Journal of Natural Science Review

Bacterial Contamination and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Isolates from Tanker-Distributed Drinking Water in Kabul, Afghanistan

Hamidullah Rasekh — 2025-03-31

Water quality is critical for public health, and access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing infectious diseases. In many areas of Kabul city, tanker-distributed water is an essential source, but its microbial quality remains uncertain. This cross-sectional study evaluated bacterial contamination and microbial resistance in tanker-distributed treated water in Kabul, comparing it to established standards. One hundred samples from 20 companies were collected between January and June 2024. Samples were cultured for total bacteria and coliform counts using spread plate and filtration methods. Confirmatory tests were performed on colonies. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion. The results indicated that all samples positive for bacterial contamination exceeded established standards, with 45% containing more than three species. None of the samples contained coliform bacteria. Seventeen distinct bacterial species were identified, including Acinetobacter baumannii (21%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%). Additionally, the isolates displayed antibiotic resistance, posing significant health risks. Previously, there was a lack of reliable information regarding the bacterial contamination of water distributed by tankers. The results of this study revealed that bacterial contamination in water exceeded accepted standards. Additionally, pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms were detected. Therefore, relevant authorities must implement strict control and monitoring measures.

Residue and Human Risk: A Reassessment of Aminoglycoside Residues in Edible Tissues

Farid Ahmad Tanin — 2025-03-31

Aminoglycosides are a group of antibiotics widely used in both human and veterinary medicine, primarily for the treatment of bacterial infections. These drugs, including gentamicin, neomycin, and tobramycin, are poorly absorbed when taken orally and are therefore primarily administered via injection, although oral formulations are also available for the treatment of certain enteral infections. The primary concern with the use of aminoglycosides in veterinary medicine, especially in food-producing animals, is the potential risk for drug residues in products such as meat, milk, and eggs, staples of the human diet. Antibiotic residues can be harmful to humans, potentially causing adverse effects or contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides, particularly their limited absorption when ingested orally, raise significant questions about the justification for current withdrawal times. Since these drugs are poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, the risk of residue accumulation capable of producing adverse effects in consumers is minimal. The aim of this review is to investigate whether current withdrawal times for aminoglycosides, particularly when residues are ingested orally by humans, are scientifically justified. The review evaluates the pharmacokinetic profiles, regulatory guidelines, and the associated risks of drug residues from oral exposure. The findings suggest that the risk of residue-induced adverse effects is negligible, as oral aminoglycosides are poorly absorbed and primarily act locally within the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, the review argues that current withdrawal times may be unnecessary and need to be reevaluated. Further research on residue persistence in food products following oral administration is necessary to optimize withdrawal guidelines.

The Growth and Yield of Potatoes as Influenced by Planting Dates and Varieties under Dry Temperate Climate

Hamid Salari — 2025-03-31

This investigation aimed to study the effect of planting dates and variety on plant growth and yield of potatoes. The experiment was conducted in 2023 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Kabul University. The study was designed in a split-plot, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and data for plant growth and yield was recorded. Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR) software analyzed the recorded data statistically. The findings of this investigation reveal that early planting dates increase the yielding capacity of potatoes. The performance of varieties regarding growth and yield was different, and variety Milva recorded the most significant plants and highest yield among all other varieties. Milva, on the early planting date, produced vigorous plants and larger tubers and recorded significantly higher yields than other varieties. Faransawi and Laura were second and third best performers after variety Milva, especially when grown in early planting dates (20th March). Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that farmers grow varieties Milva, Faransawi, or Laura on early planting dates for a higher yield of potatoes in dry temperate agro-climatic conditions.

