CONTENTS

MESSAGE BY DR. SHAIKH TANVEER AHMED, CHIEF EXECUTIVE HANDS..........................I

“APPLICATION AF HYBRID SOLAR COLLECTOR FOR WASTEWATER PURIFICATION

AND DESALINATION BY PHOTOCATALYTIC MATERIAL A LOW-COST TREATMENT”...........1

ARSENIC REMOVAL FROM GROUND WATER USING SOLAR CAPACITIVE

DEIONIZATION ELECTRODIALYSIS MODULE..........................................................................2

REPRESENTATIVE LABORATORY TESTING OF POLYMER-BASED SEEPAGE

REDUCTION................................................................................................................................3

FABRICATION OF ECONOMICAL SMART SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR FOR SMART

IRRIGATION.................................................................................................................................4

DYNAMIC STUDY OF LEAD ADSORPTION USING MODIFIED PAN FIBER IN FIXED

BED COLUMN: A SIMULATION BASED STUDY........................................................................5

EVALUATION OF EXTREME PRECIPITATION OF 2010 OVER KABUL RIVER BASIN

USING A REGIONAL CLIMATE MODEL......................................................................................6

DEVELOPMENT OF IRON EMBEDDED-BIOCHAR (ACACIA NILOTICA) FOR ARSENIC

SORPTION VIA FIXED-BED COLUMN ADSORPTION...............................................................7

REMOVAL OF LEAD FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY PROSOPIS JULIFLORA BIOCHAR...8

ANTIBACTERIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LACTUCA SATIVA

(LETTUCE) LEAVES AGAINST ISOLATED CLARITHROMYCIN-RESISTANT BACTERIA........9

TREATMENT OF FORMALDEHYDE CONTAINING WASTEWATER.......................................10

FLUORIDE LEVEL IN DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND PREVALENCE OF DENTAL

FLUOROSIS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN OF DISTRICT THARPARKAR SINDH.......................... 11

ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF ACACIA NILOTICA BIOCHAR FOR ARSENIC...............12

ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF ACACIA NILOTICA BIOCHAR FOR ARSENIC...............13

DESIGNING A SYSTEM USING ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR REALTIME MONITORING

OF FLOW DEPTH IN CANALS..................................................................................................14

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EUPHORBIA AND LEMON FICUS AS DISINFECTANT

AGAINST SINK MICROBES......................................................................................................15

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA IN HOSPITAL SINK OF

JAMSHORO,PAKISTAN.............................................................................................................16

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

BLENDING EFFECT OF BIOMASS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COAL IN CO-FIRING ON

THE EMISSION OF NOX/SOX..................................................................................................17

ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION ON THE HANDS OF POULTRY

BUTCHERS AND DETERMINATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT OF SALMONELLA.........18

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE SANITARY

PADS AND ASSESSING HYGIENIC STATUS OF WOMEN IN IMPOVERISHED
COMMUNITY OF SINDH...........................................................................................................19

TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER GENERATED FROM THE USPCAS-W CENTER BY

USING MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR SYSTEM..........................................................................20

ASSESSMENT OF LEGIONELLA SPECIE AND ITS ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY IN

DRINKING AND TAP WATER OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS..........................................................21

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE MICROBES EMERGING FROM

HOSPITAL LAUNDRY WASTEWATER......................................................................................22

PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF ORGANIC DYES USING NICKEL/TITANIUM

PHOSPHATE (NI/TIP) NANOCOMPOSITE...............................................................................23

INVESTIGATE THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SYNTHESIED AND

CHARACTERIZED ZINC OXIDE/TITANIUM PHOSPHATE NANOCOMPOSITE .....................24

TREATMENT OF RO MEMBRANES REJECT WATER USING ADSORPTIVE

DISTILLATOR TECHNIQUE......................................................................................................25

ASSESMENT OF CHLORINE-TOLERANT BACTERIA FROM DRINKING WATER

SUPPLY OF LATIFABAD, HYDERABAD ..................................................................................26

REMOVAL OF ATRAZINE HERBICIDE FROM WATER BY TITANIUM NANO-PARTICLES.....27

EVALUATION OF FUNGAL REMOVAL IN BIOFILMS FORMED ON DIFFERENT PIPE

MATERIALS OF DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM...............................................28

RAINFALL FREQUENCY AND TREND ANALYSIS OF RAINFALL IN THARPARKER.............29

DROUGHT TRENDS IN SINDH PROVINCE: A CASE STUDY OF THARPARKER DISTRICT.30

“PROFILING OF CARBAPENEM AND AZITHROMYCINRESISTANT ACINETOBACTER

BAUMANNIIISOLATED FROM JAMSHORO”............................................................................31

EVALUATION OF THE TROPICAL RAINFALL MEASURING MISSION (TRMM) 3B42

VERSION 7 DATASET PERFORMANCE OVER THE UPPER INDUS BASIN..........................33

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR USING ANAEROBIC-

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AEROBIC CONDITIONS COMBINED FOR TREATMENT OF INDIGO DYE EFFLUENT .......34

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PATHOGENS OF BIOFILMS USING DISC DIFFUSION

METHOD....................................................................................................................................35

COMMUNITY ACQUIRED CARBAPENUM RESISTANT IN URBAN LATRINE

WASTEWATER OF HYDERABAD SINDH.................................................................................36

STUDY OF CUMULATIVE BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN ANAEROBIC DIGESTER AT

DIFFERENT RATIOS OF FOOD WASTE AND BUFFALO DUNG ............................................37

PHOTOCATALYTIC REMOVAL OF COD USING BISMUTH OXIDE COATED CLAY FILTER.. 38

PHOTOCATALYTIC DECOLORIZATION USING BISMUTH OXIDE CLAY FILTER..................39

MARINE POLLUTION IN PAKISTAN; A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE (SYED MUHAMMAD

HADI HAMDANI)........................................................................................................................40

TEXTILE WASTEWATER TREATMENT USING MICROALGAE AND BACTERIA IN TWO

STAGE PROCESS.....................................................................................................................41

USE OF BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM AND MICROALGAE FOR THE TREATMENT OF

MEA WW IN A TWO STAGE PROCESS....................................................................................42

SIMULTANEOUS PHOTOCATALYTIC AND MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF

WASTEWATER BY Α-BI2O3 PARTICLES...................................................................................43

MODIFIED PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROBIAL DESALINATION CELL TO ENHANCE

WATER DESALINATION............................................................................................................44

EVALUATION OF EQUITABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION IN THE SECONDARY CANALS

OF JAMRAO WEST BRANCH...................................................................................................45

USE OF SYNTHESIZED CLAY FILTER COATED WITH IRON DOPED TITANIUM

DIOXIDE FOR DYE DECOLORIZATION...................................................................................46

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CMEMS DERIVED WATER LEVELS WITH TIDE

GAUGE DATA ON COAST OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN...............................................................47

QUANTIFICATION OF SEEPAGE LOSSES FROM LINED AND UNLINED

DISTRIBUATRIES USING ACOUSTIC DOPPLER CURRENT PROFILLER (ADCP)...............48

REMOVAL OF ARSENIC FROM WATER USING BISMUTH COATED BIOMASS OF

ALGAE ......................................................................................................................................49

INFLUENCE OF FE(III) AND AL(III) ON STRUVITE PRECIPITATION......................................50

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WASH AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AT HANDS

INTERVENTION VERSUS NON-INTERVENTION AREAS IN 14 DISTRICTS OF PAKISTAN.51

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN WASH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES............52

iv
MESSAGE BY

DR. SHAIKH TANVEER AHMED,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE HANDS
HANDS was founded by Prof. A. G. Billoo (Sitara -e-Imtiaz) in 1979. HANDS has
evolved in 41 years as one of the largest Non-Profit Organizations of the country.
We have an integrated development approach and disaster management
expertise. Currently HANDS working with a network of 35 branches across the
country is empowering a population of more than 30 million settled in 22,000
villages in 57 districts of Pakistan. HANDS strength is 12 Volunteer Board
Members, > 8,000 workforce and thousands of community-based volunteers
of more than 6,600 partner organizations. HANDS is registered under the
Societies Act, certified by Pakistan Center of Philanthropy (PCP) and Tax
exempted by the Income Tax Department Government of Pakistan.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Department of HANDS is committed
to provide safe water and sanitation services to its target population. WASH
department consists of a series of projects, based on the foundation of field
tested best practices and proven capabilities. The innovative models by
HANDS WASH Department are low cost, durable, socially acceptable and
environmentally friendly.
The world is rapidly urbanizing, swelling impoverished urban settlement
populations – exacerbating exclusion and inequality in access to WASH
services for the poorest and most marginalized children and their families.
According to UNICEF, as of 2018 an estimated 4.2 billion people, or 55 per
cent of the global population, were living in urban areas. A third of them were
children, and about 300 million of these children were living in slums – the worst
form of informal settlement. Furthermore, 53,000 Pakistani children under five
die annually from diarrhea due to poor water and sanitation.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to disasters including earthquakes, floods, droughts,
and internal displacement due to conflict, often leaves hundreds of thousands of
affected people in need of emergency water and sanitation support. Sustainable
access to water, sanitation and hygiene in health centers and schools also
remains a challenge especially for girls who lack adequate facilities to manage
their menstruation. The effects of climate change and rapid urbanization also
contribute to challenges of improving access to safe water and sanitation.
The need for an increased focus on urban WASH is driven by this increasing
number of vulnerable children and their families living in poor urban environments
across the world. Deep and profound inequalities within urban areas mean that

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

many children living in slums and other impoverished urban settlements are
being deprived of their right to water and sanitation, with serious implications
on their survival, growth and development.
Realizing the need of the time, HANDS has organized this Water and
Environment Conference with focus on Urban WASH in collaboration with
U.S - Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) of Mehran
University of Engineering and Technology. I want to acknowledge the support of
American People through United States Agency for International development
(USAID-Pakistan) for organizing this conference under Water Governance and
Capacity Building Support Activity.
I am confident that this joint effort of HANDS and USPCAS-W will add value
to the knowledge on the subject and will provide help to the research and
practicing community in resolving WASH related challenges of the country.

vi
 “APPLICATION AF HYBRID SOLAR COLLECTOR FOR WASTEWATER
PURIFICATION AND DESALINATION BY PHOTOCATALYTIC MATERIAL A
LOW-COST TREATMENT”

Waseem Langah*1, Sadam Khichi**2, Khalid Hussain Lakhair3

Department of petroleum and gas engineering, Dawood UET Karachi, Pakistan.
1

2
Department of Metallurgy and materials engineering, Dawood UET Karachi,
Pakistan
3
UNICOL Sugar Industry Mirpuskhas.

ABSTRACT:

Access to safe drinking water is one of the challenges of current era, because
water is essential requirement for human life, unfortunately one-sixth of
the world population lack to have access of safe water drinking. According
to World health organization, more than 1.5 million deaths due to intake of
contaminated water specially the age of five and more. Population growth,
demographic changes, and climate change only to increase the demands for
water throughout the economy. This rapid growth in population reduced the
availability of pure water per person to 900 cubic meters per year by 2050.
Hybrid solar collector by using photo catalytic material an excellent application
for domestic as well as industrial usage. Efficiency raised by 70% in the level
of productivity, many of researchers put their efforts and investigated that
the application has better performance and productivity. Desalination is the
solution to this problem, contaminated water converted into drinking water,
despite using of fossil fuels.
The operational cost of hybrid solar collector is quite intensive especially for the
local people and easy to operate, this study is towards the low-cost treatment
system for desalination and purification of wastewater by utilizing solar energy
to meet the standards of World health organization. This study also intends
towards efficiency, design and feasibility of hybrid solar energy utilized for
drinking water by removal of contaminations.

