Charsadda District Research Articles

Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing and Multi Influencing Factors Techniques for Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones in District Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The effective harvesting of groundwater and its sustainable management is possible with the proper identification of zones on its potential basis. For this purpose, geographical information system (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) data approaches were combined and used for the investigation, preservation, and evaluation of groundwater supply. This study aimed to assess groundwater delineation and availability-based potential of groundwater area in Charsadda District, KPK, Pakistan, by applying the approach of RS, GIS, and multi-influencing factors (MIF). For this purpose, digital elevation model (DEM), shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM), and sentinel 2 satellite images were employed to produce numerous thematic layers, i.e., land use land cover (LULC), drainage density, lineament density, geology, slope soil, and rainfall as MIF in this study. After assigning a fixed score and weight to each thematic layer (MIF techniques), then an analyzed spatial layer was combined with a weighted overlay using ArcGIS software (ArcMap 10.5) and finally potential area for groundwater was defined. The obtained potential area of groundwater was categorized spatially as, very high, high, moderate, and low zones which depict most of the area is covered with moderate (547.66 km2) to high (306.7 Km2), as well as, high highest groundwater potential in 7 km2. The results of this study and the approach will be applicable and insightful for regional and extensive levels of developmental planning and harvesting of groundwater resources.

Estudando a biodiversidade de espécies de aranhas em sete localidades diferentes do distrito de Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract The current research work aims to provide knowledge about the diversity of spiders’ fauna and their occurrence throughout the year from District Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Research data were collected from March-2015 to January-2017 from seven different localities of Charsadda District by using the camera, bottle, plastic bags, paraffin films, field book and 70% of ethylene alcohol and 20% of glycerine were used as chemicals. By using special identification keys, spiders were differentiated into families, genera and species. During the study time, a total of 2734 specimens of spiders were collected belonging from 35 genera, 15 families and 44 species were identified. Salticidae was the dominant family according to genera studied plus spiders samples numbers collected with 10 genera and 616 species specimens count. The high occurrence of spiders was studied during July. The result of the current study also shows a reduction of spider’s species in December due to lowering the temperature. The current study shows that Salticidae were the dominant family as capered to other species. The occurrence of spiders species greatly depends on changing the weather condition. The present study also shows great fluctuation in spider’s occurrence with changing of hot climate to colder during the study duration. Moreover, the wet season plays a great role in spiders’ population increase and growth.

Disaster Vulnerability of Farmers from Flood Damage in District Charsadda

This research examines the association between community organization and disaster vulnerability in three flood-affected Village Councils (VCs) in Charsadda district, namely Nawan Killi, Faqir Abad, and Chak Utmanzaie. Using a proportional allocation approach, 353 households were randomly selected from a total of 4,270 in the sampling frame. Data was collected through interviews, with the study's conceptual framework featuring one independent variable (Community organization) and one dependent variable (Disaster vulnerability), both measured on a three-level Likert Scale. The analysis, employing chi-square tests, revealed significant associations. Disaster vulnerability demonstrated a highly significant relationship with community organization during flood seasons (p=0.000), facilitation of social organization by NGOs, democratic election of disaster management committees, representation of all vulnerable groups in committees, and inclusion of various castes and sects in community organizations. Furthermore, disaster vulnerability exhibited a highly significant correlation with decisions made by disaster management committees, incorporating suggestions from vulnerable groups, prioritizing vulnerability groups, informing community members of committee decisions, and having women represented in committees. The study's findings underscore the importance of establishing and updating community participation guidelines for disaster management, ensuring active involvement of all stakeholders in planning and executing disaster management initiatives, promoting awareness and capacity building in participatory disaster management approaches, and fostering partnerships with NGOs, donors, and government agencies to secure financial and technical support.

