The presence of various heavy metals may influence the transformation of many organics by anaerobes under anaerobic conditions. Sometimes, the coexistence of both heavy metals and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) may cause an inhibitory impact on microbial species involved in such biotransformation. These toxic mixtures create disturbances in the bioreactors by inhibiting the ability of the microorganism to degrade the waste. To keep the anaerobic process horizontal, it is essential to know the concentrations of the heavy metals and VFAs during the wastewater treatment operations, otherwise, it would result in halting various operations. Other methods are time-consuming. However, the Microtox analysis provides quick and reliable information about the toxic concentrations of the mixtures by calculating the IC50 15 min luminosity inhibition through Photobacterium phosphoreum T3S. The current research work aimed to assess the impacts of Pb, Cd, Cu, and VFAs on luminescent anaerobic microbial species P. phosphoreum under laboratory conditions. The individual and combined acute toxicity assays were conducted following standard protocols. The results revealed that the combined treatments of individual heavy metals along VFAs caused partly additive toxic effects. The effects of two heavy metals along VFAs resulted in the synergistic type of toxic effects. The application of tri-mixtures of metals along VFAs also caused synergistic effects. The current data would be quite handy to conclude P. phosphoreum as a potential biosensor for metals and volatile fatty acids toxicity and to optimize various bioreactors against different heavy metals and VFA shocks by taking timely corrective measures.

Wheat cultivars displaying water stress tolerance traits are highly desirable for water scarce regions of Pakistan. To achieve this aim, a 2-years field research experiment was undertaken to assess the outcome of water stress on physiological and agronomic traits at different growth stages in selected wheat cultivars. The experiment comprised evaluation of five wheat cultivars viz., Atta Habibb-2010, Siran-2008, Pirsabak-2008, Hashim-2008 and Pirsabak-2005 under water stress by skipped irrigation at each of the following growth stages: crown root initiation (CRI), tillering stage, pre-anthesis and milk stages, compared with well-watered treatment. Data of tillers number, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, drought susceptibility index and drought tolerance efficiency were evaluated. The two years data revealed significant impact of water stress on growth, physiological and yield traits of wheat, and preanthesis stage was found as most sensitive to water deficiency. For water stress at CRI, Pirsabak-2005 produced higher yield than the rest of the cultivars. Hashim-2008 followed by Pirsabak-2008 produced higher grain yield than rest under water stress at pre-anthesis stage; whereas water deficit at this stage adversely affected the performance of cv. Atta Habib, Hashim-2008 and Pirsabak-2008. Pirsabak-2005, Hashim-2008 and Pirsabak-2008 may be utilized as breeding material for development of local water stress tolerant wheat varieties.

This study aimed to assess the water quality, prevalence of waterborne diseases, and hygiene practices in selected Union Councils (UCs) of Abbottabad District. A small number of studies on water contamination and its effects on health have been carried out by various researchers and government organizations in Abbottabad. Considering how much time has passed since the last study, this one will provide up-to-date information on water quality and disease prevalence, taking into account any developments or patterns over the last ten years. The areas of high and low prevalence of waterborne diseases were identified based on secondary data from district hospitals. The high-prevalence area included UC Nawanshehr, UC Mirpur, and UC Sherwan, while the low-prevalence area comprised UC Bakot, UC Moolia, and UC Tearch. Water samples were collected from these UCs and analyzed for physical parameters (pH, turbidity, TDS, EC, and temperature) as well as biological parameters (E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholera) to assess the drinking water quality. Questionnaires were also administered to gather information on water supply, storage, treatment, disease prevalence, and hygiene practices. The findings indicated that all physical parameters fell within the permissible limits; however, all water samples were found to be contaminated with biological agents. UC Mirpur and UC Bakot exhibited the highest disease prevalence rates of 55% and 33%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations (correlation coefficients of 1, 0.8, and 0.5) between the presence of E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholera and disease prevalence. The questionnaire data revealed that the main sources of water supply were tube wells, small streams, and water pumps, with minimal water treatment practices. The water treatment level was, however, noted to be far below expectations, even with the required hygiene practices being followed in all Union Councils. Above all, these findings indicate the necessity to promote best practices for water treatment in the studied UCs and inform efforts to improve drinking water quality at the population level. Public health measures need to focus on improving access to safe drinking water sources, appropriate water treatment, and hygiene. The identified findings from this study nurture innovative affordable solutions that can lead to decreased waterborne diseases and enhanced public health protections in the Abbottabad District.