* First author: Waseem Ahmed, Tel: +92-3342765849, Fax: +02199230710, email: Waseem.ahmed@
duet.edu.pk
** Corresponding author: Sadam Khichi, Tel: +92-3312330547, Fax: +2199230710, email: sadam.khichi@
duet.edu.pk

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

ARSENIC REMOVAL FROM GROUND WATER USING SOLAR

CAPACITIVE DEIONIZATION ELECTRODIALYSIS MODULE

Muhammad Awais Jamali*1, Shaheen Aziz**2, Sohail Ahmed

Soomro3
1
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan
2
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan
3
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Arsenic (As) is among one of the most lethal naturally occurring metallic elements
present in water resources. As in water is serious natural calamity and public
health hazard which originates from both anthropogenic as well as geological
sources. Drinking water contaminated with As is the worldwide problem which
causes severe health hazards to humans. Disposal of untreated wastewater
into large water bodies pollutes the surface and underground water resources
due to leaching of toxic metals, chemicals, and other species. This has further
aggravated the As poisoning in drinking water. As in water causes many waters
borne diseases for human beings such as skin, lungs and cancer type diseases.
It also damages the marine life. Inorganic As is considered a potent human
carcinogen, associated with risk of cancer of skin, lungs, urinary bladder, liver,
and kidney. Pakistan is also facing serious public health adversities due to
As contamination. According to the report of Pakistan Council of Research in
Water Resources (PCRWR) and United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund
(UNICEF) Sindh and Punjab are two major provinces of Pakistan affected by
As contamination. Still there is no proper treatment plant for the removal of
As contamination from drinking water resources in interior Sindh areas. As
reported the As concentration in underground water is higher than the WHO
limits. This study comprises fabrication of Solar Capacitive Deionization
Electrodialysis Module and Its applicability for removal of As contamination
from underground drinking water resources. This study helps in developing
appropriate technology that could be cheap, simple to use and easily adaptable
for domestic purposes
Keywords: Arsenic; Electrodialysis Cell; Capacitive Deionization,
Electrodialysis

* First author: Muhammad Awais Jamali, Tel: +92-303-2554135, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Prof Dr Shaheen Aziz, Tel: +92-333-2621612,email:shaheen.sheikh@faculty.
muet.edu.pk
2
 REPRESENTATIVE LABORATORY TESTING OF POLYMER-BASED
SEEPAGE REDUCTION

Fizah Saeed*1, Muhammad Munir Babar1, Joseph Scalia2, Timothy K. Gates2

1
US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran-UET, Jamshoro, Sindh,
Pakistan
2
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, U.S.A

ABSTRACT:

Water scarcity is a global issue that needs to be managed by taking preventive

measures in all water sectors. The agriculture sector uses a tremendous
amount of freshwater, and the canal irrigation network loses a significant
amount of water due to seepage. In this article, the outcomes of a laboratory-
based research study are presented. The study uses Infinity flume to
evaluate the effect of synthetic and biodegradable polymers on the hydraulic
conductivity of silty sand and loam soils. The Infinity flume is a new technique
representing the canal’s floc-formation and pore-clogging better than the
column method. Mass flow rates are measured from the infinity flume and then
converted into the soil’s saturated hydraulic conductivity by using Darcy’s law.
The constant head method is used in this study. The study showed that the
Linear Anionic Polyacrylamide (LA-PAM) reduced 15-29% and 18-44% the
hydraulic conductivity of the silty sand and loam soils, respectively. Whereas
the maximum reduction after application of Carboxymethyl Cellulose is noted
to be 23% in loam soil.

Keywords: Hydraulic conductivity; Infinity flume; Linear Anionic Polyacrylamide,

Carboxymethyl Cellulose

* First author/ Corresponding author:: Fizah Saeed, Tel: +923323917031, email: [email protected]

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

FABRICATION OF ECONOMICAL SMART SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR

FOR SMART IRRIGATION.

Mahtab Ahmed*1, Waqas Ahmed**2, Abdul Latif Qureshi3

1
MS student, USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,
Jamshoro, 76062, Pakistan
2
Assistant Professor, USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,
Jamshoro, 76062, Pakistan
3
Professor, USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,
Janshoro, 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Adaptation to smart irrigation provides great opportunity to increase water

productivity and crop yields. This evolution of smart irrigation in the Indus
Basin will help in catering the future stresses, which will be induced by climate
change and increasing competitive water use. It is essential to fabricate locally
produce a low cost sensor system, which can be adapted at a large scale. In
this research, we fabricated a low-cost potable soil moisture sensor coupled
with a decision algorithm, and validated it for the local conditions. Sensor
framework showed the efficiency of the capacitive soil moisture sensor with
range of 0 to 35% wright bases moisture content, high data accuracy with
MAPE (Mean Absolute Presents Error) less than 1%, and greater than 90% of
data integrity. The sensor system’s calibration equation for all soil types came
to be - moisture in percentage = 1045.7e-0.014*capacitance) with 99% co-relation with
the gravimetric method. The weight bases moisture content can converted to
volumetric moisture by incorporation dry density of soil. The decision support
system based on the fuzzy logic algorithm optimized the overall sensor system
with the objective of minimizing the water supplied to the system. In this study,
algorithm is tested for a prototype. Large-scale implementation with maximum
sensor nodes; the proposed algorithm will help to quantify the water demand
for irrigated agriculture in Pakistan. Implementation of this system at large
scale will help to reduce the water use at the farm, increase the efficiency of
irrigation system, and will help to save water for other uses.
Keywords: Smart irrigation, Moisture sensor, Soil moisture, Automatic irrigation
and Water saving

* First author: Mahtab Ahmed, Tel: +92-334-0154498, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Mr. Waqas Ahmed, Tel: +92-303-3998170, email: wapathan.uspcasw@faculty.
muet.edu.pk
4
DYNAMIC STUDY OF LEAD ADSORPTION USING MODIFIED PAN FIBER
IN FIXED BED COLUMN: A SIMULATION BASED STUDY

Saman Zaidi*1, Khadija Qureshi**2, Imran Nazir Unar3†

1
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan
2
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan
3
Department Of Chemical Engineering, Mehran UET, Jamshoro 76060, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Water is the basic and primary need for every human being on this planet
the rapid growth in the human population, industrialization, civilization leads
polluting the precious gift of nature “water” there are various impurities in water
but metal ions in water become a critical problem worldwide Lead Pb (II) is
the most hazardous heavy metals ion, posing serious and lethal threat to
human beings and whole eco-system The main idea to conduct this research
is the Expulsion of lead from the lead contaminated water with the help of
the Modified PAN fiber which is most effective and efficient adsorbent also
simplest way to eliminate the lead this work is carried out on the adsorption
technique and PAN fiber was chemically modified with the DETA and then
loaded with the phosphorous solution which shows better adsorption efficiency
the characterization of M-PAN fiber was performed through the FTIR which
showed the presence and cross- linkages of the functional group on the fiber
surface and SEM,EDX which illustrated the morphological characteristics,
topology and the composition of various substances. AAS Atomic Absorption
spectroscopy used to analyze the percentage of lead in the samples. Adsorption
study was carried out on the effects of various experimental parameters which
includes bed depth, flow rate, adsorbent dosage, and contact time the optimum
result of lead adsorption found. The PAN showed a lead adsorption capacity
which was determined from the Langmuir fitting isotherm. These are some
optimum conditions on which we achieve the maximum removal efficiency of
lead. This research has directed that modified polyacrylonitrile (M-PAN) fiber
can effectively remove lead.
Keywords: Modified Polyacrylonitrile fiber, Toxic metals, Lead Removal,
Wastewater, Adsorption Kinetics Isotherms.

* First author: Syeda Saman Zehra Zaidi, Tel: +92-333-7191930, email: syedasamanzehrazaidi@yahoo.
com
** Corresponding author: Prof Dr Khadija Qureshi Tel:+92-306-3009900,email:khadija.qureshi@faculty.
muet.edu.pk
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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

EVALUATION OF EXTREME PRECIPITATION OF 2010 OVER KABUL

RIVER BASIN USING A REGIONAL CLIMATE MODEL

Fehmida Rafi*1, Ghulam Hussain Dars**1, Kamran Ansari1

1
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan,

ABSTRACT:

Extreme weather events can cause severe social and economic damages.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Model version 3.8.1 was applied from
1st May to 16th September 2010 with initial and boundary conditions derived
from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data, which has 38-
km horizontal resolution. The model was set up by using two-nested domains
with increasing resolution moving inward from 6-km to the 2-km grid spacing.
The model derived precipitation was compared with TRMM 3B42 and stations
data collected from Pakistan Meteorological Department and Water and Power
Development Authority by using bias, percentage bias, root mean square error,
and Pearson correlation. The results revealed that the simulated precipitation
was improved slightly from d01 to d02. However, the model showed mixed
results with overestimation at some stations and underestimations at others.
Hence, it was concluded that the WRF model could be used to forecast heavy
precipitation in complex terrains.

Keywords: Kabul River Basin; WRF Model; Indus Basin; Climate Change.

* First author: Fehmida Rafi, Tel: +92-347-5370850, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Ghulam Hussain Dars, Tel: +92-333-2806506, email: ghdars.uspcasw@faculty.
muet.edu.pk

6
 DEVELOPMENT OF IRON EMBEDDED-BIOCHAR (ACACIA NILOTICA)
FOR ARSENIC SORPTION VIA FIXED-BED COLUMN ADSORPTION

Altaf Hussain1, Uzma Imran1, Aadil Muneer1, Abdul Manan1

1
Environmental Engineering and MUET, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Arsenic is poisonous, and researchers are continuously making efforts to develop

efficient biochar that could effectively treat arsenic-contaminated water. Iron embedded
biochar has shown adequate sorption ability to arsenic water. In this study, an Acacia
nilotica-biochar (B55O) was prepared through pyrolysis at 500o then impregnated with
ferric nitrate to fabricate modified biochar (FB550). To check their characteristics,
SEM, EDS and FTIR determined their physiochemical properties. They authenticated
that biochar had negatively charged surfaces, multi porous texture, and substantial
functional groups. Then, an adsorption study was conducted using a fixed-bed column
at different conditions. Experiments resulted well on synthetic water at a flow rate
(3 ml/min), bed height (15 cm) because of the maximum removal rate and uptake
capacity (µg/g). The maximal sorption capacity in the real water study was 274 µg/g.
FB550 treated groundwater effectively and could be a sustainable solution treatment
of arsenic-contaminated water.