Epidemiological analysis of Paramphistomum species in Ruminants in selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan

This epidemiological study was conducted to compare the climatic conditions of four different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in terms of the prevalence of parasitic infection Paramphistomum in cows and buffaloes. A total of 2400/cows and buffaloes (200/per month and 50/per district) fecal samples were collected. The samples were examined for Paramphistomum egg contamination by direct microscopic examination and sedimentation methods. The infectivity ratio was 17.5% in cows and 17% in buffaloes; the higher rate of infection was recorded in autumn with 41% in cows and 36% in buffaloes. Whereas the lowest ratio was 6.5% in cows and 7% in buffaloes recorded during spring. It was also noted that a high rate of prevalence was recorded in older animals (higher than 2 years of age) than younger (less than 2 years of age), while gender-wise, it was observed that male animals were more affected than females. Prevalence was higher in cows in Mardan district (19.30%) followed by Nowshera (19.10%) and Swabi (17.80%) districts while lowest in Charsadda district (13.80%) where in buffaloes the higher prevalence was recorded in Swabi (18.80%) followed by Mardan (18.60%) then Charsadda (16.80%) while lowest in Nowshera (13.80%).

Brewing epidemic of communicable diseases after massive flooding in Pakistan.

Brewing epidemic of communicable diseases after massive flooding in Pakistan.

Quantifying households' vulnerability, regional environmental indicators, and climate change mitigation by using a combination of vulnerability frameworks

AbstractMany susceptible regions face significant climatic threats. This study proposes an extended framework by linking the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Vulnerability Framework and Sustainable Livelihood Framework to assess the impacts of ecological indicators, household vulnerability, and climate change mitigation. A major ecological region of northwestern Pakistan with diverse geographical and climatic conditions was selected. In total, 24 adjacent rural communes were randomly selected, and 300 farm households were face‐to‐face interviewed based on a pretested questionnaire. The study findings reveal that the Charsadda District is more vulnerable to climate change, having the highest exposure level compared to the Mardan District and the district of Nowshera. Our findings also show that there are small differences in adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and adaptation measures, and sensitivity sources are relatively distinctive among these three districts, which directly and indirectly influence the perception of farmers. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the sensitivity of the Mardan District is the highest in terms of crop and livestock diseases, while the highest sensitivity in terms of water is assumed in the Charsadda District. In terms of adaptive capacity, the advantages and disadvantages varied greatly between the three targeted study districts; specifically, Nowshera had equitable adaptive capacity, Mardan leaned entirely on capital sources, and Charsadda depended solely on advantages in education level. Diverse efforts to address the risks of climate change should be proposed aptly by considering the climatic, socioeconomic, and geographical characteristics of each district.

Incidence, Pattern, and Outcome of Stray Bullet Injuries: Three Years’ Experience in a Teaching Institute

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to better define the incidence, pattern, and outcome of a stray bullet.
 Materials & Methods: The current study summarizes the data on stray bullet injuries presented to the Emergency Department (ED) Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 24 subjects were included for three years. We enrolled all patients who had head or spine injuries caused by a stray bullet. Data were extracted on demographic profile, site of injury, operative procedure, complication, and mortality, and were recorded on prescribed proforma.
 Results: A total of 24 subjects were included for 3 years. 17 (70%) were male patients and 7 (30%) were females. Male to female ratio was 2:1. out of 24 cases, 9 (37.5%) were from District Peshawar, 3 (12.5%) cases were from Mardan and Charsadda District, and 2 (8.3%) cases were from Swat. 12 cases had a bullet in the Head and face. out of which 7 were supratentorial 3 cases had a bullet in the posterior fossa. Out of 24 cases, 13 (54.1%) were operated for the removal of bullets. 5 (20.8%) developed focal or generalized fits. 13 (54.1%) developed a neuro deficit. 4 (16.6%) of cases remain in a vegetative state, and the overall mortality rate is 20%.
 Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality due to stray bullets is an increasing problem in our society. This study aims to bring awareness among the concerned authorities to try and bring an end to this menace resulting in deaths and misery.

