Water pollution with pathogenic microorganisms is one of the serious threats to human health, particularly in developing countries. The main objective of this article is to highlight microbial contamination of drinking water, the major factors responsible for microbial contamination, and the resulting health problems in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study will be helpful for researchers and administrative agencies to initiate relevant studies and develop new policies to protect further deterioration of water supply with pathogenic microbes and ensure clean and safe drinking water to the public in Pakistan. In Pakistan, water at the source, in the distribution network, and at the consumer tap is heavily polluted with coliforms and fecal coliforms all over the country. An overview of more than 7,000 water samples reviewed here reveals that an average of over 71 and 58 % samples in the country was contaminated with total coliforms and fecal coliforms, respectively. Drinking water contamination accounts for 20 to 40 % of all diseases in the country, which causes national income losses of Rs 25-58 billion annually (US$0.25-0.58 billion, approximately 0.6-1.44 % of the country's GDP). Improper disposal of industrial and municipal wastes is the most important factor responsible for water pollution in the country followed by cross-contamination due to old and leaking pipes and lack of water filtration and disinfection facilities. There is an urgent need for emergency steps to stop further deterioration of water quality and improve the existing water quality so as to protect the public from widespread waterborne diseases.

No abstract

In developing countries like Pakistan, irrigation of crops with industrial and municipal wastewater is a common practice. However, the impact of wastewater irrigation on vegetables growth has rarely been studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of industrial wastewater on the germination and seedling growth of some commonly grown vegetables in Pakistan. Wastewater samples were collected from two different industries (marble industry and match alam factory) at Hayatabad Industrial Estate (HIE) in Peshawar, Pakistan, and their effect on different growth parameters of four vegetables including Hibiscus esculentus, Lactuca sativa, Cucumis sativus, and Cucumis melo was investigated. The obtained results revealed that wastewater from marble industry did not affect seed germination except a minor inhibition in H. esculentus. Effluents from match alam factory stimulated seed germination in C. melo and C. sativus but had no effect on seed germination in the other two vegetables. Wastewater increased root and shoot length in H. esculentus, L. sativa and C. melo, but decreased it in C. sativus. Similarly, differential effects of wastewater were observed on fresh and dry biomass of seedlings in all vegetables. It can be concluded that wastewater may have different effects on different crops, depending upon the nature of wastewater and sensitivity of a plant species to wastewater.

No abstract

Objectives: To assess and compare the maintenance of tocolysis in preterm labor by using vaginal and intramuscular progesterone. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Settings and study duration: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur between 12th March 2019 and 11th September 2019 Materials & Methods: A total of 96 women ranging from 18 and 40 years of age presented with threatened preterm labour, at gestational age between 28 to 36 weeks were included. Out of total, Patients having multiple pregnancy, preterm premature rupture of membrane, medical disorders, IUGR and APH were excluded .All patients were given acute tocolytic therapy with oral nifedipine. Then they were divided in 2 groups. In the Group A, vaginal progesterone (Cyclogest 200mg) was given daily while in group B patients, a single intramuscular injection(IM) of 250 mg of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17 OHP) was given weekly. All patients in both groups were evaluated upto the delivery and efficacy was documented. Results: The mean age was 29.34 ± .4.92 years. The gestational age was from 28 to 36 weeks with mean age of 30.91 ± 1.44 weeks. Efficacy ( no preterm birth) was seen in 42 (87.50%) in group A (vaginal progesterone) and 34 (70.83%) in group B (intramuscular progesterone) with p-value of 0.044. Conclusion: The verdict of the study is that for preventing preterm birth the efficacy of vaginal progesterone is better than intramuscular. Keywords: vaginal progesterone, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, preterm labour, hydroxyprogesterone, tocolytic maintenance.