Keywords: Biochar, characterization, fixed-bed column adsorption, arsenic

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

REMOVAL OF LEAD FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY PROSOPIS

JULIFLORA BIOCHAR

Syed Najaf Ali Shah*1, Dr. Naveed Ahmed 1, Dr. Syeda Sara
Hassan**1
1
USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Because of the industrialization and anthropogenic activities, heavy metals

discharge into the environment is increasing. Lead is one of the toxic heavy
metal which can bio-accumulate and cause various health problems. Batch
adsorption study was carried out for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous
solution by Prosopis Juliflora biochar. The results obtained showed that initially
adsorption was fast and equilibrium time was found to be 6 hours. Maximum
adsorption occurred at pH 5. As the initial Pb(II) ions concentration increased,
adsorption capacity increased but the removal efficiency decreased. An
increase in dosage of adsorbent increased removal but the adsorption
uptake decreased. Maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 2.5 mg/g.
Adsorption kinetics of Pb(II) ions on biochar followed pseudo second order and
the adsorption behavior best fitted the Langmuir adsorption model. Based on
this study, it can be proposed that Prosopis Juliflora biochar can be used for
Pb(II) ions removal in water treatment.

Keywords: Biochar, Heavy Metals, Adsoprtion, Isotherm.

* First author: Syed Najaf Ali Shah, Tel: +92-315-3356351, email: [email protected]
** Corresponding author: Dr. Syeda Sara Hassan, email: [email protected]

8
 ANTIBACTERIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LACTUCA
SATIVA (LETTUCE) LEAVES AGAINST ISOLATED CLARITHROMYCIN-
RESISTANT BACTERIA

Noor-Un-Nisa*1, Ayesha Tajammul**1

1
Department of WaSH Sciences, U.S Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in
Water,

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, 76060, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

Currently, the highlighted and serious problem regarding public health is to

be considered antibiotic resistance. It has become more contagious due to
different transmission routes, including spread through contact or droplets or
airborne. The most important determinant of the entry mode is the chemical
structure of the drug molecule. However, antimicrobials based on plants have
immense potential than available drugs in clinics to combat these superbugs
without any known side effects. This study aimed to investigate those natural
products that were active in our research against Clarithromycin-resistant
bacteria. Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) showed the best activity against gram-
negative bacteria as compared to gram-positive bacteria. Different behaviors
of isolated bacteria were observed at different optical densities using UV-visible
spectrophotometry at 600nm; best activity was observed at 1 ml/50ml. Different
phytochemicals were identified. However, further research on the quantitative
analysis of isolated phytochemicals to discovering novel antibiotics and their
speedy and plant-based control is mandatory.

Keywords: Lactuca sativa; lettuce; clarithromycin-resistance; natural products;

phytochemicals.

* First author: Noor-Un-Nisa, Tel: +92-333-2736585, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Dr. Ayesha Tajammul, email: [email protected]

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

TREATMENT OF FORMALDEHYDE CONTAINING WASTEWATER

Tamt ul Nisa Soomro*1, Uzma Imran**1, Waheed Ali Khokhar1

1
Environmental Engineering Department, U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies
in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76062,
Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Many industries utilize chemical substances such as formaldehyde for different

purposes these industries discharge wastewater containing formaldehyde
directly into water bodies without any proper treatment, which is very hazardous
to the environment. The purpose of this study is to focus on treatment techniques
for formaldehyde-containing wastewater. Different techniques are reviewed in
this paper like MABR, RPBR, and advanced oxidation processes. The removal
efficiencies of formaldehyde 90-99%, TOC 80-90%, and COD 80-95% were
achieved through these treatment methods, but these techniques had time
taking and energy consumption issues. So, this study suggests treating this
type of wastewater through the electrocoagulation technique due to its easy
handling, less energy consumption, and less time taking.

Keywords: urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, wastewater,

treatment

* First author: Tamt ul Nisa Soomro, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Uzma Imran, email: [email protected]

10
 FLUORIDE LEVEL IN DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND PREVALENCE
OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN OF DISTRICT
THARPARKAR SINDH

Muhammad Aamir*1, Erum Arain**2, Muhammad Kamran3

1
Water Sanitation & Health Sciences, MUET, Jamshoro, Pakistan
2
Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
3
Environmental Engineering, MUET, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

The high concentration of fluoride that is found naturally in groundwater has

caused widespread fluorosis in many developing and developed states,
including Pakistan, which is facing a problem of acute dental fluorosis, serious
teeth diseases inside school children in the Tharparkar district. Fluorosis
affects especially children who are more vulnerable to fluoride than adults. A
total of 900 students were examined, 589 (65%) of children had normal
teeth, 186 (21%) questionable, 62 (7%) very mild, 33 (4%) mild, 18 (4%)
moderate, and 13 (1%) severe changes were examined. The lower and higher
fluoride content and was found to be 0.45-2.70 mg/L in the drinking water of
that’s schools. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and risk assessment of dental
fluorosis hazard index (HI) showed that well water condition is in an alarming
situation. Often analyzed that the fluoride level in the drinking water samples of
reverse osmosis plants has an acceptable limit. Most well water sources in the
Tharpakar district are highly polluted by the concentration of fluorine F ions, so
they are not suitable for drinking.

Keywords: Dental Fluorosis; Estimated Daily Intake; Hazard Index; Fluoride

level;

* First author: Muhammad Aamir, Tel: +92-346-3603192, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Erum Jabbar, Tel: +92-340-2627173, email: [email protected]

11
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF ACACIA NILOTICA BIOCHAR FOR

ARSENIC

Aadil Muneer1, Uzma Imran1, Altaf Hussain1

1
United States-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Arsenic, a known toxic element, is a global issue. It has affected millions of people
worldwide by causing diseases, including internal cancers, neurological and
vascular effects. Various treatment methods are devised for the sequestration
of arsenic, which has many drawbacks. Among treatment methods, adsorption
offers a more reliable option. In this study, a new environmentally friendly and low-
cost biochar was prepared from Acacia nilotica. The biochar was characterized
by various techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to test
the biochar’s performance. Parameters for batch adsorptions were pH (2-12),
adsorbate concentration (10-10,000µg/L), adsorbent concentration (1000-
15,000mg/L), and contact time (5-1440mins). The data follows the Freundlich
isotherm model suggesting multilayer adsorption over a heterogeneous surface.
While kinetic data follows the pseudo-second order, suggesting chemisorption.
The adsorption capacity was 179.19µg/mg(90.76%). It was concluded that the
optimum removal at pH 7 reduces the issue of pH adjustment and cost.
the issue of pH adjustment and cost.

Keywords: Arsenic, Adsorption, As[III], Removal

12
 ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF ACACIA NILOTICA BIOCHAR FOR
ARSENIC

Aadil Muneer1, Uzma Imran1, Altaf Hussain1

1
United States-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Arsenic, a known toxic element, is a global issue. It has affected millions of people
worldwide by causing diseases, including internal cancers, neurological and
vascular effects. Various treatment methods are devised for the sequestration
of arsenic, which has many drawbacks. Among treatment methods, adsorption
offers a more reliable option. In this study, a new environmentally friendly and low-
cost biochar was prepared from Acacia nilotica. The biochar was characterized
by various techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to test
the biochar’s performance. Parameters for batch adsorptions were pH (2-12),
adsorbate concentration (10-10,000µg/L), adsorbent concentration (1000-
15,000mg/L), and contact time (5-1440mins). The data follows the Freundlich
isotherm model suggesting multilayer adsorption over a heterogeneous surface.
While kinetic data follows the pseudo-second order, suggesting chemisorption.
The adsorption capacity was 179.19µg/mg(90.76%). It was concluded that the
optimum removal at pH 7 reduces the issue of pH adjustment and cost.
the issue of pH adjustment and cost.

Keywords: Arsenic, Adsorption, As[III], Removal

13
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

DESIGNING A SYSTEM USING ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR REALTIME

MONITORING OF FLOW DEPTH IN CANALS

Hasnain Gul*1 and Dr. Babar M. Munir1

1
Postgraduate student, USPCAS-W, MUET Jamshoro
1
Professor, USPCAS-W, MUET Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

In a gravity-fed Canal Irrigation System (CIS) or any natural stream, flow

measurement is vital for regulating flows and assessing the hydrological
system. Traditionally, flows are assessed by observing the flow depths
(D) through gauges and correlating them with calibration curves explicitly
developed for that particular canal or stream at a particular cross-section.
Thus, knowledge of flow depth is vital for assessing the flow rates (Q). In fact,
efficient Irrigation Water Management (IWM) begins with measuring the -Q
and -D. However, monitoring (measuring and recording) this vital variable (D)
manually is intermittent, error-prone, and laborious; it often yields poor and
undesirable outcomes. Measurement of flow depth by an electronic device will
improve the efficiency of canal irrigation system, bring transparency, and help
the irrigation managers in decision making. In this article, a study is presented
for developing a system based on an electronic device that measures flow
depth continuously and stores it to assess flow rate. The study brings forth a
unit of Ultrasonic Sensing System (USS), capable of Monitoring real-time data
on flow depth. The system comprises of a measuring unit containing Ultrasonic
Sensor as its principal component and a user-interface over a freemium
cloud, ThingSpeak, which serves as a Dashboard and Database. The study
puts forward a blueprint, presenting a comprehensive design, implementation
procedure, and performance evaluation of Ultrasonic Sensing (US) System.
The system was implemented and analyzed in the lab and field to evaluate its
efficacy and reliability. The performance of the device is evaluated statistically
with the coefficient of determination, R² > 0.98.
Keywords: Flowrate, Flow depth, Ultrasonic Sensing System, Canal
irrigation system, and real-time data.

* First author: Hasnain Gul, Cell No. 03332623358, Email: [email protected]

14
 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EUPHORBIA AND LEMON FICUS AS
DISINFECTANT AGAINST SINK MICROBES

Bakhtawar Pirzada*1, Ayesha Tajammul**1 , Zubair Ahmed1

1
Department of WaSH, U.S Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water,
Mehran University of Engendering and technology, 76060, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

Herbal disinfectant is the cheapest source to clean the surface and is a noel idea.
This study was conducted to develop herbal disinfectant and to investigate the
comparative study of Euphorbia Milii and Lemon Ficus disinfectant against sink
microbes through disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration.
The plant extracts were extracted with tannic acid using an aqueous solvent.
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from the kitchen
sink’s surface, and disinfectant activity was evaluated. The results showed
that the Euphorbia disinfectant contained a zone of inhibition of a maximum
of 14 mm for Escherichia coli and 20 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, while for
Lemon Ficus, it contained 16.6 mm for each of the bacteria. Minimum Inhibitory
Concentration was recorded with optical density using UV spectrophotometer
at 600nm. The MIC was performed with and without Tannic Acid, which showed
inhibition of bacterial growth. Both results were compared to check which is
more effective against microbes.