Flood Exposure and Social Vulnerability Analysis in Rural Areas of Developing Countries: An Empirical Study of Charsadda District, Pakistan

In recent years, social vulnerability has gained much importance in academic studies. However, social indices are rarely combined and validated with exposure and resilience components. This study provides an integrated analysis of the flood exposure and social vulnerability of rural households in a case area of Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A conceptual framework was designed (based on the MOVE framework) as a guideline and key indicators were identified. For the exposure component, parameters such as elevation, flooded locations, and distance from the river were endorsed to understand flood mechanisms. For populating socioeconomic variables, questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 210 households. The results were presented through ArcGIS-generated maps. The most significant indicators interplaying with high vulnerability were exposure-related indicators. The findings showed that the southern areas, including Agra, Daulat Pura, and Hisar Yasinzai were highly vulnerable due to having the highest number of flood locations, lowest elevations, and shortest distances from rivers, as well as larger household sizes, more elderly, children and women, illiteracy rates, and weak financial capacity. Understanding such dominant indicators and areas where high social vulnerability and high exposure converge can inform the authorities in mitigating both social and physical flood vulnerability.

Investigation of important biochemical compounds from selected freshwater macroalgae and their role in agriculture

BackgroundFreshwater macroalgae possess a number of important secondary metabolites. They are an unexplored source of medicinal compounds. In this study, three freshwater macroalgae—Chara vulgaris, Cladophora glomerata and Spirogyra crassa—were collected from the river Swat and the river Kabul in the Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To assess the role of freshwater macroalgae in agriculture, various experiments were performed on their extracts. Methanolic extract of the three macroalgae were first analyzed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for the presence of important medicinal secondary metabolites. The methanol based macroalgae extracts were tested for antibacterial, insecticidal, cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities.ResultsInitially, the algae were dried, crushed and treated with methanol for the extraction of secondary metabolites. The GC–MS results contained several important long chain fatty acids and other related long-chain hydrocarbons, such as alkanes and alkenes. Several benzene derivatives were also detected during the course of the investigation. Several of these compounds have established roles in the treatment of human ailments and can be supplied to farm animals. For example, phenylephrine is a decongestant, dilates pupils, increases blood pressure and helps in relieving hemorrhoids. Hexahydropseudoionone has uses in perfumes and other cosmetics. Several essential oils were also detected in the methanolic extract of the three macroalgae that can be utilized in various industrial products. Bioassays showed that these algal extracts—especially the Spirogyra sp. extract—contain moderate to maximum bioactivity.ConclusionsMacroalgae possess important secondary metabolites with medicinal properties. These secondary metabolites can be used as biopesticides, plant growth enhancers, and remedies for various diseases in farm animals and for the control of weeds. They can be further explored for isolation and purification of useful biochemical compounds.Graphical

CHANGE DETECTION IN LAND USE AND LAND COVER OF DISTRICT CHARSADDA PAKISTAN ALONG RIVER KABUL (2010 FLOOD): TAKING ADVANTAGE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSING

This study aims to quantify land use and land cover changes before and after the 2010 flood in district Charsadda, Pakistan. Advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques (RST) evaluate land use and land cover changes. The purpose of this research is to estimate and compare the pre-and post-flood changes and their influences on land use and land cover changes. Land use land cover data studies are important for sustainable management of natural resources; they are becoming increasingly important for assessing the environmental impacts of economic development. Moreover, some remedial measures are adopted to develop the area’s land cover to overcome future problems. Land use and land cover changes are measured using satellite images. Two instances, i.e., pre-flood and post-flood, are compared to analyze the change in land use and land cover of district Charsadda within 5 km along the Kabul River. Comparative analysis of pre-flood and post-flood imageries highlighted some drastic changes over the water body, built-up area, agricultural land, and bare land during flood instances. The study area is rural and agricultural land is dominant as compared to other land uses. We evaluated the percentage of different land use and land cover within our study area. The agricultural land found about 68.5%, barren land 22.5%, and the water body 8.8% before the flood. After inundation, the water body raised to 16.4%, bare soil increased to 26.3%, agricultural land degraded up to 57.0%, and settlements (villages) along the Kabul River were severely damaged and finished by this flood. 2010’s flood heavily damaged approximately four villages in district Nowshera, six in district Peshawar, and twenty-seven Charsadda District villages.

