Browsing by Author "Ali, Z."
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Item Open Access Automotive related exposure to particulate air pollution in developing countries cities(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Ali, Z.; Ahmed, S.Poor urban air quality in developing countriesis a growing public health challenge due to rises in population, industries, urbanization and vehiclesalong with insufficient air quality management. Among the range of air pollutants exposure to particulate matter (PM) is of greatest concern due to its association with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The present study reports traffic related exposure to PM by the roads in Lahore, Pakistan. The measurements of mass and number of PM were carried out by GRIMM analysers (Model 1.108 and Model 1.101) and condensation particle counter (TSI 3781). The heavy metals concentration in PM was determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Unicam atomic absorption, Cambridge, UK). The mean hourly average concentration of PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and PM10 (-) (2.5) at the road siteswas higher during weekdays(305 mu g/m(3), 84 mu g/m(3), 61 mu g/m(3) and 222 mu g/m(3), respectively) in comparison to the weekend (136 mu g/m3, 60 mu g/m3, 40 mu g/m3 and 76 mu g/m(3), respectively). At the background site the levels in the same size fractions were 206 mu g/m(3), 63 mu g/m(3), 31 mu g/m(3), and 143 mu g/m(3), respectively. Likewise, the number concentration of ultrafine particles was considerably higher at road sites (417,003 #/cm(3)) than the background(97,300 #/cm(3)). The concentration of heavy metals in PM decreased in the following order: Si, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb. Overall, the concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and toxic metals (Mn, Cd, Ni) was substantially higher than guidelines by the WHO. Furthermore, relatively higher levels of the fine fraction (PM2.5 and PM1) in the background reflect their higher residence time and resultant increased risk of exposure to the wider public beyond that of the vicinity to automotive sources. Everyday commuters, mostly on two and three wheelers as well asthe residential population in urban areas are at an enhanced risk of exposure to high levels of particulate pollution.Item Open Access Changes in particulate matter concentrations at different altitudinal levels with environmental dynamics(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zona, Z.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nimra, A.; Ahmad, M.; Aziz, K.; Zainab, I.; Quratulain; Ansari, B.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanAmbient air quality is defined not only by the source strength but a variety of meteorological parameters as well. In the current study, ambient concentrations of PM along with temperature and relative humidity levels were monitored at seven different locations of Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) was employed for twenty four hours real time monitoring of particulate matter at the selected sites. A considerable variation was observed in the 24 hour trend of particulate matter (PM) at different locations owing to variation in meteorological conditions due to different altitudes and seasons, and natural and anthropogenic sources in the vicinity. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5 (407 mu g/m(3)) were observed at highest elevation (Makra Peak, Shogran, 3089 m) while lowest averages (102 mu g/m(3)) were obtained at the seaside (Hawks Bay, Karachi, 0 m). On the other hand PMTotal fraction exhibited highest levels at site B (506 mu g/m(3)) and lowest at Site A (121 mu g/m(3)). Correlation factors were determined for PM and meteorological parameters at each location. More research needs to be conducted to have a comprehensive knowledge about the physical parameters controlling particulate dispersal at different altitudes within the country.Item Open Access Comparative ambient and indoor particulate matter analysis of operation theatres of government and private (trust) hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nimra, A.; Ali, Z.; Khan, M. N.; Gulshan, T.; Sidra, S.; Gardezi, J. R.; Tarar, M. R.; Saleem, M.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanThe link between infection and indoor air quality (IAQ) in operating theatres is well established. The level of airborne particulate matter (PM) in operating theatres in Pakistan has not yet been studied comprehensively. Monitoring of both indoor (operating theatre) and outdoor concentrations of PM in both activity and non-activity time periods was done using a DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8520) and DRX Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8533) for 24 hours. Two hospitals in Lahore were selected: Services Hospital (government – site 1) and Shalamar Hospital (private – site 2). The highest concentration of PM was observed in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 1 during working hours with an average concentration of 757(±540), 809(±58), 824(±585), 875(±586) and 970(±581) µg/m³ of PM1 ,PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotalrespectively while the average PM2.5outdoor concentration was 294 µg/m3 . The minimum average PM concentration was found in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 2 during working hours: 18(±8), 19(±8), 20(±9), 26(±9) and 39(±9) µg/m³ for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and PMTotal respectively. The use of vertical laminar air flow ventilation strategy was found to be an effective measure in reducing PM levels and it might be possible to predict the air quality of operating theatres by determining PM dust load. Factors such as ventilation system, door opening /closing rates, building age, possible sources of infiltration, number of people present in the operating area all play a role in influencing PM concentrations in operating theatres.Item Open Access Comparative study of particulate matter in the transport microenvironment (buses) of Pakistan and UK(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Aziz, K.; Ali, Z.