The mediating role of stakeholders on green banking practices and bank's performance: The case of a developing nation.

The banking sector serves as a nudge between increased financial investments and reduced environmental impacts in the modern era of sustainability thus, integrating the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This paper aims to explore the practices and ongoing activities on account of sustainable banking which is being practised in the Pakistani Banking Sector. A mixed methods approach using a survey with a sample size of (n = 250) and in-depth interviews of (n = 25) provides significant evidence for the research. SmartPLS4.0 was used for hypotheses testing and to ascertain the path coefficient association within the constructs. This research fills the gap in existing literature by testing and implying the mediating role of Stakeholders' Influence on the relationship between Green Banking Practices and the Bank's Performance. The results of the quantitative analysis show a positive association between variables, highlighting the role of stakeholders and their need to partake efficiently, in the countrywide execution of green banking. The qualitative analysis portrays that; green banking is currently the partial focus of the banking sector in the developing economy of Pakistan whereas, approaches like financing green projects, investments in renewable energy, in-house greening of the banking sector, and provision of easy lending facilities to encourage and support environmental initiatives are some commonly practised accomplishments of the banking sector.

Seasonal correlation of aerosols with soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and vegetation over Pakistan using remote sensing.

Aerosols have a severe impact on the Earth's climate, human health, and ecosystem. To understand the impacts of aerosols on climate, human health, and the ecosystem we must need to understand the variability of aerosols and their optical properties. Therefore, we used Aqua-MODIS retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) (550 nm) and Angstrom exponent (AE) (440/870) data to analyze the Spatio-temporal seasonal variability of aerosols and their relationship with different meteorological parameters over Pakistan from 2002 to 2021. High (>0.5) AOD values were observed during the summer season and low (<0.8) in the spring season. AE values were observed to be high (>1) in the northern regions of Pakistan indicating the dominance of fine mode particles during the winter season. Moreover, AOD showed a positive correlation with Relative Humidity (RH), Evapotranspiration, Wind speed (WS), and Temperature. On the other hand, it showed a negative correlation with Soil moisture (SM), Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and precipitation over Pakistan. Therefore, considering the outcomes of this study will help policymakers to understand the spatiotemporal variability of aerosols and their seasonal correlation with different meteorological parameters.

Global ecological niche conservatism and evolution in Olea species.

Background and Aims: Climate is an important parameter in delimiting coarse-grained aspects of fundamental ecological niches of species; evolution of these niches has been considered a key component in biological diversification. We assessed phylogenetic niche conservatism and evolution in 24 species of the family Oleaceae in relation to temperature and precipitation variables. We studied niches of 17 Olea species and 7 species from other genera of Oleaceae globally. Methods: We used nuclear ribosomal and plastid DNA to reconstruct an evolutionary tree for the family. We used an approach designed specifically to incorporate uncertainty and incomplete knowledge of species' ecological niche limits. We performed parsimony- and likelihood-based reconstructions of ancestral states on two independent phylogenetic hypotheses for the family. After detailed analysis, species' niches were classified into warm and cold niches, wet and dry niches, and broad and narrow niches. Key Results: Given that full estimates of fundamental niches are difficult, we explore the alternative approach of explicit incorporation of knowledge of gaps in the information available, which allows avoidance of overestimation of amounts of evolutionary change. The result is a first synthetic view of evolutionary dynamics of ecological niches and distributional potential in a widespread plant family. Temperate regions of the Earth were occupied only by lineages that could derive with cold and dry niches; Southeast Asia held species with warm and wet niches; and parts of Africa held only species with dry niches. Conclusions: High temperature in Lutetian (Oligocene) and low temperature in Rupelian (Eocene) with major desertification events play important role for niche retraction and expansion in the history for Oleaceae clades. Associations between environmental niche characteristics and phylogeny reconstruction play an important role in understanding ecological niche conservatism, the overall picture was relatively slow or conservative niche evolution in this group.

Development & application of Conceptual Framework Model (CFM) for environmental risk assessment of contaminated lands.

