Integrative Evaluation of the Ecological Hazards by Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Wetland Ecosystem.

This study was performed to evaluate the impact of microplastics and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni) on sediments, water, aquatic plants (Pistia stratiotes, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) samples collected from five different sites in the Bajwat wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were above the permissible limits devised by WHO in all the ecosystem components (i.e. sediments, water, plants, and fish) at all sites. The maximum amount of microplastic particles (2317 microplastic particles per kg of sediments) was recorded at Site 1. The filaments were the most commonly found type of microplastics. Plants and fish samples also showed considerable concentration of metals. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed anthropogenic sources of elevated concentrations of metal elements which could cause adverse biological effects in the ecosystem.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in air-conditioner filter dust of indoor urban setting: Implication for health risk in a developing country.

This preliminary investigation highlights the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the indoor environment of a megacity, Lahore, Pakistan using the dust ensnared by air-conditioner filters. The Σ16 OCPs concentration ranged from 7.53 to 1272.87 ng/g with the highest percent contribution by ΣDDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; 87.21%) and aldrin (6.58%). The spatial variation of OCPs profile revealed relatively higher concentration from homes near to agricultural and abandoned DDT manufacturing sites. Calculated isomer ratios revealed historic sources of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and the fresh input of technical DDT and chlordane by the dwellers. The air conditioner dust was helpful to better understand the health risk in the indoor environment. So far a high lifetime cancer risk (10-3 ) was predicted for toddlers via accidental ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Similarly, the non-carcinogenic risk-based hazard quotient was found to be high for toddlers (6.94) and within the permissible limit (<1) for adults.

Treatment of textile effluents with Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes and Oedogonium sp.

Phytoremediation by aquatic macrophytes is a promising technology with higher efficiency and no energy consumption. For this purpose, two macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes), and an alga (Oedogonium sp.) were used to treat textile effluents rich in COD, BOD, dyes, and heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu). The aim of the study was to focus on comparative phytoremediation potential of these species by their metal removal capability. During 7 days experiment (day 0-day 6), the results showed that Oedogonium sp. was the best for COD removal and decolorization. Eichhornia crassipes was the best for BOD and heavy metal removal and proves more efficient than Pistia stratiotes and Oedogonium sp. However, Pistia stratiotes was found to accumulate more concentrations of Pb and Fe than Eichhornia stratiotes.

Presence, deposition flux and mass burden of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from Mehmood Booti Drain sediments, Lahore.

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing persistent organic pollutants i.e., PCBs, PBDEs, DPs and OCPs for sediment samples collected from Mehmood Booti Drain, Lahore, Pakistan that receives higher pollution loads from adjacent waste dumping site. Levels of ∑PCBs, ∑PBDEs, ∑DPs and ∑OCPs ranged between 5.9-62, 0.36-1.32, n.d.-0.02 and 0.96-18.07ngg(-1,) respectively. These levels were found to be comparable with other studies of local or global origin. Composition, spatial distribution and source profile indicated that Mehmood Booti waste dumping site was the major input source for sedimentary POPs pollution. The highest POPs deposition flux and mass inventory was attributed to PCBs and OCPs. Deposition flux indicated the input of 6E(-04), 5E(-05), 9E(-07) and 4E(-0)(4)t/yr of PCBs, PBDEs, DPs and OCPs into the Mehmood Booti Drain sediments which ultimately discharge into the River Ravi. Mass inventories suggested 1E(-02), 3E(-04), 7E(-06) and 3E(-03) metric tons PCBs, PBDEs, DPs and OCPs burden, respectively in the Mehmood Booti Drain sediments.

Significance of black carbon in the sediment-water partitioning of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Indus River, Pakistan.

This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the levels and black carbon mediated sediment-water partitioning of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from the Indus River. ∑OCPs ranged between 52-285 ng L(-1) and 5.6-29.2 ng g(-1) in water and sediment samples respectively. However, the ranges of sedimentary fraction of total organic carbon (f(TOC)) and black carbon (f(BC)) were 0.82-2.26% and 0.04-0.5% respectively. Spatially, OCPs concentrations were higher at upstream sites as compared to downstream sites. Source diagnostic ratios indicated the technical usage of HCH (α-HCH/γ-HCH>4) and significant presence of DDT metabolites with fresh inputs into the Indus River as indicated by the ratios of (DDE+DDD)/∑DDTs (0.27-0.96). The partitioning of OCPs between the sediments and water can be explained by two carbon Freundlich adsorption model which included both organic carbon and black carbon pools as partitioning media.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antitumor, anticancer and cytotoxic effects of Psidium guajava leaf extracts.