Keywords: Disinfectant, Euphorbia, Minimum Inhibition Concentration,

Spectrophotometer.

* First author Bakhtawar Khair M. Pirzada , Tel: 03362648896, email:[email protected]

** Corresponding author: Dr. Ayesha Tajammul, [email protected] 15
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA IN HOSPITAL

SINK OF JAMSHORO,PAKISTAN

Noman Ali1, Dr. Jamil Ahmed1

1
U.S-Pakistan Center for advanced studies in Water (U.S-PCAS-W) Mehran
University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Antibiotics are characterized as one of the life saving drug group to treat the
bacterial infections. Because of the increasing issues of resistance, antibiotic
resistance has been percieved as a major health threat to humans. Our
study determines the presence of the antibiotic resistant bacteria in the sink
traps of the hospitals of the district Jamshoro, Pakistan. The study has two
parts, the first part comprises of assessment of WASH facilities through the
questionnaire survey which comprises of the three major sections: 1) Water, 2)
Sanitation, 3) Hand hygiene. In second part we collected sink samples from the
same health facilities for antibiotic resistance. The results found that 84.62%
of the isolated for the gram negative bacterial growth, display resistance to
all tested antibiotics (Ertapenem, Cefixime, Aztreonam, and Ciprofloxin). The
water, sanitation, hygiene and healthcare waste management in the surveyed
hospitals were below the standards set by the world health organization WHO.
Also the WASH conditions were found unsatisfactory with reference to WHO
minimum standard set-up for healthcare facilities.

Keywords: Hospital Sinks, Antibiotic resistance, Hygiene, Healthcare

16
 BLENDING EFFECT OF BIOMASS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COAL IN CO-
FIRING ON THE EMISSION OF NOX/SOX

Mohammad Siddique*1, Suhail Ahmed Soomro1, Shaheen Aziz1, Faheem Akhter2,

Mansoor Ahmed2, Saadat Ullah Khan Suri3
1
Department of Chemical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering &
Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan ([email protected])
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering,
Science and Technology, Nawabshah, Pakistan
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering &
Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan
3
Department of Chemical Engineering, Baluchistan University of Information
Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

During the combustion of fossil fuel, emissions of NOx and SOx had many
environmental problems like acid rain, corrosion effect due to the content
of Sulphur in coal, etc. Concerning this, studies have been carried out to
explore the ability of biomass to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxide(NOx) and
Sulphur oxide(Sox). The existing study focuses on the impact of combustion
using coal and biomass combined. To study the combustion activity of coal-
biomass blends and their emissions, different ratios of coal and biomass have
been used. In different ratios, such as 80/10, 70/20 and 60/30, and 50/40,
four different biomass were mixed with coal. During the co-combustion of
coal at a ratio of LC80 percent + BTW 20 percent, the minimum emissions
were observed and maximum emissions were sorted at 100 percent LC. For
beneficial results about NOx and SOx emissions from the co-combustion
process, it will be easy to decide on the use of biomass with coal. Finally, the
researchers concluded that utilization of biomass with Lignite coal may take
remedial action regarding environmental damage. Less energy will be utilized
through biomass combustion than coal to decrease the emission of pollution.
Keywords: Renewable energy, Co-Combustion, Lignite coal, NOx emission,
SOx emission

* First author, Mohammad Siddique, Email: [email protected]

17
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION ON THE HANDS

OF POULTRY BUTCHERS AND DETERMINATION OF ANTIBIOTIC
RESISTANT OF SALMONELLA

Sadaf Tagar*1, Naveed Ahmed**1

1
U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Meat handled with satisfactory hygiene standards is one of the major

requirement to protect the consumers’ health. The present study was conducted
in Hyderabad and Jamshoro districts of Sindh to investigate the hand washing
practices of poultry butchers. Also the microbial analyses of butchers’ hands
were carried out by using some standard microbiology tests. Total 38 samples
were collected from hands of the butchers by using sterilized cotton swab.
Three hygiene indicator bacteria were focused, i.e. Salmonella, Shigella and
E. coli. Bacterial colonies were identified on the basis of their morphology.
Salmonella isolates were confirmed by Triple-sugar-Iron agar test and Urease
test. Moreover keeping in mind the recent outbreak of extremely drug resistant
XDR Typhi the antibiotics resistance of Salmonella is also determine. The
results revealed that out of 39 samples 37 and 38 samples were positive for
salmonella and Shigella. And prevalence of E. coli was found 100%.

Keywords: Hands, Hygiene, Butchers and Meat

* First author: Sadaf Tagar, Tel: +92-3052907571, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding Author: Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Ph: +92-22-2771226 Ext. 127

18
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE
SANITARY PADS AND ASSESSING HYGIENIC STATUS OF WOMEN IN
IMPOVERISHED COMMUNITY OF SINDH

Noor ul ain Talpur1, Dr Jamil Ahmed2

Water, Sanitation and health Sciences, USPCAS-W, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) is considered as forbidden topic

to discuss especially in rural areas. Female commonly use traditional methods
such as cloths, cotton etc. during menstruation as they are lacking proper
knowledge with regards to MHM and on top of it they don’t have capacity to
buy sanitary products. The present study was conducted to assess the MHM
and to further determine the availability eco-friendliness of sanitary products
among rural women. The structured validated survey questionnaire was
used to acquire information from 20 Households with regards to MHM. The
availability of sanitary products was determined using walk through survey of
the catchment market near the rural area. The sanitary products were processed
in the USPCASW water quality lab for biodegradability. The biodegradability of
sanitary pads was checked by wet soil burial test. The survey results showed
that 90% women regard menstruation as physiological change and 30% had
correct knowledge regarding menstrual organ. 55% respondents were well
informed prior to menarche while only 40% females received knowledge from
family whereas others got knowledge from teachers, peers and media. Around
dozen of sanitary products were found in the nearest city of the study area
(village). The biodegradation results showed that the reusable sanitary pads
were biodegraded more than disposable sanitary pads. However, due to the
humidity and weather change the biodegradation process gets slow down. It
is concluded that there is dire need to run awareness programs and sessions
with regards to menstrual hygiene practices on one hand and provide them
with the easy affordable access to sanitary products.

Keywords: Menstruation, Hygiene, Biodegradation, Sanitary Pads

19
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER GENERATED FROM THE USPCAS-W

CENTER BY USING MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR SYSTEM

Faiza Bhutto*1, Zubair Ahmed**1

1
U.P-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted on domestic wastewater of research institute,

where various chemicals or biological materials were utilized, that represent
the main generators of waste constituents of ecological concerns. However, in
this paper domestic wastewater treatment is considered with the application of
aerobic membrane bioreactor (AMBR), the AMBR system received its influent
from sewage wastewater which produced an effluent of much-better-quality
in terms of total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD5),
Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and pH.
This Study resulted that in the case of AMBR treatment in terms of domestic
wastewater leads to exceptional water quality. Consequently, The AMBR
system proved to be an innovative approach for the enhanced removal of solids
and micropollutants. Moreover, in terms of reuse, the high-quality processed
water enables it to be recycled for irrigation.

Keywords: Domestic wastewater, membrane bioreactor, wastewater treatment

* First author: Faiza, Tel: +92-348-9838523, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Zubair Ahmed, email: [email protected]@email.com

20
 ASSESSMENT OF LEGIONELLA SPECIE AND ITS ANTIBIOTIC
SENSITIVITY IN DRINKING AND TAP WATER OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Murk Gadehi and Naveed Ahmed Gadehi

U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

The world of research is finding new ways to assess different pathogenic

bacteria and their solution in the same way this research found specific
microbial contamination in drinking and tap water of primary schools known
as Legionella pneumonia, these are coccoid or rod shaped, intracellular
pathogens, gram negative(Collins, Espersen et al. 1983) and motile. Legionella
Spp. In this findings drinking water and tap wate quality was assessed from
the primary schools of Hyderabad district in Sindh Pakistan. This research
was conducted between September to December of 2020 year, this findings
belong to a specific microbial contamination in water of primary schools called
Legionella pneumonia which is important human pathogenic bacterium that
occupies air sacs of lungs and cause infection (Wikipedia). It is considerably
found in contaminated air and natural contaminated water as well as domestic
hot water supply. In this finding we found Legionella pneumonia in our water
samples from all primary schools of Hyderabad.

Keywords: Legionella spp., Legionnaires disease, Primary schools, low

immunity.

21
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE MICROBES EMERGING

FROM HOSPITAL LAUNDRY WASTEWATER

Sanjay Meghwar*1, Tanveer Ahmed1, Jamil Ahmed1

1
U.S-Pakistan Center for advanced studies in Water (U.S-PCAS-W) Mehran
University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Emerging multiple antibiotic resistant microbes is worldwide issue. This study

was performed to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria emerging from the hospital
laundry waste. The samples were collected from LUMHS hospital laundry of
Jamshoro district. Spread plating and streaking method were used for bacterial
identification and isolation by using selective media susceptibility of antibiotics
was measured by standard disc diffusion method.
The results were recorded the presence of E.coli (9.25×104 CFU/ml),
Enterococcus (3.31×104 CFU/ml), and pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.62×104
CFU/ml), were respectively. Finally we have tested commonly used antibiotics
such as, ciprofloxaxin (CIP), azithromycin (AZM), and cefixime (CFM). All
isolated bacteria are highly resistant except pseudomonas aeruginosa that
is sensitive to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin only. While laundry is harboring
resistance microbes, however, these are increasing day by day, the appropriate
steps should be taken to inhibit these pathogens and prevent environment and
public health.
Key words: Hospital laundry wastewater, antibiotic resistance, identification

* Presenting author: Sanjay Meghwar: Gandhi. Email: [email protected], Ph.: +92341-3222517

22
PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF ORGANIC DYES USING NICKEL/
TITANIUM PHOSPHATE (NI/TIP) NANOCOMPOSITE

Waseem Saleem*1, Noor Ahmed Nahyoon**2, Dr.Syeda Sara Hassan1, Dr.Rasool

Bux Mahar1, Tufail Junejo1, Arsalan Shaikh1
1
Environment Engineering Department USPCAS-W MUET Jamshoro, Sindh,
Pakistan
2
Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School
of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian,
116024, China

ABSTRACT:

The novel nano composite of Nickel/Titanium Phosphate (Ni-TiP) with different

Ni contents was prepared by impregnation method. The physical properties
of the Ni-doped TiP photocatalysts were studied by several techniques such
as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis
spectroscopy. Synthesized catalyst was used for photocatalytic degradation
of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light. The prepared catalysts were named
as NiTiP-1, NiTiP-2, NiTiP-3, NiTiP-4, and NiTiP-5. Among these catalysts,
NiTiP-4 can degrade up to 80 % RhB (10 mg/l) in 120 minutes at pH-7 by
applying 50 W halogen lamp. Ni-TiP-4 can degrade up to 84% RhB (30 mg/l)
in 120 minutes at pH-7 by applying 50 W halogen lamp. The Ni-doped TiP
samples revealed higher photocatalytic performance than the pure TiP sample
under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic mechanism has also been
presented. The prepared catalyst has good recycling efficiency which is up to
4 recycles.