Dumping sites are the most common types of contaminated lands as they pollute the environment. Environmental management of contaminated sites cannot be delivered effectively and efficiently without robust holistic & integrated risk assessment. Previous studies reveal the absence of a risk assessment model that holistically integrates all essential factors progressively and categorically. The study aimed to develop a holistic & integrated Conceptual Framework Model (CFM) for environmental risk assessment and to apply developed CFM on real-world existing Mahmood Booti Open Dumping Site (MBODS). CFM developed in this study had three main tiers i.e., baseline study, hazard identification & exposure assessment, and risk estimation. For the application of CFM, baseline data were collected and assessed. Water, leachate & soil samples were collected within 1000 m across the site and analyzed for physio-chemical parameters and heavy metals to estimate risk. Results of applied CFM depicted that Physico-chemical analysis of leachate, water, and soil revealed significant pollution levels. Heavy metal analysis exhibited that Ni, Pb, Mn, and Cr levels exceeded the allowable limits of the "World Health Organization" in leachate, water, and soil samples. It also revealed the existence of metals at the source (dumping site itself), pathway, and receptor of the dumping site. Ei r value for Ni, Pb and Cd from the study area manifested a serious probable risk to ecological integrities. Results for PERI from dumpsite demonstrated a serious ecological risk. It can be concluded that although Mahmood Booti dumping site has been at post-closure stage, it is a momentous source of hazardous toxic contaminants to the nearby inhabitants. The work presented in this paper may reproduce repeatedly to create site-specific risk assessment models of other contaminated lands in a cost-effective, consistent and cohesive manner. Application of CFM at Mahmood Booti Dumping site described detailed risk assessment which helps further in risk management.

Impacts of intake of bakery food chemicals, degraded water and psychiatric drugs on liver & renal functions of brain tumor patients.

A chemically preserved food has raised mental health issues. Abnormalities in liver and kidney functions have been reported from mentally imbalanced individuals. This study was focused on finding anxiety issues and biochemistry alterations in brain tumor patients and in controls. The levels of liver & kidney enzymes were compared in both groups through Mann-Whitney U test. Kendall's tau-b correlation was conducted to determine that is there any relationship between anxiety levels and biochemistry parameters in both groups. There was more occurrence of severe anxiety levels (58%) in brain tumor patients. There were more mood swings in CG (64%) as compared to BP (48%). Less sleeping pattern was found in CG (42%) as compared to BP (37%). More patients (58%) were having severe anxiety levels as compared to CG (52%). 73% patients were having low levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP). 52% individuals in CG were having low levels of AP. AP was found significantly associated with anxiety levels in brain tumor patients only. A nutrient deprived food from preservation can reduce levels of alkaline phosphatase. This can impact metabolism of necessary minerals for proper brain function. This epidemiological study reports a significant association between anxiety and reduced AP levels.

SHORT COMMUNICATION-Pattern of anti-tuberculosis drugs susceptibility in new and previously treated tuberculosis patients and environmental risk factors investigation.

Resistance pattern both in newly and previously treated-TB patients and risk factors associated in spread of tuberculosis are investigated in the current study. A total 244 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were used for drug-susceptibility test against four drugs. Environmental risk factors were assessed by using self-designed history proforma. Among 244 TB-isolates, 64% were categorized as MDR-TB in drug-susceptibility test. Male proportion was 51% while 32% belonged to 15-34 years age group and 49% were from city Lahore whereas majority of people (31%) was working on daily wages. Divergent drug-resistance pattern was obtained; RIF (68%), SM (52%), EMB (51%). INH showed only (27%) resistance against first-line anti-TB drug. Drug-resistance prevalence for two drug combination was highest (50%) for (INH+SM) and (INH+EMB) followed by (RIF+SM) (49%) whereas for three drugs combination (INH+RIF+EMB) and (INH+RIF+SM) the prevalence was almost same 50% and 49% respectively while 66% patients were categorized as previously treated and 34% as new TB cases. In drug susceptibility test, 71% were identified as MDR-TB among New TB cases, while 63% were identified as MDR-TB from previously treated cases. Surprisingly DST results displayed that percentage prevalence of MDR-TB both in newly and previously treated cases was almost same.

Optimization of process variables for increased production of lovastatin in Aspergillus terreus PU-PCSIR1 and its characterization.

