains and deep sea trenches and the challenge posed by climate change. An accurate understanding of marine biodiversity requires comprehensive knowledge of ecological interrelationships and new perspectives that reflect the reality of global environmental change.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha,prostaglandin-E2 and interleukin-1β targeted anti-arthritic potential of fluvoxamine: drug repurposing

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor, is used to treat depression. The aim of present study was to evaluate fluvoxamine in acute...     

Carcinogenic effect of potential toxic metals in school children through contaminated drinking water around the industrial area of Pakistan

Due to papulation increase in Pakistan the demand of drinking water increased day by day. After the industrial grooming the wastewater producing harmful effect on the surrounding area of industries and drinking water contamination increased. Pakistan is on 82 amongst the 125 countries of the word having drinking water problem. Different parameter set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) of hazard dimension index (HD) and Lifetime Cancerogenic risk Calculation (LFCR) of Potentially toxic metals that are As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb (PTMs) are higher, and the school age children are under high risk of cancer. All the drinking constraints set by regulating authority is fully neglected by inopportune human process by solid waste dumping and houses and industrial disposal with any proper treatment. This study discusses all the HD and LFCR parameter in three age group children, male and female through drinking water around the Hattar Industrial Estate (HIE) in Pakistan. In children and women more HD and LFCR thread than the adult man. The overall result shows that the HD risk is higher than the LFCR due to the PTMs in drinking water only HD is exceed from the limit of WHO and Pak-EPA. If there is no proper arrangement take place for the removal of As and PTMs from the industrial wastewater and drinking water than within few years all the population around the study area effected with different type of cancer.     

Rising sea and threatened mangroves: a case study on stakeholders,engagement in climate change communication and non-formal education

Scientific consensus shows that the changes related to climate change are already occurring and will intensify in the future. This will likely result in significant alterations to coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, increase coastal hazards and affect lifestyles of coastal communities. There is increasing speculation that mangrove, a socio-economically important ecosystem, will become more fragile and sensitive to uncertain climate variability such as sea level rise. As a result, mangrove-dependent societies may find themselves trapped in a downward spiral of ecological degradation in terms of their livelihoods and life security. Strengthening the resilience capacity of coastal communities to help them cope with this additional threat from climate change and to ensure sustainability calls for immediate action. In this context, this paper critically examines the regional implications of expected sea level rise and threats to mangrove-dependent communities through a case study approach. The main objective is to highlight the requirement for climate change communication and education to impart information that will fulfil three expectations: (1) confer understanding; (2) assess local inference on climate change through a participatory approach; and (3) construct a framework for climate change awareness among mangrove-dependent communities through community-based non-formal climate change education. This scale of approach is attracting increasing attention from policymakers to achieve climate change adaptation and derive policies from a social perspective.     

Role of financial inclusion and export diversification in determining green growth: evidence from SAARC economies

This study quantifies the impact of financial inclusion and export diversification in attaining the target of green growth for SAARC economies during the period 2000 to 2019. For the analysis purpose, this study employed second-generation econometric techniques that deal with heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence issues. To this end, CUP-FM and CUP-BC are used to investigate the long-run dynamic equilibrium relationship among the variables of interest. The outcomes show that financial inclusion and institutional quality are eco-friendly variables and play a vital role in attaining green growth. In contrast, export diversification and FDI are inversely related with green growth in SAARC economies. Furthermore, a unidirectional causality running from financial inclusion to green growth and financial inclusion to export diversification is observed. On the basis of investigated outcomes, this research suggests essential policy recommendations to attain green growth.

     

Determination of heavy metals in fresh water fish species of the River Ravi, Pakistan compared to farmed fish varieties

The untreated industrial and sewage wastes arising from industries and metropolitan activities make their passage to the River Ravi, Pakistan, where Balloki Headworks is one of the major sites of effluent concentration. This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of various toxic elements in fishes of that area compared to a nearby fish farm. The concentrations of heavy metals, such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Zn, and electrolytes Ca, K, and Na were determined in different edible and non-edible fresh water fish varieties. Fish samples were collected from two selected sites and were analyzed for aforementioned elements. Higher levels of As (35.74–45.33 ppm), Cd (0.35–0.45 ppm), Pb (2.1–3.0 ppm), Hg (83.03–92.35 ppm) while normal levels of Zn (37.85–40.74 ppm) and Cu (1.39–2.93 ppm) were observed. Mercury, higher levels of which trigger cough, impairment of pulmonary function, and psychotic reactions, was significantly higher in all studied categories. At the sites under study, there has been observed alarming levels of toxic metals which are needed to be monitored regularly.     

Carbon and polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites for oil-spill remediation—a comprehensive review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Oil spills are a major contributor to water contamination, which sets off a significant impact on the environment, biodiversity, and economy....