Levels and Potential Health Hazards of Chlorinated Pesticides in Surface Water Samples of Charsadda Area of Pakistan Using SPME-GC-ECD Technique

In the present study, we determined the levels of chlorinated pesticide residues in surface water samples collected from the Charsadda district (KPK, Pakistan). SPME-GC-ECD with COMBI PAL CTC autosampler was used for extraction and analysis of 20 organochlorine pesticides in the collected water samples. For maximum efficiency of the SPME procedure, several parameters were studied, including the extraction and desorption time of the fiber, solution pH, agitation of samples, and stirring speed, etc. This method showed good liner response, with R2 values in the range of 0.9887 to 0.9999 for all pesticides. This method also provided good percent recoveries at 1 µg L−1 (87.5 to 106.0%) and at 2 µg L−1 (88.5 to 109.2%). Lower limits of detection for all 20 chlorinated pesticides were found to be lower than their maximum permissible contamination levels. Approximately 50% of the surface water samples collected from the Charsadda district were found to be contaminated with the pesticides γ-BHC, heptachlor, aldrin and dieldrin, with maximum concentrations of 0.023, 0.108, 0.014 and 0.013 µg L−1, respectively. For adults and children, the cancer risk from water due to contamination by various pesticides ranged from 0 to 33.29 × 10−6. The non-carcinogenic risk from each pollutant in the water samples of the Charsadda district was found to be in the order of heptachlor > aldrin > dieldrin > γ-BHC. However, the pesticides α-BHC, β-BHC, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, endrin, 4,4′-DDD, endrin ketone, 4,4′-DDT, endosulfan sulfate and methoxychlor were not detected in any of the surface water samples of investigated in the present study.

Factors Affecting Fish Consumption of Traditional Subsistence Fishers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Subsistence inland fisheries are underreported in developing countries like Pakistan. This study attempted to find out fish consumption determinants of traditional subsistence fishers in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province of Pakistan. Data were collected between March and December 2019 through 36 predetermined questions applied to 286 randomly selected households. The data were analyzed through multiple linear regression model. Study found that average fish consumption of the sample households was 3.3 kg per capita per annum, which is higher than Pakistan’s national average of 1.9 kg per capita per annum. The most viable reasons of fish consumption among the sample households were that most of them were; subsistence fishers, lived closed to water bodies and had easy access to fishing grounds. Majority of them consumed fish once a month in summer season but consumption increased in winter season. The regression results indicated that fish price, proximity to rivers, and family size have negative, whereas number of fishing equipment’s, education and family income have positive effect on fish consumption. Actions are needed to improve fish production in local rivers through hatcheries development and aquaculture encouragement, so that fish meat become affordable to other areas located far away from water bodies.

Developing a three-dimensional narrative to counter polio vaccine refusal in Charsadda.

BackgroundEndemic polio in Pakistan is threatening the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI). In recent years, vaccine refusals have surged, spiking polio cases. The current study was conducted to understand the ethnic, religious and cultural roots of vaccine refusals in Charsadda District and explore the remedial options.MethodsWe conducted 43 in-depth interviews with parents who had refused polio vaccines for their children and the PEI staff. Interviews were audio-recorded, written in verbatim and analysed with Atlis.ti. We conducted a thematic analysis of our data.ResultsThe fear of American and Jewish conspiracies was the primary cause of vaccine refusals. Militant groups like Tehrek-i-Taliban Pakistan capitalised on this fear, through social media. The Pashtun ethnic group considers itself at the centre of conspiracies. They are suspicious of mass investment and mobilisation behind the polio campaign. Our respondents feared that polio vaccines were making children vulgar. They also feared a reduction in the male to female ratio in childbirth. In Pashtun communities, the iconic conventional community gatherings [“Hujras”] are being replaced by provocative digital Hujra [social media], which the PEI and the Government of Pakistan (GOP) are failing to influence or regulate. The PEI uses the misleading term 'religious refusal'. Some factions in the clergy are maligning people from vaccinations, but not through religious dictum. The anti-state elements have stirred sentiments to weaken the state initiative. Fear of adverse effects, attitudinal barriers of health care providers, unmet basic needs and alleged haram composition of the vaccine were among the reasons for vaccine refusals. The PEI needs to revise its misleading nomenclature and ensue open discussion to dispel the myths of infertility, vulgarity and gender ratio related to the vaccines. Simultaneously, the GOP should stop disinformation on social media and rebrand polio vaccination with popular initiatives like the government-sponsored health insurance schemes.ConclusionsThe ethnic, cultural and religious dispositions of community members shape polio vaccine refusals in Charsadda District, in different ways. In synch with existing conspiracy theories and medical misconceptions, these three factors make refusals harder to counter. Awareness campaigns with content addressing these three dimensions can improve the situation.