Keywords: Ni doped TiP, Visible light Photocatalyst, Degradation of Rhodamine

B (RhB)

* First author: Waseem Saleem, Tel: +92-3403249349, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Noor Ahmed Nahyoon, Tel: +92-3344216360, Email:
[email protected]

23
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

INVESTIGATE THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SYNTHESIED

AND CHARACTERIZED ZINC OXIDE/TITANIUM PHOSPHATE
NANOCOMPOSITE

Tufail Ahmed Junejo*1, Syed Sara Hassan**1, Zubair Ahmed1, Noor Ahmed
Nahyoon2, Waseem Saleem1, Faraz Khan Mahar3

1
Environment engineering department, U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies
in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET)
Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School
of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian,
116024, China
National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing
3

Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, 22060, People’s Republic of

China

ABSTRACT:

In this study Zinc oxide (ZnO)/Titanium Phosphate (TiP) nanocomposite

were synthesized through a simple precipitation method. Characterization of
synthesized of Zinc oxide (ZnO)/Titanium Phosphate (TiP) optical properties,
structural and functional groups of the synthesized nanocomposites have
been characterized by using UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray
Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-red (FT-IR). Thus, analyzed
samples were subject to well diffusion agar method at various concentrations
were analyzed for antimicrobial activities against Gram negative E. coli.
Antimicrobial activity were observed by different concentrations (1-35) mg/
mL. Comparison of zone of inhibition of E. coli done on different concentration
of nanocomposite. Best antimicrobial activity of zone inhibition (20 mm)
done on optimized concentration of 30mg/mL from this study it is concluded
that this novel nanocomposite is effective for antimicrobial applications. The
synthesized green ZnO/TiP Nanocomposites was able to effectively use for E.
coli antimicrobial applications.
Keywords: Zinc oxide (ZnO), Titanium phosphate (TiP), Nanocomposites,
Antimicrobial

* First author: Tufail Ahmed Junejo, Tel: +92-300-3412132, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Syed Sara Hassan, email: [email protected]

24
 TREATMENT OF RO MEMBRANES REJECT WATER USING
ADSORPTIVE DISTILLATOR TECHNIQUE

Sajad Ali Balal*1, Dr. Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi**1, Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar1
1
U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Reverse osmosis membrane rejects water is a major environmental problem,

and most conventional remediation approaches do not provide acceptable
solutions. Distillation treatment typically removes most of the dissolved
materials. Membrane rejected wastewater from Al-Rahim Textile Industry (ATI)
was collected, and the Adsorptive distillation (AD) technique was applied in
the present study. First and Foremost, laboratory scales distillator was utilized
and TDS removal was tested at three temperatures 105, 110, and 120°C
using 2g/l of mixed adsorbing media. Subsequently, maximum TDS removal
condition was analyzed at varied dosages of adsorbing media. The optimum
results were obtained at 110°C using 10g/l. so, further study was performed on
industrial scale using optimized condition. Boiler waste heat was provided to
AD as an energy source. The distillate was analyzed and observed that quality
of distillate with TDS ranging up to 118 mg/L and energy consumption was
analyzed to treat different volumes of brackish water.

Keywords: Distillation, Membrane Reject water treatment, Textile

industry wastewater, TDS removal

* First author: Sajad Ali Balal, Tel: +923333851631, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Dr. Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi, Tel: +92333-2738613, email: tanveer.polito@gmail.
com

25
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

ASSESMENT OF CHLORINE-TOLERANT BACTERIA FROM DRINKING

WATER SUPPLY OF LATIFABAD, HYDERABAD

Erum Iqbal*1, Ayesha Tajammul1, Zubair Ahmed1

1
U.S Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engendering and technology, 76060, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms which

are transmitted through drinking water system due to the poor sanitation
practice. These diseases can be prohibited with proper water treatment.
Chlorination generally is used as a disinfecting agent for drinking waters
over the centuries. Chlorine disinfectant is the main process to treat
drinking water to get rid of bacterial contamination and viruses. In
Hyderabad city, the water supply system is a major source of drinking
water distribution after chlorination. The aim of this study was to detect
the chlorine tolerant bacteria from the water supply system of Latifabad.
Chlorine was used in chlorine dioxide at a concentration of 200, 100,
50, 25, and 12.5 ppm. 7 bacterial strains of chlorine tolerant bacteria
were identified. The isolated strains were Staphylococcus aureus,
E.coli. EC (E.coli), PM (Proteus mirabilis), ST (Salmonella typhimurium),SA
(Staphylococcus aureus),
SE (Staphylococcus epidermidis), SS (Shigella dysenteriae/ flexner),
VC (Vibrio cholera), . In conclusion, Latifabad drinking water system
was showed the presence of chlorine tolerant bacteria. This study
recommends that there is a need to change the decontamination
methods for drinking water supply to improve the water quality for the
community.
Keywords: Chlorine tolerant bacteria, Chlorine dioxide, Staphylococcus
aureus, E.coli, Chlorination

* First author/ Corresponding author: Erum Iqbal, Email: [email protected]

26
 REMOVAL OF ATRAZINE HERBICIDE FROM WATER BY TITANIUM
NANO-PARTICLES

Danish Ahmed khokhar*1, Syed Sara Hassan**1, Muhammad Rizwan1

1
US Pakistan center of advance study in water, Mehran University of Engineering and
Technology, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

In the present work, the nano-structural TiO2 was synthesized by sol-gel

procedure. Due to strong oxidizing power and high photo-stability TiO2
is extensively used for this purpose. Pakistan as an agricultural country,
it is one of the largest consumers of atrazine herbicide to overcome the
unwanted weeds and roots. Atrazine as a main ingredient for agriculture, it
also has some negative environmental impacts. In this research atrazine is
first detected and then degraded by photocatalysis. photocatalytic reactor is
used for this degradation purpose. In this research, TiO2 nanoparticles were
prepared from TiO2 micro size powder by sol-gel technique. Obtained particles
were characterized by SEM, UV, XRD, FTIR. Results shows that the TiO2 as a
catalysis gives efficient and fast degradation.

Keywords: Atrazine; Photocatalysis; Titanium Nanoparticles; Degradation

* First author: Danish Ahmed khokhar, Tel: 03435327457, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Syeda Sara Hassan, Tel:03423432459, Email: sshassan.uspcasw@faculty.
muet.edu.pk

27
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

EVALUATION OF FUNGAL REMOVAL IN BIOFILMS FORMED ON

DIFFERENT PIPE MATERIALS OF DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM

Arsalan Shaikh*1 Junaid Ahmed Kori2, Rasool Bux Mahar**1

1
US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro-76062, Pakistan.
2
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University
of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Drinking water is contaminated by various microorganisms’ causes’

biofilm formation in the drinking water distribution system. Biofilms release
microorganism including pathogens again into distribution system, thus
contaminated water causes several health issues for the human life. A reactor,
containing PPR, UPVC, GI pipe materials, in the real distribution system
was operated for 6 months for biofilm formation, followed by disinfection of
the biofilms by 1.5 mg/l hypochlorite disinfectant in order to check if this dose
removes biofilms from used real distribution system pipe materials. Biofilm
were scrapped after 5, 10, 15, 20 hours of post disinfection. Moreover, basic
water quality parameters were assessed including temperature, pH, turbidity,
DO, EC, TDS, free chlorine, salinity, and heavy metals. DNA extraction was
carried from bulk water and biofilms using CTAB method. Bacterial viability
test was carried by using fluorescence microscope. Water quality parameters
were within the range such as temperature (13-31.5C), dissolved oxygen
(7.2-8.9 mg/l), turbidity (2.50-7.86 NTU), TDS (355-786 mg/l), pH (7.1-8.26).
In conclusion, biofilm removal was observed with 1.5 mg/l of hypochlorite
disinfectant with at least 20 hours disinfectant contact time.

Keywords: Contamination, Disinfection, Biofilm, bacterial viability, drinking

water distribution system.

* First author: Arsalan Shaikh, Email: [email protected],

** Corresponding author: Rasool Bux Mahar, [email protected]

28
 RAINFALL FREQUENCY AND TREND ANALYSIS OF RAINFALL IN
THARPARKER

Samina*1, Ghulam Hussain Dars**2, Kamran Ansari3

Integrated Water Resources Management Department, U.S.-Pakistan Center
for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,
Jamshoro, Sindh 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Climate change has caused extreme weather events in Sindh province, over
the past 20 to 30 years. The frequency and severity of natural disasters such as
floods and droughts have increased manifold. The study was conducted across
the Tharparker to assess the rainfall trend to examine the rainfall trend and
rainfall frequency analysis of rainfall stations datasets were used for the trend
analyses. The study analyses the rainfall trend in the last 43 years dividing it into
two periods from 1979-2000 and 2001-2014. The method was applied by using
the daily rainfall and monthly rainfall data. To statistically analyze variations in
the daily data set the Pearson III distributions were used. The results of the
study have challenged the central concepts about rainfall trends in Tharparkar.
However, many differences in the rainfall trends results compared to the return
period are apparent. The results indicate that continuous fluctuations in rainfall
and drought occurred at Tharparker.

Keywords: Rainfall frequency, Climate change, Tharparker, HEC-SSP

* First author: Samina, Tel: +923323171045, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Gulam Hussain Dars, Tel: +923332806506, Email: ghdars.uspcasw@faculty.
muet.edu.p

29
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

DROUGHT TRENDS IN SINDH PROVINCE: A CASE STUDY OF

THARPARKER DISTRICT

Muhammad Ali Khan*1, Ghulam Hussain Dars**1, Kamran Ansar1

1
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Drought is one of the severe threats and can be devastating to the arid regions
of the Tharparkar region. Tharparker is an arid and drought-prone region. The
focus of this study is to determine the drought characteristics (drought duration,
severity, and intensity) over the Tharparker region by using the Standardized
Precipitation Index(SPI) at 3-month timescale series. We interpolated the
GPCC data at the Mithi station. The GPCC data is freely available at 0.5
degrees resolution for 126 years (1891-1916). The results showed that the
extreme drought events occurred in 1899, 1912, 1918, 1939, 1947, 1969,
1970, 1974, 1992, 2000, and 2003. The findings of this study can be helpful for
water managers in future to control the negative effect of climate change in the
Tharparker region.

