Safina Kousar

The existence of microplastics in the environment is currently a significant worldwide concern. Microbeads found in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) are one of the primary sources of microplastics, which pose a threat to human health and the environment. This study was designed to detect microplastics in a popular PCCP (facial scrub and face wash). Twenty products (10 facial scrubs and 10 face washes) were analyzed using Rhodamine B staining prepared in ethanol, distilled water, and acetone, followed by fluorescence microscopy. All samples tested positive for the presence of microplastics. The observed microplastics displayed orange, red, and green fluorescence and varied in shape, with most appearing irregular and fragmented. One- way ANOVA (F = 31.87, p = 0.0001) demonstrated that there was statistical difference between these solvents and ethanol (11.40 ± 5.03) provided the most effective staining results. FTIR analysis further confirmed that polystyrene and polyurethane as the most common polymers in facial scrubs, while ethylene–propylene copolymer and polystyrene were predominant in face washes. Additional polymers, including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, were also detected in some samples. This research highlights the occurrence of microplastics in facial scrubs and face washes and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and stronger regulatory measures to limit their use in cosmetic formulations. Graphical Abstract

Pressmud, a by-product of sugarcane processing, is typically disposed of through incineration or landfilling, though it has considerable potential in organic agriculture. This study explored the composting of pressmud through bioaugmentation using specific bacterial strains. Two experimental setups were created: E2 with a cellulolytic and phosphorus-solubilizing strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-ASK11, and E3 with a nitrogen-fixing strain, Bacillus megaterium-ASNF3. A control setup (E1) was also maintained without bacterial augmentation. Results indicated that the Bacillus-enhanced composts in E2 and E3 showed significant increases of 129% and 83% in nitrogen and of 49% and 91% in phosphorus contents, respectively, after 60 days. Additionally, organic matter decomposition improved by 49–50% in the bioaugmented setups after 60 days. FTIR analysis revealed organic phosphate peaks and P-O-C stretching bands at 1025 cm⁻¹ in the E2 compost, while a nitrogen vibration band at 3849 cm⁻¹ in E3 indicated significantly higher nitrogen content compared to the control. The Bacillus-enriched pressmud compost not only accelerated the composting process but also enhanced nutrient levels, positioning it as a promising biofertilizer for rehabilitating barren lands.

Pressmud, a by-product of sugarcane processing, is typically disposed of through incineration or landfilling, though it has considerable potential in organic agriculture. This study explored the com-posting of pressmud through bioaugmentation using specific bacterial strains. Two experimental setups were created: E2 with a cellulolytic and phosphorus-solubilizing strain, Bacillus amyloliquefa-ciens-ASK11, and E3 with a nitrogen-fixing strain, Bacillus megaterium-ASNF3. A control setup (E5) was also maintained without bacterial augmentation. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents were measured using the Kjeldahl and Olsen methods, respectively, while Fourier-Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed compost maturity. Results indicated that the Bacillus-enhanced composts in E2 and E3 significantly increased the nitrogen(49.27% and 91.23%) and phosphorus contents(129% and 83.85%), respectively, compared to the control with only 13.62% N and 65% P contents after 60 days of the pressmud compost maturity.. Additionally, organic matter decomposi-tion improved by 49-50% in the bioaugmented setups after 60 days. FTIR analysis revealed organic phosphate peaks and P-O-C stretching bands at 1025 cm-1 in the E2 compost, while a nitrogen vi-bration band at 3849 cm-1 in E3 indicated significantly higher nitrogen content compared to the control. The Bacillus-enriched pressmud compost not only accelerated the composting process but also enhanced nutrient levels, positioning it as a promising biofertilizer for rehabilitating barren lands.

Background: At present the aquatic habitats of Pakistan become heavily polluted due to presence of heavy metals and pesticides. This research was carried out to check the percentage of DNA damage, Genetic Damage Index and Cumulative Tail Length of comets formed in the erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus following exposure to a tertiary mixture of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan and bifenthrin) with the Comet assay.Methods: Acute toxicity (96-hour LC50) of chlorpyrifos + endosulfan + bifenthrin mixture was determined for Oreochromis niloticus (180-day old), and then four sublethal concentrations (1/3rd, 1/4th, 1/5th , and 1/6th of the LC50) were calculated. To control the possibility of temperature variation, fingerlings of O. niloticus were treated with four experimental pesticides concentrations used for duration of 90 days under constant conditions of laboratory (with negative and positive control). On day 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 fish peripheral blood cells were collected following exposure to assess DNA damage.Results: DNA damage was observed to be statistically significant (p<0.05) throughout the exposure period due to the various test concentrations. In fish erythrocytes, a dose/concentration-dependent response was observed, with the greatest DNA damage occurring at 1/3rd of the LC50 exposure. Comparing DNA damage in Oreochromis niloticus peripheral blood erythrocytes across all sampling days revealed a continuous rise in the quantity of damaged DNA with increase in time of exposure.Conclusion: Present investigation represented an unprecedented approach to study genotoxic effects of pesticides on fish. The widespread application of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, bifenthrin) in agriculture sector exerts adverse effects on various non-target organisms via trophic transfer that ultimately pose a serious threat for human beings. Current findings suggested minimized and sensible use of pesticides to avoid genetic threats to aquatic fauna and to maintain sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus; Endosulfan; Chlorpyrifos; DNA damage; Chronic exposure