Levels of the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were analyzed in the sediments of the River Nun estuary. This was done in order gauge the impact of anthropogenic inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, oil spillage and other industrial and anthropogenic wastes disposal, especially at the coastal parts of the region on bottom sediments. Three sampling Stations were chosen for the purpose of this research. Station 1 (Buo-Ama Creek) was established close to the entrance of Buo-Ama creek, in the Nun River estuary. Station 2 (Erewei- Kongho) was established along one of the tributaries of the Nun River estuary around Erewei- Kongho. Station 3 was established in Ogbokiri. Sediment samples were collected with the aid of a soil auger and a galvanized metal core cylinder from the three (3) sampling stations along a transect running from the low intertidal level (LIL), through the mid intertidal level (MIL) to the high intertidal level (HIL). Sediment samples were analysed in the laboratory using the method of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Means and standard deviations were calculated for all the measured parameters. A one-way ANOVA was employed at the 95% confidence limit to test for differences across stations in the heavy metals. Turkey HSD post HOC test was also employed to separate means and identify where variability and similarities exist. This was aided by the SPSS 20.0 statistical tool kit. The result shows that Pb has the highest concentration, followed by Zn, Ni, Cd, and Mn respectively. The lowest values of all metals were observed at station 2, while the highest concentrations of metals were recorded at sampling stations 1. The results show that the value of Pb was highest in station 1(1.347±0.001), followed by Station 3 (1.24±0.001). Station 2 had the least mean value of Pb (0.884±0.001). Cd showed similar patterns across the three sampling stations 1, 2 and 3, with the values 0.068±0.002, 0.046±0.001, and 0.054±0.002 respectively. Ni also presented slight difference across the three sampling stations. Concentration of Zn were higher in station 1 and 2 (1.265±0.002 and 1.038±0.002), than in station 3 (0.725±0.001). All metal concentration was however lower than the international permissible limited. The concentrations of Mn were also observed to present a similar pattern across the sampling stations. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) in all heavy metal parameters across all stations. Heavy Metal Concentrations were found to decrease with increasing distance from the river mouth, suggesting that anthropogenic inputs, related to agricultural and domestic discharge into the river, are the major sources of heavy metals in the river sediments. Land based activities therefore have a profound effect on aquatic ecosystem stability and health.

Introduction: PEFR is considered as the simplest index of pulmonary function. Ventilatory function tests like PEFR provide a better understanding of the changes in the lungs from a diagnostic viewpoint. It is effort dependent and reflects mainly the calibre of the bronchi and larger bronchioles, which are subjected to reflex bronchoconstriction. Objective: To study the variations in the PEFR with various factors with respect to age, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate among males and females patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Medicine, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, Gazipur, Bangladesh from January to December 2020 among young male and female subjects. The subjects with no history of cardio, availability & capacity to cooperate adequately, non- smokers; and no history of any drug intake which could affect the lung functioning were included in the study. PEFR was measured with the subject comfortably seated during the same time of the day for all subjects. It was determined in litres/minute with the help of “The Peak”, Individualised Peak flow meter from Multispiro Inc. Results: Out of the total subjects 121 subjects, 45.4% were ≤18 years followed by 19-20 (42.1%) and >20 (12.3%). There were 37.1% males and 62.8% females. PEFR was found to be significantly (p=0.0001) higher among males compared to females in all the age groups. PEFR increased with increasing age in both male and female subjects. PEFR was found to be significantly (p<0.0) higher among males compared to females in the entire body mass index (BMI) category. PEFR increased with increasing BMI in both male and female subjects. Conclusion: PEFR is higher among male than female subject. Also, PEFR was higher in males than females in all the age groups and BMI status. The effects of various factors like age, height, weight, BSA and BMI on the PEFR values have also been discussed in this study. PEFR increases with increase in age and BMI in both male and female subjects.