Keywords: Tharparker; precipitation; SPI; GPCC; drought characteristics;

* First author: Muhammad Ali khan, Tel: +92-334-2952116, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: [email protected] (G.H.D.); kansari.uspcasw@faculty.
muet.edu.pk (K.A.)

30
 “PROFILING OF CARBAPENEM AND AZITHROMYCINRESISTANT
ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNIIISOLATED FROM JAMSHORO”

Komal Soomro*1, Ayesha Tajammul**1

1
Department of WaSH,U.S Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran
University of Engendering and technology, 76060, Jamshoro

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter.baumanii have the ability to cause a wide range of diseases like

pneumonia, peritonitis, urinary tract infections, etc. It resist different antibiotics,
which is an alarming situation for human health. This study focus on detecting
antibioticc-resistant A.baumanii from the waste water of Jamshoro, total 40
samples were collected, and bacteria were allowed to grow on selective agar
media and observed for the zone of inhibition for carbapenem and azithromycin.
The results showed that A.baumanni resisted 100% against carbapenem and
93% against the azithromycin. The obtained results revealed the dangerous
situation to propagate antibiotic resistance. It is concluded that excessive use
of carbapenem and azithromycin is rapidly showing antibiotic-resistant. It is
highly recommended that the inappropriate use of both antibiotic should be
avoided; otherwise, it can cause a great disaster to human health.
Keywords: Acinetobacter.baumanii,antibiotic-resistant,carbapenem,
azithromycin.

* First author: Name: Komal soomro, email: first-komalsmr@y ahoomail.com

** Corresponding author: Ayesha Tajammul, email: [email protected]

31
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

ANAEROBIC CO-DIGESTION OF TEXTILE SLUDGE WITH BUFFALO DUNG

FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIO-GAS USING SAMPTS (SEMI AUTOMATED
METHANE POTENTIAL TEST SYSTEM)
Hamza Hussain , Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar1, Dr Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi1 and Afsana
1

Shaheen1
1
US-Pakistan Center for Advance Studies in Water, MUET,
Jamshoro,Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Pakistan is one of the largest exporters of textile products. textile sector

discharge hazardous heavy metals like lead chromium and nickel directly
dumped into the sea without treatment affects eco life and open dumping affects
humans. To mitigate this problem and make into useful waste. anaerobic
digestion is one of the useful methods to use this waste and convert into
bio methane. Anaerobic digestion is multi stage process that comprises of
Hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis steps. Different
ratios were run on BMP (bio methane potential), from textile sludge that is
mixed with buffalo dung 1:0, 4:1, 3:2/, 2:3, 1:4/, 0:1. The ratio of blank sludge
has 45.7 ml/ g VS, 4:1 has 49.2 ml/g VS, 3:2 has 58.7 ml/g VS, 2:3 has 25.4
ml/g VS, 1:4 has 82.5 ml/g VS and blank dung has 76.6 NM/L. The optimum
ratio of textile sludge and cow dung that has maximum methane yield is 3:2.

Keywords: Anaerobic- digestion, Bio-methane-generation, Textile sludge, cow

dung.

32
 EVALUATION OF THE TROPICAL RAINFALL MEASURING MISSION
(TRMM) 3B42 VERSION 7 DATASET PERFORMANCE OVER THE UPPER
INDUS BASIN

Nayyab Agha*1, Ghulam Hussain Dars1, Dr. Kamran Ansari1

1
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

The unavailability of the continuous precipitation data (temporally and

spatially) due to severe climatic conditions is a major concern over the complex
topographic regions, particularly the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). To reduce this
gap, various satellite-based products are available to collect climate data
with better coverage. Out of all these products, this study aims to compare
the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 Version 7 gridded
precipitation dataset with the gauge station data to assess its performance
over the Upper Indus Basin. The study further selects twenty-one stations from
the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Pakistan Water and Power
Development Authority (WAPDA) over fifteen years. The results indicate that
TRMM underestimates precipitation over the UIB at most of the stations. It
further highlights that certain improvements in the TRMM dataset may lead to
more reliable results for future studies.
Keywords: Upper Indus Basin; TRMM; precipitation; climate data

* First author/ Corresponding author: Nayyab Agha, +92-333-7109452, [email protected]

33
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR USING

ANAEROBIC-AEROBIC CONDITIONS COMBINED FOR TREATMENT OF
INDIGO DYE EFFLUENT

Aqsa Channa*1, Zubair Ahmed**1

1
Environmental Engineering USPCAS-W (MUET), Jamshoro, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Indigo dye-containing wastewater should be managed with viably

utilizing eco-accommodating advances to forestall unfriendly effects on
the climate and natural water assets. An Innovative Anaerobic-Aerobic
Membrane Bioreactor (AnAMBR) has been designed to treat Indigo
dye effluent on a pilot lab scale. It was consisting of two sequential
bioreactors (a 6.5L anaerobic reactor and a 5.5L aerobic reactor). A
flat sheet membrane was used and immersed in the aerobic reactor.
The reactor was inoculated with sludge taken from Artistic Denim Mills,
Karachi. The treatment limit of the reactor was 18L/d. Different AnAMBR
operating parameters like mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and mixed
liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) concentration were maintained
at (3500-4000) mg/l and (3000-3500) mg/l, individually. Performance
evaluation of the reactor was observed in the terms of COD (mg/l).
The pH of the reactor was kept between 7.5 to 8.5. Additionally, more than
90% COD (mg/l) removal efficiency has been investigated. AnAMBR has
brought about unrivaled execution and It has been demonstrated to be
pertinent for treating textile industrial wastewaters.

Keywords: AnAMBR, Indigo Dye Effluent, Anaerobic-Aerobic Reactor, COD

Removal

* First author: Aqsa Channa, Tel: +923352461295, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Zubair Ahmed, Tel: +923343833220, email: [email protected].
edu.pk

34
 ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PATHOGENS OF BIOFILMS USING DISC
DIFFUSION METHOD

Sanam Bhatti*1, Junaid Ahmed Kori2, Rasool Bux Mahar**1

1
US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro-76062, Pakistan
2
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University
of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Increase of Antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) specifically well-known

bacterial pathogens an ever-increasing global public health threat. To determine
antibiotic resistance in bacteria present in the biofilm samples 4an Annular
Reactors setups designed and operated and biofilms were disinfected with 0.5,
1.0, 1.5, 2.0mg/l chlorine doses respectively Biofilm samples were collected
from annular reactors and were analyzed for AMR using Standardized Kirby
Bauer Disc Diffusion test to determine the Antibiotic sensitivity testing of
Pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas, Vibrio Cholera, Salmonella, and
Shigella. Listed pathogens were isolated from biofilms through membrane
filtration method on selective media. Antibiotics including Bacitracin (B 10
µg), (Rifampicin (RD µg5), ciprofloxacin (CIP 5µg), Imipenem (IPM µg10),
Azithromycin (AZM 15 µg), Amoxcillin, cefixime (CFM 5 µg), Metronidazole
(MTZ µg5), Streptomycin (S µg10). and Ampicillin (AMP10 µg) were tested
against above mentioned pathogens. Zones were measured by vernier caliper.
The results showed that Pseudomonas, Vibrio Cholera, Salmonella, and
Shigella were highly resistant against Rifampicin, Metronidazole (MTZ 5 µg),
Bacitracin (B 10 µg), and Amoxcillin (AML 5µg).. However, Azithromycin (AZM
15 µg) and streptomycin (S µg10) were most effective drug of choice to treat
these pathogens.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Multi drug resistance; Biofilms, Annular

Reactor, Resistant bacteria

* First author: Sanam Bhatti, Tel: +92-308-3038885, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Prof. Dr Rasool Bux Mahar, Tel: +92-334-2610651, Email: dd.uspcasw@admin.
muet.edu.pk

35
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

COMMUNITY ACQUIRED CARBAPENUM RESISTANT IN URBAN

LATRINE WASTEWATER OF HYDERABAD SINDH

Maheen Shaikh1, Jamil Ahmed Soomro1.

1
U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Jamshoro, Sindh Pakistan,
76062, [email protected]

ABSTRACT:

Carbapenum resistant enterobacteriaceae are increasing in the community

setting and people are now at a very higher risk as most of the diseases will
not be cured effectively. Morbidity and mortality rate is increasing globally, due
to irrational use of antibiotic medicines. Community acquired carbapenum
resistant enterobacteriaceae are increasing in the underdeveloped countries
like Pakistan. Human faecal excreta is the main reservoir of antimicrobial
resistant genes and through this transmission of resistant bacteria becomes
prevalent in the community.
In this study we had taken samples from community toilet waste water and
their microbial analysis was done in the microbiological lab by means of the
standard disk diffusion method .The zones of inhibition of antimicrobial testing
shows that 50-59% samples of meropenum with Ecoli are intermediate and
28% are found to be resistant. With KEC results shows a higher prevalence of
up to 31%.Government should take immediate action and make such policies
to reduce the prevalent antimicrobials like carenum in the community.

Keywords: Carbapenum, enterobacteriaceae, waste water

36
 STUDY OF CUMULATIVE BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN ANAEROBIC
DIGESTER AT DIFFERENT RATIOS OF FOOD WASTE AND BUFFALO
DUNG

Afsana Shaheen*1, Rasool Bux Mahar1, and Hamza Hussain1

1
US-Pakistan Center for Advance Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) Mehran UET,
Jamshoro, 76020, Sindh, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to find the cumulative biogas production at different ratios
of food waste and buffalo dung anaerobically co-digested. There were six
reactors; with different ratios of food waste to buffalo dung, which were: 1:0,
4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4, and 0:1. Bio methane potential reactors used in the study had
a volume of 400 mL and were filled with water to substrate ratio of 1:1. Inoculum
used for all the ratios except the blank samples was: 15%. A temperature of
37⁰C±5 was maintained throughout the experiment. The electric motors of all
the stirrers were given 120 rpm. The mixture was anaerobically digested for
40 days and the volume of biogas was found daily for each ratio. The ratio, at
which the highest and lowest cumulative volume of biogas produced were: 2:3
and 1:0 respectively and the cumulative volume of gas produced was 414 ml
and 222 ml respectively.