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanTransport microenvironments can contain higher levels of particulate matter due to infiltration from the roads, vehicular exhaust and commuter's activities. The present study monitored PM, CO2, CO, temperature and relative humidity levels in diesel-powered buses in Pakistan and United Kingdom. Two routes of almost the same travelling distance were selected in Pakistan and the UK. Indoor air quality of the buses was monitored to determine the exposure faced by the commuters on inter-city journeys. While the observed levels in both countries were not in compliance with the WHO guidelines, levels of particulate matter were much higher in Pakistan than the concentrations in UK.Item Open Access Environmental health and wildlife research with transnational education forebodings, applicability and approach(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Colbeck, Ian; Campos, L. C.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Ali, M.; Riaz, N.Pakistan, the sixth most populous country (91.71 million)in the world, is battling to keep the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. At present the government is mainly focusing on meeting the energy and food needs of the country and environmental protection is lacking serious attention. Pollution (air, water, and soil), sanitation and loss of wildlife and biodiversity are growing environmental health issues in Pakistan. In order to deliver demand led solutions to these multifaceted challenges development of institutional and technical capacities in the countryis prerequisite. Transnational Education (TNE) provides institutional mobility in tertiary education and through British Council facilitated links we were successful in developing a much needed baseline courses work and underway the research for environmental health related issues. The Government of Pakistan will certainly use the data from the research and experts will also be available to concerned departments to tackle emerging environmental problems. Additionally the understanding and concerns of TNE in academic, economic, career and socio-cultural contexts could be imperative challenges. Through TNE it was learned that other nations / regions can be benefitted from such institutes and concerned people for a true flow of knowledge for reciprocated problems. The recommendations include general considerations for policy makers which are linked with environmental health and wildlife. Among the general considerations, or overarching advice, is that policies should promote community-wide action to manage wildlife, biodiversity, environmental health and that the safety of new emissions and exposure with technologies must be assessed rather than estimated.Item Open Access Exposure to NO2 in occupational built environments in urban centre in Lahore(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Andleeb, S.; Ali, Z.; Afzal, F.; Razzaq, A. A.; Mehmood, T.; Noor, N.; Rasheed, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanIncreased economic growth, urbanisation and substantial rise in automobile vehicles has contributed towards the elevated levels of air pollution in major cities in Pakistan. Aone week study was conducted by using passive samplers to assess NO2 concentration in occupational built environments at two most congested and populated sites of Lahore. Both sites were locatedon the busy roads of Lahore. At Site-I the highest concentration was in outdoors followed by corridor and indoor. While at Site II all the sampling location wereindoors and level were comparable to that of outdoor levelsat Site I. The results suggest the likely contribution of ambient sources in exposure to indoor NO2 in educational and other occupational built environments in urban centres.Item Open Access Heavy metal composition of particulate matter in rural and urban residential built environments in Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, I.; Ali, Z.; Ahmed, S.Heavy metals in outdoor and indoor airborne particulate matter (PM) and dust in different residential built environmentsat two rural and one urban site in Pakistan were analysed. An eight stage non-viable impactor (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., USA) loaded with EMP 2000 glass microfiber filter papers (Whatman, England) was used to collect airborne PM.The indoordust samples (settled dust) were collected from different indoor surfaces (floor, cupboards) in living rooms and kitchens from houses at rural sites. The outdoor samples were collected from courtyards of the houses.At the urban site dust samples were also collected by the roads at 27 different locations around Lahoreand at a background site (University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences).Additionally, samples of dung cake, used as solid fuel, at one of the rural sites were taken.Heavy metals (Si, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co and As) were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. At rural site I, in general, the concentrations of metals were higher outdoors than indoors, except for slightly higher indoor levels of Cu (0.85.g/m3 indoor: 0.56 outdoor.g/m3 ), Si (3.31.g/m3 indoor: 3.17 outdoor.g/m3 ) and Pb(11.99 ng/m3 indoor: 9.32 outdoor ng/m3 ). At the rural site II the mean concentration were higher outdoors than indoors, excluding Ni which was considerably higher indoors (55.68 ng/m3 ) than outdoors (31.91 ng/m3 ).At the urban site,outdoors, Si had the highest concentration (3.46 .g/m3 ) followed by Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Co. Similarly, the indoor levels had a maximum contribution from Si (12.30 .g/m3 ) followed by Al, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, As, Pb, Ni and Co.With reference to dust at rural site I the top five metals outdoors were Si (708 mg/kg), Al, Cu, Zn and Pb (52 mg/kg) while, indoors Al was highest (281 mg/kg), followed by Si, Cu, Zn and Pb (57 mg/kg). At