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Abstract-

 The adverse environmental and human health impact of chemical use against micro-organism is profoundly increased. For this motive, substitute methods to minimize chemicals are being developed. One of the effective methods is use plant extracts which having natural antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate ethanolic extract of Datura stramonium L. (leaves) and Hippophae rhamnoides  (fruits) against the selected micro-organisms. Results revealed that mean zone of inhibition for bacterial species ranged from 23±0.72 to 27±1.24 mm in case of Hippophae rhamnoides and from 21±0.79 to 30±1.06 mm in case of D. stramonium leaves respectively. For antifungal activity, the inhibition zone ranges from 39.42±1.07 to 47.22±2.11 mm in case of D. stramonium and from 38.42±1.19 to 48.46±2.32 mm in case of H. rhamnoides. However, sensitivity reaction of bacterial and fungal species against each plant extract was also differential. D. stramonium showed highest toxic effect against E. coli (30±1.06 mm)) and Aspergillus flavus (47.22±2.11mm). Whereas, H. rahmnoides showed highest zone of inhibition against bacterial species (B. subtilis 27±1.24 mm) and fungal species (R. stolonifer 48.46±2.32 mm). Both plant extract exhibited antimicrobial properties, which could be used against micro-organisms.

This study analyzed physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of packaged water sold in Gilgit city and its vicinity. Samples from source, market, and after the process were collected randomly from three different companies and analyzed from April 2017 to May 2017. Bacteriological parameters include Escherichia coli and Enterococci; it was further examined with conformity tests. The investigated physical parameters included (pH, Turbidity, Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids). Some important chemical parameters like Total phosphorous and Total Nitrogen were assessed through a spectrophotometer. The results revealed that the Physicochemical parameters fell within WHO tolerable limits, pH ranged from 7.0 to 8.4, TDS were observed from 260 ppm to 40 ppm, Electrical conductivity was found between 91 μs-510 μs, Turbidity varied from 0.03 NTU to 0.52 NTU. The Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus range from 0.09 mg/L to 2.09 mg/L and 95 mg/L to 540 mg/L. The bacteriological parameters were unsatisfactory as some of the samples were contaminated with the E. coli and Enterococci. The maximum value for E. coli was 288 CFU/100 ml, and that of the Enterococci was 267 CFU/100 ml, which strongly violates the WHO specifications for bottled drinking water quality. Based on our findings, the Bacteriological examination of some samples is classified under the high-risk category since they are found to be unsafe for drinking. It is recommended there should be strict monitoring and surveillance of bottled water quality; sources should be protected, and awareness should be given to the public regarding its quality.

Vegetable spoilage produces various microbes of different origins like parasites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. This causes infections and diseases in vegetables, and later on, when humans eat these vegetables; diseases induce in humans. So, to prevent human diseases, the symptoms of various infections in vegetables must be known. Moreover, the conditions supporting the infections in vegetables must be understood. So that spoiled vegetable consumption can be prevented. Sometimes spoiled vegetables are regarded as disease free and suitable for consumption. These misconceptions sometimes lead to lethal human diseases, which in history led to major outbreaks. The antimicrobial resistance is faced by microbes which deteriorate the situation and make the cure of diseases.