Key words: Anaerobic digestion, Bio methane potential, Inoculum, rotation

per minute

* First Author: Afsana Shaheen, Tel: +923448564693 Email: [email protected]

37
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

PHOTOCATALYTIC REMOVAL OF COD USING BISMUTH OXIDE

COATED CLAY FILTER

Abdul Manan Memon*1, Anira Latif Qureshi1, Tanveer A. Gadhi1, Najeebulah

Channa1 and Rasool Bux Mahar1
1
U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCASW), Mehran UET
Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are among the most suitable water
and wastewater treatment technologies to remove organic matter. AOPs need
further to be explored in treating organic pollutants present in wastewater. In
the current study, the surface of an indigenously made clay filter was coated
with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) thin films via the dip-coating method. The clay
filter was shaped through a standard 3D printed mold. The X-Ray Diffraction
analysis revealed the immobilization of tetragonal-β-Bi2O3 on the clay surface.
The photocatalytic properties of the Bi2O3 coated were investigated with COD
removal under the visible LED light. The obtained results highlight a significant
potential of the advanced photocatalytic process in treating organic pollutants
i.e. using photocatalyst coated clay filters. The graphical abstract of the study
is shown in Fig.1.

Keywords: Pollutant degradation, clay filter, bismuth oxide, photocatalyst,

visible light

* First auther/Corresponding author: Abdul Manan Memon, Tel: +92-333-2652542, Email:

[email protected]

38
 PHOTOCATALYTIC DECOLORIZATION USING BISMUTH OXIDE CLAY
FILTER

Anira Latif Qureshi*1, Abdul Manan Memon**1, Tanveer A. Gadhi1, Mehran Khan1
and Rasool Bux Mahar1
1
U.S. Pakistan center for Advanced studies in water (USPCASW), Mehran UET
Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

A Clay filter was made through 3D structured mold and coated with bismuth
nitrate precursor solution through a sol-gel technique to obtain bismuth oxide
thin film. Solar-assisted photodegradation of bismuth oxide clay filter was
investigated using Indigo carmine dye. The photocatalytic properties of the
Bismuth oxide clay filter were tested under both LED lamp and sunlight. The
photocatalytic response and Indigo carmine degradation were studied using
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer and Total Organic Carbon Analyzer at different time
intervals. Bismuth oxide clay filter was found to degrade 95% Indigo carmine
dye in 90 minutes under solar radiation. Whereas the Indigo carmine dye was
only 65% degraded in 180 minutes under LED lamp through the bismuth oxide
clay filter. Bismuth oxide-coated clay filter is found to have high efficiency under
sunlight. The graphical abstract of the study is shown in Fig.1.

Keywords: Bismuth oxide; 3D structured clay filter; solar radiation; visible light

* First author: Anira Latif Qureshi, Tel: +92 332 2605405, Email: [email protected]
** Corresponding author: Abdul Manan Memon, Tel: +92 333 2652542, Email: memonamanan@gmail.
com

39
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

MARINE POLLUTION IN PAKISTAN; A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE (SYED

MUHAMMAD HADI HAMDANI)*

ABSTRACT:

This paper discusses the presence of marine pollution in light of applicable laws.
The concept of conservation of marine ecosystem and maritime environment
is enshrined in many international laws which carry binding force on states.
Moreover, Pakistani legal framework also provides mechanism for protection
of its waters; however, these provisions lack practicality and these laws are
not implemented in its strict sense. Non-obedience of these compulsory rules
and regulations leads to a flawed policy which increases substantial threats
for marine ecosystem and causes irreparable loss to natural spectrum of
waters. The existence of human life is dependent on the abundance of water.
Flux of technology development that has paved its ways in the last century
has also brought a significant and tangible threat to sea life. Aqua culture is
over exploited by the mankind which negatively affects the species living in
oceans. Legal regime which deals with the conservation of seas and waters is
a complex interplay between different stakeholders on a multiple level.
This paper describes the legal perspective of conservation of land waters,
coasts and seas and its protection from pollutants.
Keywords:
Maritime Law, Pollution, Conservation, Ecosystem and Legislation

* Author is a law graduate from International Islamic University, Islama-

bad and is pursuing LLM (International & Maritime Law) from Bahria Univer-
sity, Islamabad.

40
 TEXTILE WASTEWATER TREATMENT USING MICROALGAE AND
BACTERIA IN TWO STAGE PROCESS
1
Nayab Raza, 2Muhammad Rizwan, 3Ghulam Mujtaba
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran
1,2

University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan

3
Dawood University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, 021, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT

Unchecked disposal of textile wastewater (TWW) into water bodies is causing

eutrophication. With the eutrophication phenomenon, microalgae which is eco-
friendly (specie) that is already present in our aquatic system and consume
nutrients naturally available and treat the wastewater as absorbent. Textile
wastewater is a cheap source for the cultivation of microalgae and bacteria,
as it contains essential nutrients (inorganic and organic) and different types of
dyes and color (carbon source). Phyco-remediation along with biodegradation
is the type of bio-remediation that not only treats the wastewater but also
produces valuable products and clean water. In this systematic methodology
of textile wastewater treatment, using a two-stage process, 0.1 g/l inoculums
of bacteria added into the reactor, after that 0.5 g/l microalgae biomass also
added in pre-treated with bacteria. As a result, the removal efficacy of color
removal in a two-stage process is 23.23% with bacteria and in Pre-treated
with bacteria removes 44.36 %. Moreover, with 1.6 g/l % DCW and 12.87 mg/l
chlorophyll are obtained in two weeks of the experiment. Hence, results shows
that microalgae and bacteria are promising and cost-effective microorganisms
to the treatment of textile wastewater without production of any sludge and
preserve the aquatic environment too.

Keywords: Chlorophyll, Color, Textile wastewater, Two-stage process

41
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

USE OF BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM AND MICROALGAE FOR THE

TREATMENT OF MEA WW IN A TWO STAGE PROCESS

Muhammad Tehseen*1, Muhammad Rizwan**1, Naveed Ahmed1

1
U.S. Pakistan center for advanced studies in water, Mehran university of
engineering and technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76062, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is generally used for carbon capturing through

absorption process. The wastewater coming from the process plant contain
this amine solution, to protect the environment, treatment of this wastewater
is needed. In this study, aerobic fed batch reactor was used to biodegrade
the MEA wastewater through bacterial consortium in the 1st stage while in the
2nd stage the biodegraded nutrient rich wastewater was utilized for microalgal
growth. The maximum COD removal achieved in 1st stage was 95% after 9
days, meanwhile NH3 and NO3 removal was 56%and 39% respectively. In
the 2nd stage, the NO3 and NH3 removal was increased up to 71% and 70%
respectively.

Keywords: Monoethanolamine, COD, microalgae, bacterial consortium

* First author: Muhammad Tehseen, Tel: +92-315-6913517, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Muhammad Rizwan, Tel:+92-333-8892332, Email: drmrizwan.uspcasw@
faculty.muet.edu.pk

42
 SIMULTANEOUS PHOTOCATALYTIC AND MICROBIAL DEGRADATION
OF WASTEWATER BY Α-BI2O3 PARTICLES

Seher Haleema*1, Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi1

1
U.S. Pakistan center for Advanced studies in water (USPCASW), Mehran UET
Jamshoro 76062, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of an efficient visible light
active photocatalyst, i.e., α-Bi2O3 powder for the simultaneous photocatalytic
degradation Indigo Carmine dye and two selected pathogens E. coli and
Staphylococcus aureus. The α-Bi2O3 powder was synthesized by a simple by
a solid-state reaction–annealing route at 550 °C and characterized with Xray
Diffraction technique to determine the crystal structure which confirmed the
synthesis of α-Bi2O3 particles. From UV-Vis analysis, the band gap was found
2.8 eV which proves it as visible light active photocatalyst. For the degradation
Indigo Carmine took 90min in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and
120min in presence of E. coli. Fluorescence Spectroscopy also confirms the
bactericidal effect of synthetic particles.

Keywords: Photocatalytic degradation, Indigo Carmine, E. coli, Staphylococcus

Aureus

* First & Corresponding author: Seher Haleema, Tel: +92 3360802113, Email: [email protected]

43
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

MODIFIED PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROBIAL DESALINATION CELL TO

ENHANCE WATER DESALINATION

Ali Husnain Keerio*1, Muhammad Rizwan**1

1
US. Pakistan Centre of Advance Studies in Water, MUET, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Desalination is becoming common for converting saline water into potable

water. Converting salt water of oceans into freshwater is a solution to overcome
the need for freshwater. Some of the most common desalination technologies
are reverse osmosis (RO), electro-dialysis and distillation. These methods
are expensive and consume high electrical energy. To overcome these issues
bio-desalination techniques were introduced. One of the method is Microbial
Desalination Cell (MDC). But there is some constraint to MDC like, at anode
and cathode chamber, expensive and toxic chemicals are used as catholyte
which are not environmentally sustainable. In this research, Photosynthetic
MDC (PMDC) was used. Microalgae with sodium bicarbonate as an inorganic
carbon source was used at cathode and an activated sludge as an inoculum
and dead microalgae as an nutrient was used. The effect of salt removal
was observed. The maximum salt removal efficiency was achieved by this
photosynthetic MDC of 59 and 43% at dead microalgae biomass and live
microalgae with sodium bicarbonate respectively.

Keywords: Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC), Bio-Desalination, Photosynthetic

MDC (PMDC), Bio-Desalination Technique.

* First author: Ali Husnain Keerio, Tel: +92-332-3833316, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Dr. Muhammad Rizwan, Tel: +92-333-8892332, email: drmrizwan.uspcasw@
faculty.muet.edu.pk

44
 EVALUATION OF EQUITABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION IN THE
SECONDARY CANALS OF JAMRAO WEST BRANCH

Tarique Aziz*1, Abdul Latif Qureshi2, Jamaluddin Mangan3, and Mehtab Ahmed4

ABSTRACT:

Improper management of water cause inequity problems of water distribution

in the agriculturally based countries. Assessment of irrigation performance
is a key factor in water delivery services, which provide way to improve its
measurement and the monitoring will improve its management. The lack of
a decision support system and manual record decreases transparency and
increases provincial, regional, and farm-level disputes. Agriculture in Sindh,
where groundwater is saline, only depends on surface water coming from the
Indus river. In 1997, a Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) system was
established by the Pakistan Government in the four provinces. The Farmers
Organization (FO) has been established in Nara Canal Area Water Board
(NCAWB). The increase in efficiency is possible with proper management and
monitoring of water distribution by the FOs and NCAWB at the local level.
Monitoring of water level and discharge plays a vital role in distributing water
equitable among the water users. This study aims to measure the discharge,
develop the rating curves, and calibration of the water-depth measuring sensors
at head of the four off-taking distributaries/ minors of Jamrao West Branch
of NCAWB. The performance evaluation was carried out using performance
indicators; Delivery Performance Ratio (DPR) and Tail-end Supply Ratio (TSR).
The gauge data for 2020 were taken from Irrigation Department for Sangro
distributary, Daulatpur, Mir, and Gorchani minors. Based on the collected and
observed data, performance of the system was made. The results showed
that the Sangro distry and Mir minor comes under poor (DPR < 0.7), however
the Daulatpur and Gorchani minors has fair performance (DPR is 0.7-0.9).
Regarding water availability at the tail end, the TSR for Sangro, Daulatpur, Mir,
and Gorchani comes 0.31, 0.41, 0.93, & 0.98, respectively. These values have
represented that FOs of Sangro and Daulatpur minor have poor performance,
whereas those of Mir and Gorchani minors provides good performance of
water distribution up to their tail-end growers.
Keywords: Performance Evaluation; Wireless sensors; Delivery Performance
Ratio (DPR); Tail-end Supply Ratio (TSR).
* Corresponding author: Tarique Aziz, Tel: +92-310-3445150, Email: [email protected]