Context Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaves are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and other ailments. Objective The current study explores scientific validation for this traditional medication. Materials and methods We used ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazil (DPPH) assays to estimate antioxidant activity of P. guajava leaf extracts (methanol, hexane and chloroform). Antitumour and in vivo cytotoxic activities were determined using potato disc assay (PDA) and brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. Three human carcinoma cell lines (KBM5, SCC4 and U266) were incubated with different doses (10-100 µg/mL) of extracts and the anticancer activity was estimated by MTT assay. NF-κB suppressing activity was determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Chemical composition of the three extracts was identified by GC-MS. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured by colorimetric assays. Results and discussions The order of antioxidant activity of three extracts was methanol > chloroform > hexane. The IC50 values ranged from 22.73 to 51.65 µg/mL for KBM5; 22.82 to 70.25 µg/mL for SCC4 and 20.97 to 89.55 µg/mL for U266 cells. The hexane extract exhibited potent antitumour (IC50 value = 65.02 µg/mL) and cytotoxic (LC50 value = 32.18 µg/mL) activities. This extract also completely inhibited the TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in KBM5 cells. GC-MS results showed that pyrogallol, palmitic acid and vitamin E were the major components of methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts. We observed significant (p < 0.05) difference in total phenolic and flavonoid contents of different solvent extracts. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that P. guajava leaf extracts play a substantial role against cancer and down-modulate inflammatory nuclear factor kB.

Distribution, congener profile, and risk of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and dechlorane plus in water and sediment from two tributaries of the Chenab River, Pakistan.

There are a limited number of scientific reports available regarding polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) screening levels and ecological risk assessment in environmental compartments. The present study was aimed to assess the screening-level risk assessment, congener-specific analysis, and spatial distribution pattern of PBDEs and DP in water and sediment. Samples were collected from upstream feeding tributaries (Nullah Aik and Nullah Palkhu) of the River Chenab, Pakistan. ∑PBDE concentrations in water and sediment ranged from 0.48 to 73.4 ng L(-1) and 0.35 to 88.1 ng g(-1) (dw), respectively, whereas levels of ∑DP in water and sediment were 0.01-4.58 and 0.10-12.5 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. Ratio for fsyn in sediment (ng g(-1)) and water (ng L(-1)) ranged between 0.59-0.64 and 0.60-0.68, respectively, which reflected no use of industrial mixture of DP isomers in the study area. Potential risks to ecological integrities through contaminated water and sediments in the study area were deemed marginal at the present time as assessed on the basis of the available and current toxicological data. The scarcity of data on levels, source apportionment, and detected permissible limits of PBDEs and DP warrant future auxiliary study of this group of contaminants.

Report: Bioconversion of agriculture waste to lysine with UV mutated strain of brevibacterium flavum and its biological evaluation in broiler chicks.

Lysine executes imperative structural and functional roles in body and its supplementation in diet beneficial to prevent the escalating threat of protein deficiency. The physical mutagenesis offers new fascinating avenues of research for overproduction of lysine through surplus carbohydrate containing agriculture waste especially in developing countries. The current study was aimed to investigate the potential of UV mutated strain of Brevibacterium flavum at 254 nm for lysine production. The physical and nutritional parameters were optimized and maximum lysine production was observed with molasses (4% substrate water ratio). Moreover, supplementation of culture medium with metal cations (i.e. 0.4% CaSO4, 0.3% NaCl, 0.3% KH2PO4, 0.4% MgSO4, and 0.2% (NH4) 2SO4w/v) together with 0.75% v/v corn steep liquor significantly enhanced the lysine production up to 26.71 ± 0.31 g/L. Though, concentrations of urea, ammonium nitrate and yeast sludge did not exhibit any profound effect on lysine production. Biological evaluation of lysine enriched biomass in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio reflected non-significant difference for experimental and control (+ve) groups. Conclusively, lysine produced in the form of biomass was compatible to market lysine in its effectiveness and have potential to utilize at commercial scale.

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Soan River, Pakistan: insights into distribution, composition, sources and ecological risk assessment.

Present study investigates the occurrence, distribution and sources of ∑17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface water of Soan River, Pakistan. The concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 61 to 207 ng/l. Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were recorded higher in concentrations (64.7 percent) as compared to high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (35.6 percent). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed domestic and industrial wastewater discharge, vehicular exhaust, petroleum residues and biomass combustion as the main sources for PAHs contamination. Using the USEPA toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach: Benzo(a)Pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene contributed highly carcinogenic exposure equivalent. The surface water of the Soan River is found to be slightly polluted with PAHs thereby posing health risks to aquatic bodies.

