Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Ghazala Yaqub ¹, Almas Hamid ¹, Saira Iqbal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore-54000, PK

Abstract

In this review article we have briefly summarized the pharmaceutical processes and the pollutants i.e., VOCs and other air emissions from reactors and distillation assemblies, polluted solvents released in water and solid wastes etc. generated due to conventional processes involved in preparation of pharmaceuticals. Medicines are prepared for the better health and to decrease the mortality rate in human beings but the conventional processes involved in preparation of these pharmaceuticals generate chemical and thermal pollution in environment, thus, giving rise to some other severe health impacts and ultimately increase the disease and mortality rate in human beings. Thus, we have discussed the sustainable technology of microwave as possible solution for the preparation of pharmaceuticals without the generation of pollutants. Some practical examples for the preparation of pharmaceuticals via microwave and conventional processes are also discussed and compared herein showing the benefits of using microwave technology over conventional process in terms of better yield and ecofriendly approach without using hazardous solvents.

Keywords

Pharmaceutical Process, Pollutants, Solvents, Microwave Technology.

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Almas Hamid ¹, Iqra Saeed ¹, Sana Akhtar ¹, Sajid Rashid Ahmad ²

Affiliations
1 Kinnaird College for Women, 93 Jail Road, 54000, Lahore, PK
2 College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PK

Abstract

Rubber manufacturing industry is associated with emissions to the environment. The emission of the rubber industry has been linked to various diseases and diverse impacts on human health. Data are available which correlate the adverse health impacts with occupational hazards to the pollutants in the rubber industry. In order to characterize and quantify the pollutants being generated and discharged from various industrial outlets and their impacts on relevant air, water and noise quality, monitoring is required. The study highlights the environmental hazards due to air, wastewater and noise pollution in selected rubber manufacturing industry, located at Wazirabad. Monitoring of selected parameters was carried out for three months. Substantial concentration of volatile organic matter and particulate matter are present in the air in the unit place and the facility which poses a number of health and environmental hazards. Also, different chemicals used during manufacturing processes are discharged in effluent as wastewater. The determination of VOCs and PM in the air was carried out through VOC meter and HAZ-Scanner respectively. Parameters for wastewater analysis included pH, TSS, TDS, COD, cadmium, chlorine and iron. The noise level was also monitored. The results showed that the VOCs and PM concentration in the air were above the standard value limit. The concentration of VOCs ranged from 25.3-28.8 mg/m³ while that for PM varied from 588.5-593.6 ppm respectively. The noise quality from two of the sources exceeded the limit value, while all the wastewater parameters were within the limit.

Keywords

Rubber Industry, Volatile Organic Matter, Particulate Matter, Wastewater, Noise Level.

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Almas Hamid ¹, Sidra Asghar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, 93 Jail Road, Lahore 54000, PK

Abstract

Industrialization, urbanization and rising population generates huge and diverse amounts of solid and toxic wastes. The effective and sustainable management of this waste poses a challenge for national and local governments. The present study was undertaken to determine waste generation rate and its physical composition in five areas of Lahore namely Gulberg, Model Town, Valencia, Mozang and Mughalpura. Door to door collection of household waste, 10 from each area, was carried out on daily basis for a week. The average generation rate was estimated to be 0.61 kg/capita/day. Physical composition of waste showed that food waste accounted for major portion (39.38%-64.12%) while glass waste (0.53%-7.4%) was the least. Other components varied according to the area socioeconomic strata. A questionnaire was also designed and household survey (100 households) was conducted. Information related to existing practices and issues of solid waste management, public attitude towards recycling and reuse and willingness to pay for provision of better services were also assessed.

Keywords

Municipal Solid Waste, Physical Composition, Solid Waste Management, Lahore.

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Syeda Amber Fatima ¹, Almas Hamid ¹, Ghazala Yaqub ¹, Anum Javed ¹, Haseeb Akram ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, PK

Abstract

Worldwide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have become concerning issue for public health. The current study was carried out to analyze the health and safety conditions in agricultural fields of a developing country. Moreover, another aim of the study was to determine pesticide (VOCs) residues in farmers working in rice, corn and cotton fields. Collected blood samples were analyzed by gas chromatography for isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, ethanol, toluene, benzene and phenol. Questionnaire and checklist surveys were also carried out to measure the different health impacts. The qualitative analysis of pesticides in blood samples of farmers showed that those working in the cotton fields had high levels of ethanol that was 90.422 ppm, one had high levels of phenol that was 26.986 ppm, one had high levels of toluene that was 1.954 ppm and two had benzene levels that were 8.105 ppm and 5.654 ppm respectively. Isopropyl alcohol was not detected in any farmer. Health issues faced by farmers were skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, headache and fatigue. It is concluded that the working conditions in Pakistan farms are not up to the mark and it is recommended to improve the health and safety conditions of farm fields in Pakistan by government.

Keywords

Volatile Organic Compounds, Health and Safety, Agricultural Fields, Farmers.

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