Analysis of Vegetation Change Trends Using Satellite Data and Remote Sensing Techniques (Case Study: BAGRAM-Afghanistan)

Sayed Jawad Hedayat — 2025-03-31

Garden and agricultural species are closely related phenomena mainly observed in different regions of the world. Wherever there is agriculture, there are bound to be both fruitful and non-fruitful trees. Bagram district is one of the districts of Parwan province, where most of the people of this district are engaged in agriculture for their livelihood. The main objective of this research is to use satellite data, and an effort was made to extract the areas under plant cover and separate garden and crop species. The normalized vegetation cover index was used to obtain the areas covered by vegetation. All the areas covered by vegetation were extracted, and then the supervised maximum likelihood classification method was used to separate garden and agricultural species from each other. This research applied the vegetation index to Sentinel-2 imagery from 2018 and 2023, followed by supervised classification on the same datasets. Finally, the result was that the area of agricultural land in 2018 was equal to 92 square kilometres, but it reached 100 square kilometres in 2023. Also, the land area of gardens was 15.92 square kilometres in 2018. However, by 2023, it reached 27 square kilometres, and the area of agricultural lands and gardens in the Bagram district has increased by almost 20 square kilometres from 2018 to 2023.

The Impact of Russian Knapweed's Extracts on Open Wound Healing Process in Rabbits

Ghulam Haidar Olfat — 2025-03-31

Skin is the body's outermost layer; therefore, it is more at risk and is injured by many factors such as surgery, illness, and burns. Numerous drugs are used to heal these wounds, each of which has several drawbacks, limitations, and side effects. So, it is important to prepare a substance that is accessible, cheap, without limitations and defects, with or without low side effects. Therefore, we decided to conduct a study to investigate the effects of extracts of Russian knapweed on open wound healing in rabbits. This research was conducted on 18 rabbits in the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of Kabul University. Russian Knapweed root and stem extract were extracted using the decoction method. Then, a deep open wound was created in the animal's skin by a scalpel blade, and extracts were applied. The rabbits were randomly divided into the three (control, root, stem) groups. Results obtained from this research show that the vital signs of rabbits during the research were typical also on the four^th day; the root and stem groups had the highest healing rate, respectively. There is a significant difference compared to the control group, P < 0.05. On days 7^th, 10^th, and 13^th, the stem group had the highest healing rate, but the difference between this group and the control and root groups was insignificant P˃0.05. Generally, the results of this study show that the Russian Knapweed root and stem extract obtained by the decoction method did not have a good effect on wound healing. However, on the fourth day of wound evaluation, more than 50% of wounds in root and stem groups were healed.

Effect of Storage Temperature on the Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Sensory Properties of Semi-Hard Cheese

Nasir Ahmad Sarwary — 2025-03-31

This study investigated the impact of different storage temperatures (room temperature: 20°C and refrigeration: 4°C) on semi-hard cheese's microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties over 16 days. Cheese samples were made from fresh cow's milk and subjected to two different storage conditions. Various factors, including bacterial count (Standard Plate Count: SPC), pH, acidity, and sensory characteristics (color, texture, odor, taste, and overall acceptability), were determined at different time intervals (Days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16). Microbial analysis revealed no significant differences in SPC between the two storage conditions. Similarly, physicochemical parameters, including pH and acidity, showed minor fluctuations, with p-values greater than 0.05 in all cases. Sensory analysis indicated that the cheese's texture, color, and taste at room temperature were less acceptable than those stored in refrigeration. A comparison of the tested parameters (SPC, pH, acidity, and sensory attribute rating) and two storage temperatures (environment and fridge) measured under the two storage conditions using the Mann-Whitney U test showed that there were no significant differences between the two (p > 0.05). However, Spearman's correlation test demonstrated a significant correlation between storage time, microbial load (rs = 0.943), and acidity (rs = 0.831), particularly in refrigerated samples. The results suggest that storage temperature affects the spoilage rate in semi-hard cheese. These findings provide valuable insights into preserving semi-hard cheese and highlight the crucial role of refrigeration in slowing the spoilage process.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Fungicides on Potato Brown Leaf Spot Alternaria alternata in Greenhouse