Levels, distribution pattern and ecological risk assessment of organochlorines pesticides (OCPs) in water and sediments from two tributaries of the Chenab River, Pakistan.

Residue levels, distribution patterns and ecological risk assessment of OCPs in water and sediment samples collected from two upstream feeding tributaries of the River Chenab, Pakistan were monitored. ΣOCPs levels in water and sediment ranged between 8 and 76 ng L(-1) and 17 and 224 ng g(-1), respectively. The mean concentration of ΣHCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) was 3.3 ± 3.2 ng L(-1) and 8.4 ± 9 ng g(-1) for water and sediment samples, respectively, while ΣDDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) exhibited the average concentration of 9.07 ± 6.15 ng L(-1) and 40.3 ± 26.2 ng g(-1) for water and sediment samples, respectively. The concentration of DDT and HCHs in both water and sediment samples were about 80 % of total OCPs and DDTs were the predominant organochlorines in the investigated matrix. DDTs and HCHs in sediment samples posed higher ecotoxicological risk and results were significant when compared with the quality guidelines. Results of the present study should be taken seriously by higher authorities as there is a serious threat to ecological integrities by OCPs exposure.

Risk surveillance with spatial distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) from sedimentary samples of Chenab River.

A pioneering study employed a holistic geostatistical approach to predict the spatial variability of a non sampled area in the Chenab River, Pakistan, using kriging interpolation for organochlorine pesticide (OCP)-polluted risk zones. The Present research intended to investigate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks, contamination levels, and spatial variation of OCPs in the Chenab River, Pakistan. The residual OCP content in sediment samples (n = 120) ranged from 0.056 to 32.14 ng/g. DDE and α-HCH were prevalent among all the samples analyzed, with mean concentrations of 15.84 ± 8.02 and 12.45 ± 6.72 ng/g, respectively. The order of magnitude of OCPs in sediment samples was DDTs > α-HCH > chlorothalonil > heptachlor > endosulfan > aldrin > dieldrin. The findings of the single (SPI) and Nemerow (Nel) pollution index of α-HCH, heptachlor, and aldrin depicted the Chenab River as a serious pollution risk zone. The outcomes of the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis represent the positive correlation among all OCPs, revealing the common origin. Distribution trends showed substantially higher (p < 0.05) contents of analyzed OCPs along the downstream zone. With regards to USEPA human health hazard assessment model, the estimated non-carcinogenic (ΣHI) and non-carcinogenic (ΣTCR) risk ranged from 1.1 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-1, 4.0 × 10-8 to 3.2 × 10-4 respectively. TCR >10-4 illustrated a substantial cancer health risk posed by α-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin in the downstream zone. We recommend the urgent cessation of the ongoing discharge of OCPs into the Chenab River, which needs to be highlighted owing to the significant cancer risk to public health to ensure the good health and wellbeings.

Comprehensive GIS based risk surveillance of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in edible fish species of River Chenab, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to evaluate Carcinogenic (TR) and non-carcinogenic (THQ) human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in three edible fish species (Labeo boga, Channa marulius and Wallago attu) of River Chenab, Pakistan using USEPA human health risk assessment model. Holistic GIS (Geographic information system) based Geo-Statistical approach has been employed for the first time in River Chenab, Pakistan to categorize contaminated risk zones of OCPs based on single pollution index. The ∑OCPs concentrations in fish species were ranged from 5.09 to 414 ng/g with the prevalence of dieldrin. Results of single pollution index of DDE, aldrin, dieldrin and ∑endosulfan revealed River Chenab as polluted and risk zone area. Distribution pattern assessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of OCPs in downstream area suggesting substantial pollution of surrounded industrial region. The human health risk assessment depicted no harmful non-carcinogenic (THQ) risk except for ΣOCPs concentration of C. marulius. Significant carcinogenic (TR) health risk exhibited by all examined OCPs from maximum of the studied sites. Therefore, the high carcinogenic human health risk had highlighted an immediate removal of continuous disposal of OCPs in the River Chenab.

Distribution, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment of organochlorines across the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan.