A local scale flood vulnerability assessment in the flood-prone area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The central part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a highly flood-prone area of the province. The lives and assets of local communities are deeply vulnerable, attributed to the recurrence of seasonal floods. This concern has motivated decision-makers and the research community to develop and adopt best management practices to address flood vulnerability issues. One of the commonly used methods for evaluating flood vulnerability is empirical investigation using composite indicators. However, there are several issues with the available flood vulnerability literature, using composite indicators in the study area. The objectives of the current study are therefore twofold. On the one hand, it demonstrated in a comprehensive step-by-step approach to develop flood vulnerability composite indicator taking into account the broad range of stakeholders and the reliability of research. On the other hand, the flood vulnerability profile of the selected communities is being developed. Households’ survey was conducted in the selected communities using random sampling. The composite indicators of flood vulnerability were developed as the relative measure of flood vulnerability across the selected communities. A robustness check was also carried out using convenient techniques to address the problem of uncertainty. For such a purpose, the composite indicators of flood vulnerability were developed through various data rescaling, weighting, and aggregation schemes. The relative levels of flood vulnerability are identified across the selected communities, and the findings are illustrated by colored matrices. Different factors were identified for being responsible for the relative vulnerability of various communities. Jurisdiction-wise assessment of flood vulnerability reveals that communities located in Charsadda district are more vulnerable to flooding compared to those in Nowshera district. The study can facilitate a wide range of stakeholders and decision-makers not only to develop composite indicators for flood vulnerability but also to scientifically justify it as a management tool for flood risk reduction.

Assessing farmers' perspectives on climate change for effective farm-level adaptation measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Agriculture is considered as the backbone of the economy of Pakistan. However, current changes in climate have been adversely affecting agricultural productivity. In this paper, perceived impacts of climate change on agriculture and adaptation towards it have been studied in Charsadda district (lowlands) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan through extensive field surveys, involving 116 farm households. Results have revealed that climate change factors including fluctuating temperature, evidence of yearly long droughts, and a steady shift in rainfall patterns have pressured the agriculture sector and livelihoods of the local peasants. The staggering floods of 2010 and 2011 in Pakistan have evidenced severe climatic changes in Pakistan. These countrywide floods have washed fertile soil in the study area that has directly contributed to losses in agricultural yield and increased vector-borne diseases in crops. The local farmers have commonly deployed adaptive measure such as crops diversification, changing fertilizer, and planting shaded trees to minimize the impacts of changes in climate. However, these adjustments measures are perceived as not appropriate for improving farm yield. Therefore, the study suggests that improved understanding of the climate change impacts and knowledge on adapting adequately will lead to no-regret adaptation. It will also help protecting farmer's lives and livelihoods and will boost their resilience towards changing climatic conditions. Graphical abstract .