Habibullah Bahlolzada — 2025-03-31

One of the successful strategies to increase the yield of potatoes is the management of diseases and pests during the whole growing period. Potato brown spot caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr) Keissler is one of the most destructive diseases of potatoes worldwide. The present study compared two different fungicide programs under greenhouse conditions during 2022. Firstly, the resistance of five local potato varieties (Lora, Kofre-hemaloni, Kofre-Gibson, Evalovetion, and Morabell) was evaluated under greenhouse conditions to the pathogen to find the most susceptible variety for further experiment. The degree of infection by the pathogen was calculated. The study demonstrated that the Lora variety had the most tolerance, and the Morabell variety was sensitive to the pathogen. Then, the effects of three common chemical fungicides (Mancozeb®80%, Penconazole®20%, and Topguard®30% (Flutriafol (6.94% + tebuconazole (20.8%) were tested against the pathogen using the most sensitive potato variety (Morabell) in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) under greenhouse condition. The means of infection was calculated over ten days. Specific doses of the fungicides had a significant effect in reducing disease. The severity of the disease decreased with the increased use of all the applied fungicides. The study revealed that Mancozeb and Penconazole with 1g per liter doses were the most effective treatment in controlling brown leaf spots in potatoes.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chemical and Non-chemical Insecticides Against Onion Thrips in Field Conditions

Mohammad Hamed Osmankhil — 2025-03-31

Onion thrips pose a significant threat to onion crops worldwide through their feeding habits, which can lead to visible damage and potential yield loss. ‌This research aimed to investigate the effects of chemical and non-chemical insecticides on the management of onion thrips. This experimental study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, to evaluate the efficacy of different chemical insecticides, a botanical insecticide, attractive plant, and intercropping for the management of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) on onion crops in 2023. Seven treatments were applied with three replications in a randomized complete block design. The first data collection occurred on July 12, 24 hours before the application of insecticides. Subsequent data were recorded 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after each spray application. Three chemical insecticides were tested: carbaryl (Sevin® 85% WP) at a rate of 650 g/hectare, cyhalothrin (2.5% EC) at a rate of 550 ml/hectare, and cypermethrin (10% EC) at a rate of 400 ml/hectare. Additionally, a botanical insecticide derived from Melia azedarach (water extract of seeds) was applied at a rate of 12 L/hectare. After three applications, carbaryl showed significant efficacy compared to the other two chemical insecticides, while the botanical insecticide did not yield significant results. Attractive plants and intercropping demonstrated significant results when the leaves of the onions began to harden.

Environmental Fate and Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

Naweedullah Amin — 2025-03-31

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly utilized in agriculture, electronics, and medicine, raising concerns about their environmental fate and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to review the fate, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of ZnO NPs in aquatic ecosystem. This review was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Finding indicates that ZnO NP fate in aquatic ecosystems is governed by key environmental factors, including pH, ionic strength, and DOM. ZnO NPs tend to aggregate in high-salinity environments, whereas acidic conditions enhance dissolution, leading to increased Zn²⁺ ion release and potential toxicity. Smaller ZnO NPs exhibit higher reactivity and bioavailability, increasing their potential for bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of ZnO NPs is influenced by concentration, exposure time, and particle size, with smaller nanoparticles being more readily absorbed by aquatic organisms. Toxicity varies depending on exposure duration and environmental conditions, with DOM playing a mitigating role by reducing Zn²⁺ ion availability. Additionally, ZnO NP exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, highlighting the need for regulations and tailored risk assessments that account for water chemistry variations to mitigate ecological risks. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, including multi-species interactions and trophic transfer, to improve mitigation strategies.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Kabul City: A Case Study of District 15

Kawoon Sahak — 2025-03-31

In Kabul City, groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water, but these resources are under immense pressure from both natural and human-induced activities. This study aims to assess the quality of drinking water in District 15 of Kabul city through the analysis of 14 groundwater samples, examining physical (electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and temperature), chemical (pH, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, boron, copper, cadmium, lead, manganese, and aluminum), and biological (total and fecal coliform) parameters using the standard method. Findings reveal that several sites exhibit exceedances in key parameters such as electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, boron, cadmium, and coliforms exceeding the WHO and ANSA permissible limits, posing significant health risks. To supply safe drinking water for Kabul city residents, it is recommended that future research should assess the groundwater quality across the 22 districts of Kabul city, factoring in seasonal variations over a year.