This study was designed to assess the distribution of organochlorines (OCs) in fish species, their spatio-temporal variations, bioaccumulation potential, and associated human health risks via dietary intake. The levels of twenty-three organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and thirty-five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in six fish species collected from the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The results indicated that the mean levels of Σ23OCPs were 74.1 ng/g ww and 184 ng/g ww, and for Σ35PCBs the levels were 38.8 ng/g ww and 74.8 ng/g ww in herbivorous and carnivorous fish species, respectively. The most abundant contaminants in all fish species were DDTs (65%) and HCHs (14%) among OCPs and heavier PCB congeners (62%) among PCBs. As for dioxin-like PCBs, the WHO toxic equivalency values (ng TEQ/g ww) were in the range of 0.21 (Cyprinus Carpio) to 2.38 (Rita Rita), exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 0.004 ng TEQ/g, ww by the European Commission. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated relatively higher OC levels in winter season with elevated concentrations in fish samples from industrial zone. The bioconcentration factor (L/kg) values ranged from 723 to 2773 for PCBs and 315 to 923 for OCPs in all fish species, with higher levels were reported in carnivorous species. The human health risk assessment at both 50th and 95th percentiles revealed the absence of any significant non-carcinogenic risk as calculated HR was less than 1. However, the critical carcinogenic risk was found to be associated for most of the contaminants, signifying the dietary exposure to OCPs and PCBs might pose the public health concern.

Ecological health risk assessment of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments, water, hydrophytes (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan.

For the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan, samples of sediments, water, aquatic plants (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) were studied from five different locations. Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were above permissible limits devised by WHO in sediments and water at most of sites. High concentrations of Cd were recorded in water samples compared to sediments with maximum values recorded at Site-2 (52.08 ± 9.55 mg kg-1) and Site-5 (62.29 ± 10.12 mg kg-1). The maximum concentrations of Cr (7.23 ± 0.40 mg kg-1) and Pb (22.87 ± 0.83 mg kg-1) were found at Site-4 in water samples. The maximum abundance of microplastics (3047 pieces kg-1 of sediments) was at Site-1 with filaments in the highest proportion among the other types. Zn, Ni, and Cu remained generally low in concentrations in both sediments and waters. Plants showed accumulation of heavy metals, notably the amount of Cd (33.36 ± 0.26 mgkg-1) and Ni (163.3 ± 1.30 mgkg-1) absorbed by T. latifolia and A. philoxeroides, respectively were high. Also, photosynthetic pigments in plants seemed to be affected. However, estimated daily intake (EDI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) calculations for the human population consuming fish from this wetland remained below the FAO/WHO limits. PCA analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of metals that might be causing adverse effects on the biota which depend on this wetland for their food.

Organochlorines in the riverine ecosystem of Punjab province, Pakistan: contamination status, seasonal variation, source apportionment, and ecological risk assessment.

The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence, spatio-temporal variations, source apportioning, and ecological risk assessment of selected PCBs and OCPs in surface water and sediments collected riverine environment of Punjab province, Pakistan. The concentration of ΣOCPs (water: 64-455 ng/L; sediments: 117-616 ng/g) and ΣPCBs (water: 2-132 ng/L; sediments: 3.27-200 ng/g) was found comparatively higher than the levels reported from other parts of the world. The higher concentrations of DDTs and HCHs were detected in both studied matrices, whereas among PCBs, CB-28, 49 and CB-37, 82 were dominant in water and sediments, respectively. The isomeric ratios including α-HCH/γ-HCH, (DDE + DDD) / DDTs, and α /ß-endosulfan reflected the recent use of lindane, technical DDT, and endosulfan in the study area. The WHO-TEQ values of DL-PCBs ranged from 3.6 × 10-6 to 0.115 ng/L and 8.7 × 10-6 to 0.157 ng/g in surface water and sediments in both seasons, respectively. The spatial variation analysis revealed that the sites in the industrial and agricultural zones were highly contaminated. The OCPs and PCBs fluxes to downstream areas were estimated to be 12.4 tons/year and 1.9 tons/year, respectively. The significant ecological risks were estimated to be posed by OCPs and PCBs, as their levels in 67% and 62% of surface water and sediment samples were exceeding the threshold limits, highlighting effects to ecological integrities.

Prospect of herbal medication as prevention against COVID variants.