During intrinsic cholesterol formation 3-hydroxy-3-methylgutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) converts HMGCoA to mevalonate, in biosynthetic cascade of cholesterol. Statins, competitive inhibitors of HMGCR, now-a-days commonly used to lower the blood-cholesterol level in the hyper-cholesterolemic patients. Lovastatin, one of the most potent natural statins, was produced from wild-type indigenous isolate Aspergillus terreus PU-PCSIR-1, through solid state fermentation (SSF). This study was carried out to investigate different parameters influencing lovastatin production such as pH, carbon source, nitrogen source and media components etc. Each parameter was investigated separately to optimize lovastatin production. Maximum yield of 2860mg/Kg of total lovastatin, comprising 1700 and 1160mg/Kg of hydroxy and lactone forms respectively, was achieved after incubating for 14 days, pH 5.5 and at 28°C. The integrity of biotechnologically-produced lovastatin was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lovastatin was purified by preparative HPLC, and was characterized by FT-IR and LC-MS analyses. The study revealed that A. terreus PU-PCSIR-1 has been proved to be a potent strain for the production of lovastatin that has great pharmaceutical and commercial applications.

Depression and dementia from hyponatremia in brain cancer patients exposed to frozen food chemicals.

Frozen food chemicals contain neurotoxins which disturb electrolyte levels. Altered electrolyte levels can induce mental illnesses. This study was focused on finding the prevalence of depression, dementia, intake of antidepressants and electrolytic alterations in brain cancer (BC) patients and in control group (CG) who were taking frozen and canned food. The levels of electrolytes were compared in both groups through Mann-Whitney U test. The Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risks (RR) were calculated of having a specific occurrence or condition of brain cancer patients vs. controls. Majority (41.42%) patients were from the age group 33-57 years. There were 52% male and 47% female patients. There was more occurrence of dementia (41%) and depression (6%) in patients as compared to CG. 94% patients were found with dementia. 32% patients were having low levels of sodium and 43% were having low levels of potassium. High levels of potassium (26%) were found in CG. 76% patients and 73% controls were taking canned food in moderation. 69% patients and 50% controls were taking frozen food in moderation. The potassium levels (p value: 0.00001) and sodium levels (p value: 0.01468) were found at significant difference in brain cancer patients and control group. Statistically significantly higher odds of outcome (OR>1) and increased relative risks (RR) were reported in dementia, depression and intake of anti-depressants for BC vs. CG. This epidemiological study reports hyponatremia as a significantly different parameter between brain cancer patients and controls. Food's chemicals induce hyponatremia, which can disturb mental states to develop different neurological conditions.

Molecular detection of mutations in isolates of multidrug resistant tuberculosis and tuberculosis suspects by multiplex allele specific PCR.

For lowering prevalence of drug resistance it is necessary to diagnose TB in tuberculosis sputum suspect patients instead of TB-cultured samples which required a long time of culturing. Comparison of the results of drug resistant bacterial genes in both tuberculosis suspect sputum and multi-drug resistant DNA isolates detected by MAS-PCR. In the current study, the genetic mutations linked with INH, RIF as well as EMB drugs were detected by MAS-PCR simultaneously in MDR as well as TB suspect sputum isolates. 175/291 samples belonged to MDR and 116/291 samples belonged to tuberculosis suspect group. In all the isolates, presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-species (100%) was confirmed by targeting hupB gene. In MDR group, maximum prevalence of gene mutation was detected in rpoB531 (92.57%) and embB306 (97.71%) while in TB-suspect group, equal percentage (96.55%) of mutation was detected in rpoB531 and embB306 by MAS-PCR. Collectively, rpoB531 (n=274, 94.15%) and embB306 (n=283, 97.25%) mutation were observed in maximum tuberculosis cases. MAS-PCR technique yielded reliable results and showed massive Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Ethambutol drugs resistance in TB-isolates from Pakistan; hence it can be used in clinical laboratories with high burden of tuberculosis to detect drug resistance rapidly and cost effectively.

Characterization of five-year observation data of fine particulate matter in the metropolitan area of Lahore.

