Shale wettability characteristics via air/brines and air/oil contact angles and influence of controlling factors: A case study of Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan

Wettability is the fundamental parameter that influences the productivity of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The knowledge of this regarding shale formation is yet inadequate; thus, detailed analysis is essential for successful development of such reservoirs. The Early Cretaceous Sembar formations in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, is considered as the key target for energy exploration; however, it exhibits large uncertainties due to the lack of data availability. Sembar shales hold significant hydrocarbon volumes rich in organic content; however, prior to this, no comprehensive research has been conducted to quantify the wetting behavior of these shales. Thus, precise information about the wetting behavior of Sembar shale formations is essential, as it is influenced by many factors. Therefore, in this study, we examined the wettability of Sembar shale samples by performing a suit of contact angle (CA) measurements. The CA measurements on shale samples were performed using different salt types (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and Reef Salt) and concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.5 M under ambient pressures and varying temperatures (25 - 50 °C). The CA was measured via air-brine and air-oil under prevailing pressure and temperature conditions. Subsequently, the sample morphology and surface topography were examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The mineral compositions were obtained via X-ray diffraction studies. The results clearly show that the Sembar shale possesses a mixed wetting behavior. Under dry surfaces, they have large affinity to oil and deionized water in which the droplet spreads quickly on the sample surfaces. Conversely, the samples aged with n-decane and NaCl brines exhibited higher CAs than the untreated samples. Additionally, the CA measured by changing temperatures led to an increase for all brine droplets; the CA further increased as the concentrations of salts increased from 0.1 to 0.5 M. We then discussed the possible reasons for the discrepancy in CA values due to temperature changes and brine concentrations. Moreover, the CA was measured corresponding to the surface roughness from which it appears that it merely affects the wettability of these shale samples. However, the present study results lead to an improved understanding of the wettability of Sembar shale of the Lower Indus Basin in Pakistan

Impacts of COVID-19 on the Life of Eunuch's (Hijras) in Hyderabad, Sindh Province of Pakistan

This study aims to describe the impacts of covid-19 on the life of eunuchs (hijra) in district Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. To investigate the effects of covid-19 on the life of a eunuch, in-depth interviews were performed on the eunuch by birth. They included Guru, usually the leader of that particular group. Three Chelas who are the followers of the sample were collected through the snowball sampling technique qualitatively and were analyzed manually. Based on the interviews, the results revealed that eunuchs were facing a lot of predicament during COVID-19 because eunuchs were dependent on begging, dancing, and involved on the different local meetings, which were totaled due to COVID-19. Conversely, in that situation, the eunuchs were being ignored by the people, and no funding was provided to support them. Though, internationally they need to be given all those rights as the locally met. The study findings are supportive and can potentially guide the intervention plans for enhancing the life of eunuch community people. Since the study concludes that 'Eunuchs' are not enjoying their actual rights as met. Finally, the study recommends that there must be active policies for eunuchs, which should highlight the same enjoyments for eunuchs as completed by the local people

Plastic Waste Recycling, Applications, and Future Prospects for a Sustainable Environment

Plastic waste accumulation has been recognized as one of the most critical challenges of modern societies worldwide. Traditional waste management practices include open burning, landfilling, and incineration, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and economic loss. In contrast, emerging techniques for plastic waste management include microwave-assisted conversion, plasma-assisted conversion, supercritical water conversion, and photo reforming to obtain high-value products. Problems with poorly managed plastic waste are particularly serious in developing countries. This review article examines the emerging strategies and production of various high-value-added products from plastic waste. Additionally, the uses of plastic waste in different sectors, such as construction, fuel production, wastewater treatment, electrode materials, carbonaceous nanomaterials, and other high-value-added products are reviewed. It has been observed that there is a pressing need to utilize plastic waste for a circular economy and recycling for different value-added products. More specifically, there is limited knowledge on emerging plastic waste conversion mechanisms and efficiency. Therefore, this review will help to highlight the negative environmental impacts of plastic waste accumulation and the importance of modern techniques for waste management