Browsing by Author "Maham khan, Nimra Tariq & Zamara Zahid"

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    DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS AND IDENTIFICATION OF MACROINVERTEBRATES IN THE SOILS OF JALLO PARK AND BALLOKI HEADWORKS
    (DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE,, 2023-06-15) Maham khan, Nimra Tariq & Zamara Zahid
    The research was focused on finding and identifying the macroinvertebrates from the soils of Jallo Park and Balloki Headworks and studying their significance in regard to their ecological contribution. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in soils of the study areas was also detected. Methods like sweep netting, and litter extraction were used for the collection of macroinvertebrate samples from the study areas, which were later on identified with the help of identification guides. After that the ecological linkages were studied and their diversity was calculated using Simpson’s Index. For heavy metal detection the soil samples were digested with HNO3 and analyzed with atomic absorption spectroscopy and then values were compared with standard stock solution values. The metals under consideration included; Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni) and Manganese (Mn). The analyzed values were then matched with standard limits recommended by WHO. The results showed that 26 species were found from Jallo Park in which 8 species were found to be pollution tolerant, 7 species were pollution indicator, and 11 species were sensitive to pollution. 13 species were found from Balloki Headworks in which 4 species were found pollution tolerant, 9 were found to be pollution sensitive and no indicator species was found there. Based on Simpson’s Index of Diversity, Jallo Park species were found to be more diversified as compared to species of macroinvertebrates collected from Balloki Headworks. Simpson’s Diversity Index in Jallo Park came out to be 0.96, whereas it was 0.95 for the diversity of Balloki Headworks. Therefore, it was deduced that Jallo Park is enriched with greater species diversity in comparison to Balloki Headworks. Experimental results further showed that all the metals were present within the permissible limits except Cadmium, Cobalt and Manganese which indicate that the soil was in average condition and with sensible use of fertilizers, good sewage treatment practices and soil nutrient management it can be made more sustainable.