Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking Purpose in Gulistan-e-Johar Town, Karachi, Pakistan

The main objective of present study is to evaluate the groundwater quality of Gulistan-e-Johar Town for drinking. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n=18) through electrically pumped wells were collected from shallow aquifers (mean depth = 36 m). Collected samples were subjected to determine the physical characters (TDS, pH, temperature), major (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO 4 , HCO 3 , and NO 3 ) and minor ions (Fe, Mn and F). Data reveal very high content of TDS (mean: 2862 mg/L) coupled with elevated concentration of Na (mean: 974.6 mg/L), Cl (mean: 545.3mg/L), SO 4 (mean: 600mg/L), Mn (mean: 0.04 mg/L) and F (mean: 1.7 mg/L). The results indicated that groundwater of Gulistan-e-Johar is not suitable for drinking purpose and may lead to dangerous health impacts. The WQI value of groundwater is found to be 183 which is also endorsing that groundwater of Gulistan-e-Johar is unfit for drinking purpose

Effects of cobalt-60 gamma on microbial elimination and phytochemical constituents in orthosiphon aristatus (Misai Kucing) (Blume) Miq.

Medicinal plants are used for various purposes, however, the presence of microorganisms in them is the main safety risk. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on microbial contaminants and phytochemical constituents of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. The plant was irradiated using doses of 3, 6, 9, and 12 kGy and the microbial contamination was assessed using phenotypic and genotypic analyses. The qualitative screening using chemical tests was performed to identify the presence of important phytochemical constituents including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpenes. Results showed that the total microbial counts in O. aristatus were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) following irradiations at 3- and 6 kGy. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in O. aristatus after irradiation at 6 kGy while the phytochemical constituents were conserved. In conclusion, gamma irradiation has significantly reduced and eliminated microbial contaminants and preserved the phytochemical constituents of O. aristatus. This study highlights the use of a low and specific dose, 6 kGy that is effective to reduce and eliminate microbial contaminants in O. aristatus

Effects of cobalt-60 gamma on microbial elimination and phytochemical constituents in orthosiphon aristatus (misai kucing) blume (miq.)

Medicinal plants are used for various purposes, however, the presence of microorganisms in them is the main safety risk. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on microbial contaminants and phytochemical constituents of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. The plant was irradiated using doses of 3, 6, 9, and 12 kGy and the microbial contamination was assessed using phenotypic and genotypic analyses. The qualitative screening using chemical tests was performed to identify the presence of important phytochemical constituents including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpenes. Results showed that the total microbial counts in O. aristatus were significantly reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) following irradiations at 3- and 6 kGy. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in O. aristatus after irradiation at 6 kGy while the phytochemical constituents were conserved. In conclusion, gamma irradiation has significantly reduced and eliminated microbial contaminants and preserved the phytochemical constituents of O. aristatus. This study highlights the use of a low and specific dose, 6 kGy that is effective to reduce and eliminate microbial contaminants in O. aristatus

Coping with Institutional and Financial Crises in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: Ensuring the Survival of Ottoman Royal Waqfs

The Ottoman Empire had inherited the waqf (charitable foundation) as an institutionalized form of charity from the Near Eastern Islamic states, which had preceded it. Over time, new forms of charitable foundations emerged, while with the expansion of the Empire, waqfs grew in number and spread geographically. Donors created over fifty thousand charitable foundations, making them into the most widespread institution in Ottoman history. Some waqfs, the largest ones in particular, survived for many centuries. However, sometimes continued functioning was under severe threat, due to wars, epidemics, natural disasters, and rebellions. To overcome financial straits, the waqfs resorted to a variety of measures. Occasionally, a royal waqf in difficulty received assistance from other foundations established by sultans and/or their relatives. Administrators reduced current expenditures, sometimes even suspending salaries and charitable services. Moreover, through long-term lease contracts involving substantial down payments by the lessees, waqf administrators often raised the money needed to restore damaged properties. In the present paper, we study Ottoman royal waqfs when exposed to adversities and financial hardships. As administrators reacted with considerable flexibility, the claim that the waqfs were rigid institutions is in obvious need of revision