This study aims to assess the long-term trend of fine particles (PM2.5; ≤2.5 µm) at two urban sites of Lahore during 2007-2011. These sites represent two distinct areas: commercial (Townhall) and residential cum industrial (Township). The highest daily mean concentrations of PM2.5 were noted as 389 and 354 µg m-3 at the Townhall and Township sites, respectively. As expected, the annual seasonal mean of PM2.5 was about 53 and 101% higher during winter compared with the summer and monsoon/post-monsoon seasons, respectively. On contrary to many observations seen in developing cities, the annual mean PM2.5 during the weekends was higher than weekdays at both monitoring sites. For example, these were 100 (142) and 142 µg m-3 (148) during the weekdays (weekends) at the Townhall and Township sites, respectively. The regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation of PM2.5 with SO2, NO2 and CO as opposed to a negative correlation with O3. The bivariate polar plots suggested a much higher influence of localized sources (e.g., road vehicles) at the Townhall site as opposed to industrial sources affecting the concentrations at the Township site. The imageries from the MODIS Aqua/Terra indicated long-range transport of PM2.5 from India to Pakistan during February to October whereas from Pakistan to India during November to January. This study provides important results in the form of multiscale relationship of PM2.5 with its sources and precursors, which are important to assess the effectiveness of pollution control mitigation strategies in Lahore and similar cities elsewhere. Graphical abstract.

Sequence analysis of the rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR) of rpoB gene in multidrug resistance confirmed and newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients of Punjab, Pakistan.

Molecular screening of new patients suspected for TB could help in the effective control of TB in Pakistan as it is a high TB burden country. It will be informative to understand the prevalence of multi drug resistance for a better drug regimen management in this geographical area. The Rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR) sequencing was used to identify mutations associated with drug resistance in DNA extracts from 130 known multidrug resistant (MDR) cultured strains and compared with mutations observed in DNA extracts directly from 86 sputum samples from consecutive newly diagnosed cases in Lahore, Pakistan. These newly diagnosed samples were positive for smear microscopy, chest X-ray and presumed sensitive to first line drugs. In the known MDR group the most frequent mutations conferring resistance were found in rpoB531 (n = 51, 39.2%). In the newly diagnosed tuberculosis group with no history of MDR, mutations in rpoB531 were seen in 10 of the samples (11.6%). Collectively, all mutations in the RRDR region studied were observed in 80 (61.5%) of known MDR cases and in 14 (16.3%) of the newly diagnosed cases. Using the RRDR as a surrogate marker for MDR, sequences for the newly diagnosed (presumed sensitive) group indicate much higher levels of MDR than the 3.9% WHO 2015 global estimate and suggests that molecular screening directly from sputum is urgently required to effectively address the detection and treatment gaps to combat MDR in this high burden country.

Field evaluation of a blood based test for active tuberculosis in endemic settings.

Over 9 million new active tuberculosis (TB) cases emerge each year from an enormous pool of 2 billion individuals latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.) worldwide. About 3 million new TB cases per year are unaccounted for, and 1.5 million die. TB, however, is generally curable if diagnosed correctly and in a timely manner. The current diagnostic methods for TB, including state-of-the-art molecular tests, have failed in delivering the capacity needed in endemic countries to curtail this ongoing pandemic. Efficient, cost effective and scalable diagnostic approaches are critically needed. We report a multiplex TB serology panel using microbead suspension array containing a combination of 11 M.tb. antigens that demonstrated overall sensitivity of 91% in serum/plasma samples from TB patients confirmed by culture. Group wise sensitivities for sputum smear positive and negative patients were 95%, and 88%, respectively. Specificity of the test was 96% in untreated COPD patients and 91% in general healthy population. The sensitivity of this test is superior to that of the frontline sputum smear test with a comparable specificity (30-70%, and 93-99%, respectively). The multiplex serology test can be performed with scalability from 1 to 360 patients per day, and is amenable to automation for higher (1000s per day) throughput, thus enabling a scalable clinical work flow model for TB endemic countries. Taken together, the above results suggest that well defined antibody profiles in blood, analyzed by an appropriate technology platform, offer a valuable approach to TB diagnostics in endemic countries.

Studying bio-thermal effects at and around MSW dumps using Satellite Remote Sensing and GIS.