Genetic Analysis and Variability Assessment of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) Lines Based on Vegetative Traits

Atiqullah Khaliqi — 2025-03-31

Genetic diversity is essential to a plant species' ability to survive, adapt, and thrive in a constantly shifting environment. It also forms the basis for crop development's efficient selection process. Therefore, breeding programs that present a high level of genetic variability in germplasm collections benefit significantly from an understanding of the genetic processes responsible for the inheritance of this trait. Therefore, this research aims to estimate the genetic analysis and variability of Bambara groundnut based on vegetative components using multivariate analyses. A randomized complete block design, including three replications, was utilized to evaluate five genotypes of Bambara groundnuts. The seeds were divided into three groups: large, medium, and small seed sizes. Statistical analysis was conducted in SAS version 9.4 to estimate ten vegetative characters' variance components and heritability. Most vegetative variables in the current study showed significant variations between the five genotypes, fifteen combinations of seed size and genotypes, seed size categories, and the interaction between genotype and seed size categories. The estimation of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) varied from 0 to 20.36%. Moreover, the high values of GCV (20.36%) and PCV (28.18%) resulted from the wide canopy trait, while moderate GCV and high PCV were registered from the number of petioles, number of leaves, number of branches, and dried biomass. The low GCV and high PCV were recorded for fresh biomass and high plant growth. More research should be conducted to enhance these Bambara genotypes in various environments.

Influence of Taxation Policy on the Employment of Production Factors in Agriculture Sector Using a CGE Modelling Approach

Ayaz Khan Naseri — 2025-03-31

This study investigates the impact of indirect taxation on employment in Afghanistan's agriculture sector, addressing the lack of research on its short-term macroeconomic effects, particularly in agricultural sub-sectors. To fill this gap, a general equilibrium model integrated with a social accounting matrix was used to quantify employment responses across ten scenarios, testing 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% changes in the 2018 indirect tax volume. The findings reveal a direct correlation between indirect taxes and labor and capital employment, where tax reductions led to a decline in employment across all agricultural categories. In contrast, tax increases had the opposite effect. Forestry contributed the most to employment growth under rising tax scenarios, followed by opium, vegetables, cereals, fruits, and livestock. The study highlights the need for alternative job opportunities and effective tax revenue management to mitigate labor market disruptions and support sustainable agricultural development.

Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Streamflow in the Maidan Sub-River Basin

Mujeebullah Mujeeb — 2025-03-31

Climate change severely affects water resources in arid and semi-arid regions, including Afghanistan's Maidan Sub RB, which has been identified as highly vulnerable due to limited WR. The 2012 Global Adaptation Index ranks Afghanistan among the countries most susceptible to climate change, particularly regarding river flow changes. This study analyzes the Maidan River's streamflow using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), specifically at the Tang-i-Sayedan station, to forecast future streamflow under climate change conditions. The study projects a significant decline in streamflow of approximately 12.54% to 21.23% by the century's end, posing significant challenges to agricultural water supply in a region reliant on irrigation. This underscores the critical relationship between climate variability and local environmental factors, highlighting the necessity for adaptive management strategies for the region's hydrological dynamics. Therefore, policymakers must prioritize sustainable water management practices incorporating climate predictions and actively engage local communities in adaptation efforts. This approach will enhance Afghanistan's resilience to climate change, ensure water availability, and support sustainable agriculture, ultimately protecting livelihoods for future generations.