rural site II, both outdoors and indoors, Al (274 mg/kg – outdoor: 266 mg/kg - indoor), Si, Zn, Cu and Pb (61 mg/kg – outdoor: 80 mg/kg - indoor) were the five most abundant metals.The main five metals in decreasing order of their concentration in the road dust around Lahore were Si (686 mg/kg), Al, Cu, Zn and Pb (81 mg/kg). On the other hand, the dust samples from the background site showed Si (345 mg/kg) > Al >Pb> Cu > Zn (73 mg/kg). The airborne metal concentration of Pb was within the guideline value of WHO (0.5 .g/m3 ) but the levels of Mn, Cd and Ni were higher at all sites than the guidelines proposed by European Commission and WHO highlighting the risk of exposure to toxic metals in non-occupational environments.Item Open Access Measurement of NO2 indoor and outdoor concentrations in selected public schools of Lahore using passive sampler(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2016-06-30) Mehmood, T.; Ali, Z.; Noor, N.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanHigher levels of NO2 are a danger to human health especially for children. A seven day study was carried to find out the ambient concentrations of NO2in 27 schools of Lahore with the help of passive samplers. In each school three sites were selected, viz: laboratory, corridor and outdoors. After 7 days exposure the tubes were subjected to spectrophotometric analysis. Results showed that the maximum values measured in laboratory, outdoor and corridors were 376µg/m3 , 222µg/m3 and 77µg/m3 . Minimum values for laboratory, outdoor and corridors were 10µg/m3 , 20µg/m3 and 8µg/m3 . Factors affecting these values were laboratory activities and proximity to main roads. These values were significantly higher than the standard values defined by EPA. Therefore children in schools were at risk of developing health complications.Item Open Access Microbial dynamics during various activities in residential areas of Lahore, Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Sidra, S.; Ali, Z.; Sultan, S.; Ahmed, D.; Colbeck, Ian; Nasir, Zaheer A.Bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the atmosphere with their levels affected by a variety of environmental factors as well as type of activities being carried out at any specific time. The present study investigated how indoor activities influence bioaerosol concentrations in five residential houses of Lahore. Agar coated petri plates were exposed face upwards for twenty minutes in kitchens and living rooms during activity and non-activity periods. The temperature and relative humidity levels were noted as well. The bioaerosol concentrations in kitchens during the activity time ranged between 1022 to 4481 cfu/m3 and in living rooms from 1179 to 3183 cfu/m3 . Lower values were observed during non-activity periods. A paired-t test revealed a significant difference in bacterial loads during activity and non-activity times in both micro-environments (p = 0.038 in kitchen and p = 0.021 in living room). The predominant species identified were Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. which are a common constituent of the indoor environment and are known to be opportunistic pathogens as well.Item Open Access Monitoring of particulate matter concentrations at high altitude ecosystems of Pakistan and China(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zainab, I.; Ali, Z.; Ahmad, M. S.; Zona, Z.; Raza, S. T.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Liu, W.Particulate matter exhibits different behavior with altitude. A comparative analysis was carried out to monitor PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotal at elevations above 3000 m in both China and Pakistan. Real time monitoring of PM was carried out at both sites using a DustTrak DRX (model 8533, TSI Inc.) for 24 hours each. In Pakistan, the average value of PMTotal was 415+ 16 µg/m³ while in China the value was considerably lower i.e. 110+ 57 µg/m³. The 24-hour mean values recorded were well above the WHO recommended limit of 25 µg/m³. These results indicate that, even at sites some distance from anthropogenic sources, PM concentrations still pose a health risk.Item Open Access PM2.5 arising from different cooking fuels in rural residential houses(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Amant, H.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, IanA study was conducted in the rural area of Kasur district, Pakistan to monitor PM2.5levels generated by different fuel types. Three rural houses were selected, one burning wood as primary cooking fuel while the other two employed LPG for cooking purposes. Burning of wood caused PM levels to increase 37 times above the WHO recommended limit of 25 µg/m³ while smoking also contributed significantly increasing PM levels up to 48 times than the recommended limit. LPG was observed to increase the levels up to 14 times. It is important to promote the use of cleaner fuels as increased exposure to PM levels generated by biomass fuel burning can have a significant impact upon human health.Item Open Access Prospects for alleviating poverty and protecting the Taunsa barrage wildlife sanctuary, Indus river, Pakistan, through cultural and eco-tourism(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Shelly, S. Y.; Bibi, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Butler, J. R. A.The common assumption about protected areas is that they aggravate poverty amongst local residents by excluding them from livelihood activities such as fishing, agriculture, tourism and logging. It has been increasingly recognized that protected areas should instead contribute to sustaining the resident communities of surrounding areas. Eco-tourism could be an alternative form of income generation and has a substantial potential to boost and develop a relationship between people and nature. At the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary (TBWS), on the Indus River, Pakistan, local communities rely on local ecosystem services for up to 90% of their daily needs. To determine the potential for eco-tourism growth a SWOT analysis (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) was designed based on discussion with stake holders (including community representative, non-governmental and governmental agencies)and personal observation during 2010. It is proposed as an approach for communities to utilize otherwise marginal cultural or ecological assets.Sustainability and involvement are both fundamental for the enduring future of this form of tourism. This study indicates that the prospects of eco-tourism as an instrument for empowerment and poverty alleviation at the TBWS are good.Eco-cultural tourism can offers ways to achieve sustainable resource and to engage with wider society. It could also act as a model for how cultural- and eco-tourism could empower local people in comparable settings in Pakistan.Item Open Access Resilience of local communities to climate change around a ramsar site in Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Shelly, S. A.; Ali, Z.; Bibi, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Butler, J. R. A.The Taunsa Barrage controls water flow in the River Indus for irrigation and flood control purposes. The river ecology is sensitive to climate change due to the high portion of its flow derived glacial melt. To assess the socio-economic status of the rural communities living within the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife sanctuary, a questionnaire was developed based on the perception of local communities about their resilience capacity and climate change. Temperature and rainfall data over the period 1951 – 2010 were analysed and used as an indicator of climate change. 85 of the respondents (n =100) reported that there had been an increase extreme climatic events over the past 60 years. These communities have proved to be resilient (94% n = 100) to it by changing occupations and lifestyles. However at the same time they have increased the pressure on natural resource use and this is causing a serious problem in the management of the protected areaItem Open Access Seasonal variation of particulate matter in the ambient conditions of Khanspur, Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Shahzadi, K.; Sidra, S.; Zona, Z.; Zainab, I.; Aziz, K.; Ahmad, M.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, I.Concentrations of particulate matter tend to vary with shifting seasons. Levels of particulate matter were monitored during the summer and winter season in Khanspur, a high altitude tourist resort in Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) and Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker (Nielsen- Kellerman) were installed at selected site in Khanspur and run for 24 hours. During summer the 24- hour average concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and PMTotalwere 96 ± 26.42, 106± 29.02, 118± 33.3, 163± 52.5 and 209 ± 79.5 µg/m³ while these were considerably lower during the winter season for the same size fractions (62 ± 48.6, 63± 49.3, 63 ± 49.5, 65.33 ± 50.06 and 66.96 ± 50.78µg/m³). A one way ANOVA was applied on the obtained data and it was concluded that seasons have a substantial impact upon PM concentrations. Moreover, this study provides evidence that seasonal variation of particulate matter is influenced by meteorological parameters.Item Open Access Spatial and temporal variations in indoor air quality in Lahore, Pakistan(Springer, 2018-05-21) Colbeck, Ian; Sidra, S.; Ali, Z.; Ahmed, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.Indoor air pollution is a significant economic burden in Pakistan with an annual cost of 1% of gross domestic product. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization 81% of the population use solid fuels with 70,700 deaths annually attributable to its use. Despite this situation, indoor air pollution remains to be recognized as a hazard at policy level in Pakistan and there are no standards set for permissible levels of indoor pollutants. The current study was designed to monitor the indoor air quality in residential houses (n = 30) in Lahore, Pakistan. PM2.5 and bioaerosols were monitored simultaneously in the kitchens and living rooms. Activity diaries were kept during the measurement periods. It was observed that cooking, cleaning and smoking were the principal indoor sources while infiltration from outdoors, particularly in the semi-urban and industrial areas, also made significant contributions. Maximum and minimum air change rate per hour was determined for each microenvironment to observe the influence of ventilation on indoor air quality. Lahore has a low-latitude semi-arid hot climate, and a significant impact of season was observed upon bacterial and fungal levels. It was also observed that the PM2.5 levels rose during the colder months and decreased significantly during the summer season. Low ventilation rates during the winter season as well as meteorological factors resulted in elevated PM levels.Item Open Access State of air quality in and outside of hospital wards in urban centres – a case study in Lahore, Pakistan(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Gulshan, T.; Ali, Z.; Zona, Z.; Ansari, B.; Ahmad, M.; Zainab, M.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, I.Particulate pollution in healthcare facilities is a potential threat to healthcare workers, patients and visitors. A study was carried out to monitor particulate levels in and outside of five wards of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, a tertiary healthcare facility of Lahore. Measurements indicated that the hourly mean concentrations of PM2.5 in a medical, pulmonology (chest), surgical, pediatric and nephrology ward were 78 ± 37, 86 ± 46, 94 ± 48, 169 ± 122 and 488 ± 314 µg m- 3 respectively. The outside levels of PM2.5 of the same wards were 69 ± 27, 81 ± 49, 178 ± 85, 282 ± 164 and 421 ± 240 µg m- 3 . Indoor levels were higher than outdoors in all the wards except surgical and pediatric ward. Such elevated levels of PM can result in aggravation of the poor health status of the patients as well as affecting the hospital staff and visitors.