Estimating negative impacts of MSW dumps on its surrounding environment is the key requirement for any remedial measures. This study has been undertaken to map bio-thermal effects of MSW dumping at and around dumping facilities (non-engineered) using satellite imagery for Faisalabad, Pakistan. Thirty images of Landsat 8 have been selected after validation for the accuracy of their observational details from April 2013 to October 2015. Land Surface Temperature (LST), NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI have been derived from these images through Digital Image Processing (DIP) and have been subjected to spatio-temporal analysis in GIS environment. MSW dump has been found with average temperature elevation of 4.3K and 2.78K from nearby agriculture land and urban settlement respectively. Vegetation health has been used as the bio-indicator of MSW effects and is implemented through NDVI, SAVI, MSAVI. Spatial analyses have been used to mark boundary of bio-thermally affected zone around dumped MSW and measure 700m. Seasonal fluctuations of elevated temperatures and boundary of the bio-thermally affected zones have also been discussed. Based on the direct relation found between vegetation vigor and the level of deterioration within the bio-thermally affected region, use of crops with heavy vigor is recommended to study MSW hazard influence using bio-indicators of vegetation health.

Mutations of the human interferon alpha-2b (hIFNα-2b) gene in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

This research aimed to find out the impact of ionizing radiations on the hIFNα-2b gene of radiotherapy treated cancer patients. The gene hIFNα-2b synthesizes a protein which is an important anticancerous and antiviral protein. The cancer patients (breast, lung, thyroid, oral and prostate) who were undergoing a radiotherapy treatment were selected. A molecular analysis was performed for DNA isolation and gene amplification through PCR, to identify gene mutations. Further, by bioinformatics tools we concluded that how mutations identified in gene sequences have led to the alterations in the hINFα-2b protein in radiotherapy receiving cancer patients. The 32% mutations in the hINFα-2b gene were identified and all were frameshift mutations. Radiotherapy can impact the immune system and cancer patients may modulate their immunity. Understaning the mechanisms of radiotherapy-elicited immune response may be helpful in the development of those therapeutic interventions that can enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Mutations of the human interferon alpha-2b (hIFNα-2b) gene in low-dose natural terrestrial ionizing radiation exposed dwellers.

Natural terrestrial ionizing radiations emerge from uranium deposits and can impact human tissues by affecting DNA bases which constitute genes. Human interferon alpha-2b (hIFNα-2b) gene synthesizes a protein which exhibits anticancerous, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral properties. This research aimed to find out hIFNα-2b gene mutations for those residents who were chronically exposed to low-dose natural terrestrial ionizing radiations. The gene amplifications was done through PCR technique and gene mutations were identified by bioinformatics in order to conclude as to how mutations identified in hIFNα-2b gene sequences will lead to alterations in the hIFNα-2b protein in radiation exposed residents. The range of radiation dose exposure was 0.4383-4.55832 (mSv/y) for the selected radiation exposed locations which were having uranium mineralization. Mutations (24%) in hIFNα-2b gene shows that some of the radiation exposed inhabitants were having a modulated immune response. The CBC (Complete Blood Count) parameters: WBC (White Blood Cells), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin), MCHC (MCH Concentration) and PLT (Platelets) on average were below the normal range in 24% radiation exposed subjects who were having hIFNα-2b gene mutations. Immunomodulation is observed by the mixed trend of either lymphocytosis or lymphopenia and neutropenia or neutrophilia in the exposed population. Thus, a radioactive exposure from uranium can affect the immune system and can induce mutations.

Mutations of the human interferon alpha-2b (hIFN-α2b) gene in occupationally protracted low dose radiation exposed personnel.

Ionizing radiations impact human tissues by affecting the DNA bases which constitute genes. Human interferon alpha 2b gene synthesizes a protein which is an important anticancerous, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral protein. This study was aimed to identify interferon alpha-2b mutations as a consequence of the use of occupational chronic low dose radiation by hospital radiation exposed workers. A molecular analysis was done in which DNAs were extracted from blood samples from radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine workers. The gene was amplified through polymerase chain reaction and further genetic data from sequencing results analyzed by bioinformatics tools in order to determine as to how mutations in interferon alpha 2b sequences will lead to changes in human interferon alpha-2b protein. A total of 41% gene mutations was detected among all radiation exposed workers in which higher percentage (5.4%) of base insertion mutations and 14% frameshift mutations were found in radiology workers. The chronic use of low dose of radiations by occupational workers has a significant correlation with mutational effects on interferon alpha 2b gene, further evident by depressed interferon alpha levels in serum. This can lead to depressed immunity in radiation exposed workers. Hematological profiling of this group also showed hyperimmune response in the form of lymphocytosis.

