http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10323 2026-04-04T12:26:57Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19300 Assessment Of Drinking Water Quality From Different Water Sources In Quetta, Balochistan Bisma Dost Ali; Syeda Ayza Shah; Eisha Azam Clean drinking water is a major concern in developing countries like Pakistan, where families and communities rely on private water supply systems, distant filters, water bores, etc. The present study evaluated the drinking water quality from different sources i.e., tube wells, filter water, reservoir water, and water from different companies in the Quetta city, Baluchistan. The results of physical analysis for tube well samples revealed that pH, temperature was within the safe limit in all samples. The TDS, EC and Turbidity exceeded in some samples. The parameters (pH, TDS, EC, Temp and turbidity) in filter, and reservoir samples were all within the safe limit. The parameters in company water samples were also within the safe range except for TDS which exceeded in one (C2) sample. The results of chemical analysis for tube well samples revealed that chlorides and sodium were within safe limits in all 21 samples except for T7. Hardness was also within range except for a few samples. Alkalinity was within safe limits in all samples. Mg2+ exceeded in all samples (21) except for T7 and T20. Ca2+ was within range in all samples other than some samples. Cl, Na, Alkalinity, hardness and Ca2+ in all filter and reservoir samples were within the range except for Mg2+ which exceeded the safe limit in 4 out of 5 samples. Water samples from companies had all chemical parameters within safe range except for Mg2+ which exceeded in 5 out of 6 samples. The results of biological analysis showed that 7 out of 21 tube-well water samples had total coliforms, making the water unfit for drinking. This also points towards the poor and unsatisfactory water quality of these tube wells. 4 of 7 tube wells had an uncountable growth of total coliforms. The highest number was found in Tube well 8 following the TW10 and 20. No total coliforms were detected in samples of filter water, reservoir water, and water taken from different companies. The results of elemental analysis revealed that all trace elements (Mg, Ca, Mn, Mo, Co, Li, Ag, Hg, S, Se, Sr, Si, Pd, Al, B, Zn, Ba) and heavy metals (Cr, Cd, As, Ni, Pb, Cu) were within the recommended limits given by Pak EPA and NEQs. Overall, the water quality of tube wells seems unsatisfactory. The water quality of reservoirs, filter plants, and different companies used for drinking can be deemed satisfactory and fit for drinking. Supervised by Dr. Said Akbar Khan 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19623 Assessment of Soil Fertility In Selected Areas of Islamabad, A Comparative Analysis Sariyah Maqadus Abbasi; Ali Haider The sustainability of any system has become a significant concern nowadays. The assessment of soil fertility is a fundamental decision-making instrument for implementing suitable nutrient management practices. The present study evaluated the fertility status of soil from eight different locations (Blue area, Park view, Simly dam, Barakhau, Chak Shehzad) and sectors (G-13, I-8 and I-9) in Islamabad by assessing the physical, chemical and organic matter of soil. The results of physical parameters showed that TDS and temperature were within the safe limits of 400-500 mg/L and 20-30°C. The results of pH of soil samples were within the safe range of 6 to 8.5. However, the park view sample had a pH of 7.79 pointing towards the slightly alkaline nature of soil. The rest of the samples were classified as neutral. Salts and EC exceeded the safe threshold for soils 4 dS/m in all samples. The highest EC levels corresponding towards higher salinity were found in soils of Simly dam, blue area, Chak Shehzad, Sector G-13, I-8 and I-9. The results of chemical parameters showed that chlorides, sulphates and nitrates were within the safe threshold given by IASS and EPA. Sodium in 4 soils samples (blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view, and Barakhau) surpassed the safe threshold of 400 mg/kg. Five (5) out of 8 samples (G-13, blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view and Barakhau) exceeded safe limit of magnesium 100 mg/kg. Four (04) out of 8 samples (blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view and Barakhau) also had calcium surpassing the safe threshold of 300 mg/kg. Potassium (K) in all soil samples exceeded the safe threshold of 80mg/kg given by IASS and EPA. 3. All eight (08) soil samples from Simly