45
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

USE OF SYNTHESIZED CLAY FILTER COATED WITH IRON DOPED

TITANIUM DIOXIDE FOR DYE DECOLORIZATION

Imtiaz A. Bhurt*1, Abdul Manan Memon**1, Anira Latif1, and Tanveer A. Gadhi1
Department of Environmental Engineering, U.S Pakistan Center for Advanced
1

Studies in Water, MehranUET Jamshoro

ABSTRACT

Clay filter was synthesized. Iron-dopped titanium dioxide (Fe-TiO2) particles

were produced and immobilized on surface of clay filter as uniform thin film.
The photocatalytic properties of the Fe-TiO2 film coated on the clay media were
investigated under sunlight.Decolorization of Indigo Carmine (IC) dye of 5ppm
was analyzed at 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes respectively using Fe-TiO2coated
clay filter under sunlight.The results were compared with that of bare filters to
justify the photocatalytic activity of coated filter.The obtained results highlight
a significant potential of the advanced photocatalytic process in decolorizing
organic dyei.e. using photocatalyst coated clay filters. The graphical abstract
of the study is shown in Fig.1.

Keywords: Iron dopped titanium; clay filter; coating; dye decolorization

* First author: Imtiaz A. Bhurt, Tel: +92-305-3985942, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Abdul Manan Memon, Tel: +92-333-2652542, Email: memonamanan@gmail.
com

46
 A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CMEMS DERIVED WATER LEVELS
WITH TIDE GAUGE DATA ON COAST OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Talal Naseer*1, Arjumand Zaidi1, Stefano Vignudelli2

1
Department of Integrated Water Resources Management, U.S. Pakistan Center
for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,
Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa Italy

ABSTRACT:

This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the Satellite Radar
Altimetry (SRA) derived water level heights and tide gauge on the coast of
Karachi, Pakistan. The tide gauge data at the Karachi coast were acquired
from the University of Hawaii Sea Level Center (UHSLC). Alternatively,
altimetry-derived Sea Surface Heights (SSH) near the coast of Karachi, were
acquired from Copernicus - Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS)
database. The CMEMS altimetry datasets were plotted against the tide gauge
data for the period Feb - 2007 to Aug - 2019 and were analyzed visually and
statistically. The two datasets showed a notable correlation with the R2 value
of 0.81. The Root- Mean Square Error (RMSE) values produced were 2.9 cm.
The linear trend of Sea Level Rise (SLR) for the period Jan - 1993 to Oct - 2019
was computed and yielded a value of 3.6 mm/year along the coast of Karachi.
By the linear extrapolation of this data, it is speculated that a 133.4 mm gradual
rise of sea level will be observed in the next 25 to 30 years around the coast
of Karachi. The results of this study demonstrate the reliability of altimetry
products to be considered as a tool when developing coastal management
plans for the Karachi coast.
Keywords: Satellite Radar Altimetry; Sea Level Rise; Tide gauge; Sea Surface
Heights

* First author: Talal Naseer, Tel: +92-333-7805375, Email: [email protected]

47
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

QUANTIFICATION OF SEEPAGE LOSSES FROM LINED AND UNLINED

DISTRIBUATRIES USING ACOUSTIC DOPPLER CURRENT PROFILLER
(ADCP)

Parkash Kumar*1, Dr.Kamran Ansari**1 Abdul Ghani1

1
U.S – Pakistan Center For Advance Studies In Water (USPCAS-W) Mehran
University Of Engineering Technology, Jamshoro Sindh 76062, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT

A huge amount of water is lost through bed and both sides of distributary
due to seepage. Quantification of water losses can not only provide
solution to water scarcity but also increase conveyance efficiency. The
key objectives of this study is to calculate seepage losses both lined and
unlined Distributaries and compare their results by using inflow outflow
method. The selected study area are both Lakhakhe lined and Sangro
unlined distributaries in Mirpurkhas Sindh. The estimation of conveyance
losses using inflow outflow method with electromagnetic type flow meter,
this conventional technique was difficult, time consuming and limited
measurement accuracy device than Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
(ADCP).The average conveyance losses were calculated 0.00359 m3/
sec per 100m length of unlined distributary and 0.00027 m3/sec per 100m
length of lined distributary and annual water saving were measured 910
hectare meter. (ADCPs) are commonly used for making both water
velocity and discharge measurement.

Keywords: conveyance losses, ADCP, discharge measurement

* First author: Parkask kuamr , Tel: 03412303255, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Dr. Kamran Ansari, Tel: 03413835604, email: [email protected].
edu.pk

48
 REMOVAL OF ARSENIC FROM WATER USING BISMUTH COATED
BIOMASS OF ALGAE
1
Abdul Hanan*1, Muhammad Rizwan , Tanveer Ahmed1, Ubed-ur-
Rehman1
1
Center for Advanced studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and
Technology Jamshoro

ABSTRACT:

Heavy metal contamination in water has become a serious threat to the

human health specifically, and environment in general. Various research
studies reported Arsenic contamination in water in certain particular regions
of Pakistan and can be linked to the serious health issues such as diabetes,
neurological disorder, and skin and bladder cancer. In current study, in an
attempt to overcome the issue, algae biomass coated with bismuth was used
to remove arsenic from water. The coated biomass was characterized using
SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy, EDS(Electron Dispersion Spectroscopy)
and FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry) to check the morphology,
elemental composition and functional groups present in the biomass. Batch
study was done on different parameters to obtain the optimum conditions.
It was concluded that maximum removal of 89% was achieved at 7 pH and
maximum biosorption capacity was 5.2 mg.g.

Keywords: algae; heavy metals; bismuth; biosorption;

* First author: Abdul Hanan, Tel: +92-332-2669480, Email: [email protected]

49
 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

INFLUENCE OF FE(III) AND AL(III) ON STRUVITE PRECIPITATION

Tayyab Ahmed*1, Naveed Ahmed**1

1
U.S. Pakistan Center for Advance Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University
of Engineering Science and Technology, MUET Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan

ABSTRACT:

Owing to the limited source of phosphate rock, research is being focused on

the recovery of this resource from wastewater streams. Struvite precipitation is
well known technique to recover phosphorus from wastewaters, the resultant
product is used as slow-release fertilizer. The role of metallic ions could not
be neglected, as it can hinder the formation of struvite, particularly those ions
which are readily available in wastewater streams. This study was performed
to evaluate the effect of Ferric and Aluminum ions on struvite precipitation.
For this study first optimum condition for struvite precipitation was determined
as pH 9 and Mg:P 1.2:1, struvite purity of around 27% was obtained. At those
conditions Fe(III) and Al(III) was dosed to analyze their influence. The results
indicate that the purity of struvite crystals reduced up to 18%, meanwhile in
case of Al(III) the purity reduced to 2%.

Keywords: Struvite, Interfering Ions, Ferric, Aluminum

* First author: Tayyab Ahmed, Tel: +92-316-3462604, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Naveed Ahmed, Tel: +92-306-1059529, Email: [email protected].
edu.pk

50
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WASH AND INFRASTRUCTURE
SERVICES AT HANDS INTERVENTION VERSUS NON-INTERVENTION
AREAS IN 14 DISTRICTS OF PAKISTAN

Rubina Jaffri*1, Rakhshinda Ambreen1, Parkash Malhi**1, Bushra Faraz1, Naveed

Lashari1 Zafar Tahir1
1
Department Monitoring Evaluation and Research, Health And Nutrition Development
Society, Head office Karachi

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this study was to compare the presence of WASH & Infrastructure
services in project implemented intervention versus non-intervention areas. A
comparative cross sectional study was conducted during July to August 2020
in 14 districts of Pakistan. The results of study revealed hand pump as the
biggest source of drinking water consumption among intervention areas 75.4%
compared with 45.9% in non-intervention areas, provision of water through
tanker in intervention areas 16.7% compared with the 9.1% in non-intervention
areas, boiling as the most popular form of water treatment methodology 22.2%,
compared with 19.6% in non-intervention areas, improved sanitation among
intervention areas 45% population compared with 28.9% in non-intervention
areas, 77.8% people washing their hands post defecation compared with 72.5%
in non-intervention areas, 21% households in intervention areas applying all
disaster risk reduction components to their shelters compared to 7% in non-
intervention areas and 67.3% people in intervention areas using solar as an
alternate source of energy compared 32.1% in non-intervention areas. The
findings from the study conclude that non-profit with innovative, low cost and
sustained models can act as an agent of change for WASH and infrastructure
services in Pakistan.

Keywords: Non-profit; Impact Evaluation; disaster risk reduction; WASH;

Infrastructure; Solar.

* First author: Rubina Jaffri, Tel: +3468209534, Email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Parkash Malhi, Tel: +03362428202, Email: [email protected]

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 Young Research National Conference NCWE-21

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN WASH OPPORTUNITIES AND

CHALLENGES

Ramesh Kumar*1, Ghulam Mustafa**2

1
Health Services Academy Islamabad
2
Chief Services Executive, Health and Nutrition Development Society, Head office
Karachi

Abstract:

The past decade has seen massive financing in the water and sanitation sector,
either through local finance mobilization or foreign donor investment. To the
best of our knowledge, there is no model available in Pakistan, which can be
declared as PPP for WASH, there have been models for PPP for water service
delivery, utility reforms. Since health and hygiene are a public good hence it
attracts less investment owing to low return on investment.
We have adopted a mix methods approach for this formative research
using literature review, relevant stakeholder’s in-depth interview and direct
observation. Multiple options were discussed for strengthening PPP in
wash includes; Municipal Committee has a strong sentiment for enhancing
the financial envelope of payments for sustaining a PPP model of services.
Performance-based payments to the private sector operator and outsourcing
to a private company with a 50% share will be an option. Moreover, user fee
for services recovery in PPP would be a big problem and the willingness to pay
for water services is low.
We are concluding that not enough experience or expertise exists within the
Government or Municipality to run or manage a PPP model of services for
water delivery. There are a strong fear and apprehension on a low collection
of fee for services and we think this will have a major impact on the service
delivery. Every stakeholder who is involved in the water service delivery has
their interpretation of the PPP, which creates multiple interpretations and thus a
common understanding does not exist among the stakeholders of Jacobabad
project.

* First author: Ramesh Kumar, email: [email protected]

** Corresponding author: Ghulam Mustafa, email: [email protected]

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