Characterization of hospital waste in Lahore, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: It is a common practice in developing countries that medical/infectious waste openly dumped with municipal solid waste. This paper presented a generation and characterization study of hospital waste. Determination of the waste composition is a basic step for selecting the most efficient treatment method of hospital waste. METHODS: Stratified random sampling was used to collect the samples of general as well as medical wastes for seven days. Medical waste was sorted into 10 categories whereas general waste was classified into 11 categories. Incineration was observed thoroughly for observing flaws in the incineration process. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 16.0. RESULTS: The studied hospital produced an average 297 kilograms of medical waste daily and it comprises plastics (71.0%), glass (13.9%), papers etc. (3.8%), cotton/dressings (5.7%), masks/gloves/sheets (0.3%) diapers (0.4%), wasted machines used in operation theaters (2.0%) and blades (0.1%). Laboratories, cancer ward, nursery ward, OPD and emergency ward are the largest infectious waste producing departments in the hospital. The hospital produced an average 3 511 kilograms of general waste daily in which organics constitute (44.3%), diapers etc. (42.8%), demolition materials (3.7%), plastic waste mixing medical plastic waste (2.5%), miscellaneous (2.14%), cloth/clothes (1.6%), cardboard (1.3%), papers (0.8%), cotton dressings (0.28%), glass (0.27%) and iron materials (0.18%). Other alarming facts are: medical waste is recycled in study area, after incineration of hospital waste, ash simply dumped in the premises of the hospital without any liner system. CONCLUSIONS: The studied hospital produces 10% of infectious waste and 90% of general waste. The largest components of the infectious waste are plastic and glass. Organics and diapers are major components of the general waste coming from different sites of the hospital. Lack of training, inadequate knowledge regarding to the composition of the infectious waste and risks associated with the waste are the major issues which must be addressed and resolved.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Al2O3-TiO2 based composites.

The synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performance of non-traditional Al2O3-TiO2-based photocatalysts is reported. Al2O3-TiO2 support was loaded with various fractions of CuO and ZrO2. A sound agreement was observed between the bandgaps of synthesized powders measured by UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) in the solid phase and UV-Visible spectroscopy in the aqueous medium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the composite nature of the catalysts with the retention of individual identity of each component. The average crystallite size of the individual component was found to be in the range of 20 to 40 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis authenticated the presence of CuO and ZrO2 at the surface of Al2O3-TiO2 support, while Rutherford Back Scattering Spectroscopy (RBS) confirmed the quantity of the modifiers as per theoretical calculations. The composites showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity in sunlight compared to Al2O3-TiO2 for the degradation of dyes. Efforts were made to elucidate the enhanced sunlight response of the synthesized composite catalysts compared to Al2O3-TiO2. As monitored by ion chromatography (IC), the synthesized photocatalysts completely mineralized the dyes leaving behind inorganic ions in solution. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of dyes was evaluated for optimum correlation with the existing models. The stability of the photocatalysts against the photo-corrosion was monitored by analyzing the samples for respective metals in solution after sunlight exposure. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, to view the supplemental file.

Sludge granulation and efficiency of phase separator in UASB reactor treating combined industrial effluent.

Sludge granulation and the effect of gas-liquid-solid separator (GLSS) design on the efficiency of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and upflow anaerobic sludge filter (UASF) reactors, operating at HRTs ranging from 3 to 12 h were investigated. VSS/TS ratio gradually increased in both the reactors with increasing sludge age (from 0.5 to more than 0.7 for UASB reactor and 0.012 to 0.043 for UASF reactor). X-Ray diffraction analysis of the UASF sludge showed the presence of expanding clays revealing its additional absorption capability. Fuoraphyllite and albite precipitation related to excellular polymers of the microbial shell structure, showed the extended growth of microorganisms during sludge granulation. A gradual decrease (82%-69%) in COD removal with decreasing HRT was apparent in UASF reactor. In case of UASB reactor, this decrease was marginal because addition of GLSS device significantly improved (14%-20%) the overall efficiency of the UASB reactor. GLSS enhanced the efficiency of the UASB reactor by increasing the settleability of suspended particles and accelerating the coagulation of colloidal particles due to the velocity gradient.