dam, I-9, G13, I-8, Blue area, Barakhau, Park view, and Chak Shehzad, had poor organic matter (SOM). None had satisfactory and adequate amount of organic matter (SOM) according to the SOM criteria. Overall, these results indicated that certain chemical parameters are within safe limits, elevated salinity, nutrient imbalances, and insufficient organic matter substantially undermine soil quality and fertility, presenting obstacles to ecosystem services and sustainable agricultural methods. Future studies should focus on detailed profile assessment of all major minor nutrients and essential parameters in the studied regions. Conducting a detailed nutrient analysis to address the specific nutrient deficiencies and excesses in the soil, particularly focusing on balancing potassium and calcium levels and increasing organic matter. Supervised by Dr. Asma Jamil 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19624 Biological Characteristics of Raw and Pasteurized Milk With an Assessment of Metal Contamination Level Maryam Bibi; Roshan khan Milk and its derivatives are important for human health. Milk is consumed by the people of all age group due to its healthy impacts. The aim of the present study is to study the potential microorganisms present in milk samples and to identify the presence of heavy metals to study their health impacts. For this purpose, the sample of 20 milks has been selected. Among 20, 15 were the raw milk samples collected from the Islamabad farms, and 5 were the pasteurized milk brands including Nurpur, Olpers, Milk Fields, Tarang and Milk Pack. The raw milk samples were being collected on daily basis, as per the requirement for raw milk, in sterilized 100 ml plastic bottles to meet the standard protocols and in order to prevent entry of dust and bacteria into the samples which were then carried to the laboratory with proper care and stored in fridge at 4°C to preserve them and the microbial analysis of raw milk was carried out within 24 hours of collection after which the raw milk was used to be of no use. For pasteurized milk, samples were acquired from a few well-known enterprises that sell their products all over Pakistan. They were easily available in Islamabad, and their microbiological examination was performed in the lab. The experimental design includes analyzing physical parameters, biological, chemical parameters and heavy metal analysis. The results showed the presence of micro-organisms and traces of heavy metals such as Copper, Mercury, Iron, Zinc and Uranium. Therefore, it is recommended to sterilize the milk before using. Supervised by Dr. Asma Jamil 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19855 Assessing Sea Water Intrusion and Its Impacts on Crop Land and Forest Cover Using Geo Spatial Techniques in District Thatta, Sujawal and Badin (Sindh) Sunaina Dawood; Alina Ehsan Seawater intrusion is one of the destructive environmental issues of Pakistan affecting the Sindh coastal districts in particularly Thatta, Sujawal and Badin. In this study, geographic information techniques are applied to analyze the impact of seawater intrusion on crop land and forest area (Mangroves). This study employs multispectral imagery and geospatial analysis using ArcMap software to investigate land cover and land use changes over the past two decades, with a focus on identifying areas susceptible to seawater intrusion. Parameters used for geospatial analysis were Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Normalized Difference vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI). These parameters demonstrate the change from past two decades in vegetation cover, crop land, and seawater intrusion. Statistical analyses reveal profound correlations between seawater intrusion and land degradation, highlighting the significant impact of saline water intrusion on terrestrial ecosystems. The analysis of spatial trends in the Sindh coastal area from 2000 to 2024 reveals significant environmental shifts. Seawater intrusion exhibited a 3.5% increase, agricultural land (cropland) decreased by 11.8%, forest cover declined by 5.5%, built-up areas increased by 6.4%, and barren land expanded by 9.3%. The reduction in agricultural land directly diminishes crop yield and agricultural output, intensifying food security challenges for local communities. The degradation of forest ecosystems, particularly mangrove habitats, poses a critical threat to biodiversity and significantly impairs the carbon sequestration potential of these vital carbon sinks. Supervised by Dr. Humera Farah 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z