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. among sheep and goats in Charsadda District, Pakistan

Anaplasmosis is a widespread tick-borne rickettsial disease responsible for fever, weakness, dyspnea, and progressive anemia in small ruminants, including sheep, goats, deer, and antelope. Anaplasma spp., the causative agent of anaplasmosis, are mainly transmitted via infected ticks to susceptible hosts during blood feeding. These pathogens are particularly devastating to sheep and goat herds in Pakistan, resulting in significant economic losses. However, limited information are available on the epidemiology of Anaplasma spp. among small ruminants in some parts of Pakistan. A commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma antibodies in small ruminants from the three tehsils of the Charsadda District in Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples (300 sheep and 300 goat) were collected from small farms as well as a standard survey from farmers at each location describing specific aspects related to their livestock management practices. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between Anaplasma sero-positivity and associated risk factors. The overall seroprevalence of Anaplasma antibodies was higher in goats (25%) than in sheep (19%). A significantly higher infection rate in animals was observed in the Charsadda tehsil compared to the two other tehsils (Shabqadar and Tangi). Age, adopted grazing system, and administrative division were also significant factors for infection (P ≤ 0.5) in animals from all three tehsils studied. Anaplasma spp. infection is a serious health problem in small ruminants in Pakistan and this is the first study focused on quantifying seroprevalence in sheep and goats in the Charsadda District. Further studies are needed to enhance the understanding of factors related to the disease, which can help design new methods for anaplasmosis control in livestock.

Understanding climate change vulnerability, adaptation and risk perceptions at household level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

PurposeThis study aims to investigate risks associated with climate change vulnerability and in response the adaptation methods used by farming communities to reduce its negative impacts on agriculture in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe study used household survey method of data collection in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, involving 116 randomly selected respondents.FindingsPrevalent crops diseases, water scarcity, soil fertility loss and poor socio-economic conditions were main contributing factors of climate change vulnerability. The results further showed that changing crops type and cultivation pattern, improved seed varieties, planting shaded trees and the provision of excessive fertilizers are the measures adapted to improve agricultural productivity, which may reduce the climate change vulnerability at a household level.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this study was the exclusion of women from the survey due to religious and cultural barriers of in Pashtun society, wherein women and men do not mingle.Practical implicationsReducing climate change vulnerability and developing more effective adaptation techniques require assistance from the government. This help can be in the form of providing basic resources, such as access to good quality agricultural inputs, access to information and extension services on climate change adaptation and modern technologies. Consultation with other key stakeholder is also required to create awareness and to build the capacity of the locals toward reducing climate change vulnerability and facilitating timely and effective adaptation.Originality/valueThis original research work provides evidence about farm-level vulnerability, adaptation strategies and risk perceptions on dealing with climate-change-induced natural disasters in Pakistan. This paper enriches existing knowledge of climate change vulnerability and adaptation in this resource-limited country so that effective measures can be taken to reduce vulnerability of farming communities, and enhance their adaptive capability.

Flood Risk Zonation Using GIS Techniques: District Charsadda, 2010 Floods Pakistan.

After agriculture revolution flooding has become the most potential natural hazard in the world. Pakistan being the sixth largest population of the world and having huge irrigation system is also facing this problem which worsened in recent decades. In 2010, monsoon season brought unusually large amount of rainfall and completely destroyed agriculture infrastructure in many districts all over the country. Charsadda district was the most severely affected district by both flash floods and reverine floods in 2010. These floodplains are densely populated and there is a need to identify flood hazard risk zones to prevent further damages caused by such floods. This article aims to prepare flood hazard risk zones map using Geographical Information System techniques. Digital Elevation Model of 30 m resolution is used to prepare the final maps. Flood risk potential zones around the rivers are identified by multiple ring buffer analysis. All layers from Digital Elevation Model analysis and buffer analysis are combined by weighted overly analysis in ArcGIS software to generate potential flood hazard risk zones map. Flood hazard zones are based on historical flood events. The map has been divided further into the highest, higher, moderate, low and lower flood hazard zones.