Personal immunity frolicked an essential role in combating COVID-19 impacts on human health individually and collectively in community. Literature represented the fact about food or nutritional supplements are certified to protect against diseases; this was the reason behind public trust on certain plants and other commercial products to boost up immunity against coronavirus disease. Present study was conducted to observe the attitude of common public towards natural herbs in treating various diseases and to assess the possible potential of herbal medication in prevention of negative impacts of different variants of COVID-19 on human health at herbal clinic named "Pakistan Matab". Results concluded that most of the patients (About 80%) avoided COVID-19 testing even on experiencing major symptoms and they preferred herbal medication. Patients who died by COVID-19 were also experiencing different diseases like liver and Kideny malfunctioning; old age was another significant factor in this case. About 90% of patients were COVID symptomatic and 10% were carrying other diseases during observational study period at herbal clinic. Study represented that patients who visited clinic, have a faith on herbal medication with about 60% of patients in favor of vaccine and allopathic medication in combination with herbal treatment. Study investigated that vaccine was only for one type of variant and use of herbal medicines could be better option to boost up immunity against various COVID variants.

Ecological and human health hazards; integrated risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from the Chenab River, Pakistan.

Carcinogenic hazards to human health were investigated through oral and dermal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from water samples (n = 120) of River Chenab, Pakistan. The Pioneering study aimed to employ an integrated geographic information system (GIS) based geostatistical method for the determination of pollution load by GC-ECD from water of River Chenab. The residual levels of OCPs detected from water samples ranged from 0.54 to 122 ng L-1 with significant prevalence of DDE and α-HCH. Results of the Nemerrow pollution index (NeI), single pollution index (SPI), and comprehensive pollution index (CPI) reflected the downstream zone a stern pollution risk zone. The spatial distribution pattern through geostatistical approaches also revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) OCP levels in the downstream zone. Risk quotient (RQCCC) of surface water quality with respect to heptachlor epitomized a high level of risk (RQCCC > 1). Non-carcinogenic human health risk (Σ HQ) assessment ranged from 8.39 × 10-9 to 1.7 × 10-3, which represented a marginal risk through oral and dermal exposure. However, carcinogenic risks by oral exposure route were ranged from 3.57 × 10-11 to 4.46 × 10-6. Estimated cancer risk (ΣCR) exhibited a considerable carcinogenic risk posed by heptachlor, α-HCH and dieldrin. It is suggested to employ an immediate mitigation strategy for the constant discharge of OCPs in the studied area.

Antimicrobial activities of three species of family mimosaceae.

The antimicrobial activities of crude methanolic extract of leaves of Acacia nilotica L., Albizia lebbeck L. and Mimosa himalayana Gamble belonging to family mimosaceae were investigated in this research work. Antibacterial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method against one gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and three gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. Crude extract of all plants showed best activity against gram-negative bacterial strains while minor inhibition zones were found against gram positive bacterial strains. Antifungal activity of crude plant extract was screened by agar tube dilution method against Aspergillus nigar and Aspergillus flavus. These results showed that these plants extracts have potential against bacterias, while against fungi their activity is not much effective.

Health risk assessment by toxic metals in little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and food chain contaminations.

This study analysed heavy metals from little egret (Egretta garzetta). Egret's Eggs, egg shells, food (fish and insects), blood, meat samples (thigh, liver, and chest), water, soil and sediments samples were collected from the two selected sites of the study area. Samples were analysed on flame atomic absorption spectrometer after acid digestion. Detected metals were found almost inline of concentrations when compared with the both sites. Among detected metals Mn was found higher in concentration (µg/g) i.e. 18.509 followed by Zn i.e. 9.383, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cd. Sediment exhibited higher levels (µg/g) of metals (25.061) followed by the meat (19.044) egrets food (18.825), excreta (16.26), blood serums (4.577), eggs (3.626) and water samples (2.432).The level of metals in sediments of the study are showed environmental concerns. Health risks were also investigated that were compared to guidelines of WHO and FAO threshold limits. It was found a marginal health risk to life through detected metals. This study revealed that little egret are good bio-indicator for the screening and investigation of contaminates presence in the environment.

Nutritional status, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different fruits and vegetables' peels.

The present study assessed nutritional status, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content in fruits, i.e., mango (Mangifera indica), apple (Malus domestica), and vegetable, i.e., bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) peels. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were evaluated by using methanol extracts along with 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay, respectively having Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Gallic acid (GA) as standard. The TPC and antioxidant activity in the peels ranged from 20 mg GAE/g to 525 mg GAE/g and 15.02% to 75.95%, respectively, which revealed that investigated fruit and vegetable peels are rich source of phytochemical constituents. Bottle gourd peels exhibited the highest value of DPPH compared to the rest of the peels included in the study. Likewise, mango peels had the highest TPC as compared to the rest of the fruit peels. This research showed that the utilization of agricultural wastes should be promoted at commercial level to achieve the nutritional benefit at zero cost and minimize the generation of biological waste.