Mapping of Variability in Major and Micro Nutrients for Site-Specific Nutrient Management

Background: Spatial variation of soil physical and chemical properties influences soil and crop management efficiency causes uneven crop growth and decreases the effectiveness of uniformly applied fertilizers. Purpose: Therefore, a comprehensive survey was made to determine the spatial variability of soil properties and their mapping in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP) of Pakistan to delineated area into low, medium and high level of plant nutrients for site-specific nutrient management using variable rate fertilizer technology. Method: Soil sampling was done on a grid system using Global Position System (GPS) from two depths (0-15, and 15-45 cm) during 2004; and the samples were analyzed for soil physical (soil texture and saturation percentage), soil chemical (pH, ECe, SAR, lime, Original Research Article Khan et al.; IJPSS, Article no. IJPSS.2014.008 304 and organic matter) and soil fertility status (mineral N, AB-DTPA extractable P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and HCl extractable B). Geostatistical techniques of semivariogram analysis and kriging were used to model the spatial variability and interpolation of data values at unsampled locations and mapping of the district. Semivariogram analyses of data showed some spatial patterns for soil properties. Silt (r2=0.48), clay (r2=0.71) contents and saturation percentage (r2=0.71) were described by linear model in both the depths (0-15, and 15-45 cm). Electrical conductivity was described by a linear model in both the depths with strong spatial structure in surface soil (r2=0.81). Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the surface soil had strong spatial structure (r2=0.59), organic matter content in the surface soil was described by a spherical model with a range of influence 6.65 km, while in the subsoil (15-45 cm) it was described by a linear model with moderate spatial structure (r2=0.41). Mineral N and P were described by linear models with strong spatial structure for P in both the depths (r2=0.77, 0.73) and moderate spatial structure (r2=0.36) for surface soil N. Potash content was described by a linear model in surface soil with moderate structure (r2=0.24), while in subsoil it was explained by a spherical model with strong spatial structure (r2=0.64) and a range of about 9 km. Zinc and Cu in the surface soil were randomly distributed, while they have strong spatial structure (r2=0.63 and 0.54, respectively) with a linear model in subsoil. Boron content in both the depths was described by a linear model with strong spatial structure in surface (r2=0.61) and moderate structure (r2=0.31) in subsoil. Results: The maps of various measured soil properties showed that soil mineral N and boron (B) increases from north-east toward west-south, available P form south-east towards north-west and lime form northern towards southern parts of the district. Soil organic matter, sand and silt contents showed little spatial variation within sampled areas. Conclusion: Texture of Charsadda district ranged from silt to sandy loam. Sand content in the east and silt in the whole area was higher, while clay was found low throughout the soil surveyed. All the soils were alkaline in reaction and calcareous in nature to different degrees as indicated in maps of surface soil pH and CaCO3. Organic matter content of both the depths was low. surface soils was deficient in N in all soils of district Charsadda while deficiencies of P, Zn and B were observed to a greater extent, while K, Cu and Mn are also appearing deficient in soil.

Drinking water quality and human health risk in Charsadda district, Pakistan

Abstract Access to safe drinking water is one of the basic human rights and essential for healthy life. The present study investigated the concentrations of various pollutants in drinking water and health risk in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water samples were collected from dug-wells, tube-wells and hand pumps which were the most common sources of drinking water and analyzed for physical parameters, anions, heavy metals and coliform bacteria using standard methods. The concentrations of nitrate (10.3–14.84 mg L −1 ) in 13 sites exceeded the permissible limit (10 mg L −1 ) set by US-EPA, while sulfate concentrations (505–555 mg L −1 ) in 9 sites exceeded the permissible limit (500 mg L −1 ) set by WHO. Similarly, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Fe exceeded their respective permissible limits set by different organizations in some locations. Furthermore, the coliform bacterial contamination (2–5 MPN 100 mL −1 ) was also found in some sources of water, confirming the bacterial contamination of drinking water. In the study area, improper disposal of sewage and solid wastes, over application of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilizers), deteriorating condition of piping network and transportation were the major sources responsible for contamination of drinking water. Water contamination with coliform bacteria was the main source of waterborne diseases like gastroenteritis, dysentery, diarrhea and viral hepatitis as complained by most of the respondents during questionnaire survey. In order to reduce the health risk, it is necessary to immediately stop the uses of drinking water from contaminated sources and government should supply treated/clean water with supply lines far away from solid waste, sludge and sewage sites. The farmers should be properly trained to avoid the overusing of agrochemicals responsible for drinking water contamination, while both women and men should be properly educated with water knowledge through awareness and training programs needed for sustainable use and management of drinking water.