HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION For HEC use only

H-9, ISLAMABAD (PAKISTAN) Proposal Identification

Number
National Research Program for Universities
Research grants form/Application Form 2023

Title of Proposed Project:

Subject (e.g. Chemistry):

Major field (e.g. Organic Chemistry):
Minor Field (e.g. drug etc.):
Total Funds Requested (in million):
Proposed Duration of Project (in months) :
Proposed Starting Date of Project:
Turnitin similarity index (%):
Details of Principal Investigator (PI):
Province of the University:
University Name:
Designation (BPS or TTS): N/A
Department:
University Campus/sub Campus:
CNIC Number:
Email address:
Cell and Phone # :
Impact factor:
Already NRPU submitted projects with ID No. N/A
a. Completed N/A
b. Ongoing N/A
c. Under review process N/A
Mentioned beneficiary industry:
(Letter of support for industry problem to be attached)

COVER SHEET FOR PROPOSAL

A. Title of Proposed Project
1
B. Nature of Proposed Research

B1. Basic  B2. Applied  B3. Community  B4. Commercialized  B5. Thematic 
C. Domain of Proposed Research

C1. Sciences  C2. Engineering & Technology  C3. Social Sciences  C3. Humanities 
D. Field of Proposed Research and Specialization

D1. Subject :
D2. Major Field :
D3. Minor Field (Specialization) :
E. Project Digest

The Executive Summary (limited to one page) provides an overview of the proposed research project.
It should clearly identify the research questions/ challenges related to priority areas of national
relevance and justify how the proposed project addresses those challenges for socio-economic
development of the country. The broad research objectives should be briefly described, as well as the
activities to be undertaken to achieve the project goals. In addition, it should identify the roles of
partners – academic and sectoral1– that will contribute to the success of the proposed project should
be identified.

E1. Quantifiable measure of impact on society after project completion.

Enlist quantifiable measures of the project here.

E2. Proposed Duration of Project: (in months) E3. Proposed Starting Date E4. Total Funds Requested
(in million)
F. Details of Principal Investigator (PI) (details of yourself)

F1. Full Name of PI F 2. Highest Degree F 3. Position/Title

N/A
F 4. Department/Section F 5. University/Institution F 6. CNIC:

F 7. Mailing Information
a. Mailing Address: b. Email: c. Telephone: (Area code, number and extension)

G. Details of Co-PI

G1. Full Name of Co-PI (First-Middle-Last) G2. Highest Degree G3. Position/Title (BPS/TTS)

G4. Department/Section G5. University/Institution G6. CNIC / Passport:

1
Sectoral stakeholders can include private enterprise (including, but not limited to, large multinationals and regional or local SMEs),
relevant Ministries, government agencies, public authorities, chambers of commerce, trade groups and professional associations,
policymakers and other appropriate stakeholders.
G7. Mailing Information
a. Mailing Address: b. Email: c. Telephone: (Area code, number and extension)
Office :
Mobile:
Res:
H. Declaration/Certificate:
It is hereby certified that:
a) N/A
b) Equipment demanded for the subject project are not available in the University.
c) No portion of this project has been submitted and /or funded by HEC or any other funding agency.
d) Subject project is genuinely novel and that there is no plagiarized material including self-
plagiarism.
e) PI has never been blacklisted by HEC.
f) Host University will provide complete support for the establishment & operation of this project, if
funded by HEC, and also provide other facilities including land, building, space, laboratories,
machinery, equipment, transport, amenities including utilities and other services throughout the
life cycle of this project.

Signature of Principal Investigator Signature with Stamp of Director ORIC / Registrar

Office

N/A

Signature with Stamp of the Head of Institution

(Vice-chancellor of University)

N/A
 PROJECT DETAILS
In this Section (maximum ten pages, including Tables and Figures), describe in detail the research
plan for the proposed NRPU project.

Incomplete proposal and exceeding the established page limits may not be considered.

1. Project Summary

2. Proposed Goals/Objectives

2A. Hypothesis/Basis of Research

The current research proposal hypothesizes that The health and richness of aquatic life are severely impacted
by changes in water quality parameters, such as elevated pollution levels and changed pH, which result in
declining populations and disturbed ecosystems.

This theory lays the groundwork for studies into particular contaminants and their impacts on aquatic creatures
by indicating a direct link between declining water quality and detrimental effects on these organisms.

2B. Goals/Objectives

The current research study will attempt to achieve the following objectives:
1. Analyze Water Quality: Identify the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of
the water in a few chosen rivers.
2. Evaluate Impact on Aquatic Life: Examine how fish, invertebrates, and plant species are
affected by the quality of the water.
3. Find the Sources of Pollution: Examine the main causes of river pollution and how they
affect the decline in water quality.
4. Formulate Suggestions: Make practical recommendations for enhancing water quality
and safeguarding aquatic environments.

2C. Identify end user/ beneficiary industry.

The proposed research study "Assessment of Water Quality and Its Impact on Aquatic Life" will have a wide
range of beneficiaries in the public health, environmental, and economic domains. The proposed research
study will give environmental scientists and conservationists important new information that they may use to
create focused plans for preserving and reviving aquatic ecosystems.
The proposed research study will have implications for local communities and fisheries. The survival of fish
populations and other aquatic resources, which are vital to the lives of many communities, depends on clean
and healthy water systems.
In order to mitigate environmental degradation and preserve biodiversity, conservation efforts and
policy-making are guided by the research's identification of contaminants and evaluation of their impacts
on aquatic species.
3. Introduction

Rivers are a significant supply of freshwater for aquatic life and fish reproduction as well as human
consumption. The population growth and economic expansion, along with the careless disposal of
untreated wastewater into rivers, have had a negative impact on the water quality and life-supporting
functions of these bodies of water.
The river systems of Pakistan, such as the Indus, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, and Sutlej, are essential for
industry, agriculture, and drinking water. But because of home waste, agricultural runoff, and
industrial discharge, these waterways are severely polluted. The current state of these rivers' water
quality will be evaluated, and its effects on aquatic life will be examined. This study will offer
suggestions for enhancing water management and conservation initiatives by identifying pollution
sources and their consequences on ecosystems.

4. Justification for the research problem

4A. Research plan/ Methodology

Methodology: Describe how the research plan will be accomplished over the three years of funding
available for the proposed project, and identify appropriate milestones and anticipated deliverables.

TIME SCHEDULE OBJECTIVES

1st Year 1.
2nd Year 2.

Gantt chart is given on the next page.

GANTT CHART OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE PROJECT

1
 4B. References

In Harvard Style

5. Impact in Quantifiable Terms

1.

6. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

7. Collaborating organizations

Project Team, including partnerships: Comment on the capacity of the proposed team – including
faculty expertise, collaborators and facilities (current or anticipated) – to deliver results in timely
manner.

8. Facilities and funding

In this Section (maximum two pages), describe the physical resources and facilities that are available
to the proposed project. Be sure to comment on how these resources and facilities will enable the
workplan of the proposed project to be accomplished.

In this Section, be sure to identify major anticipated equipment expenditures as part of the proposed
project. Include preliminary cost estimates and a plan for maintenance costs both during the lifetime
of the proposed project and after the project funding concludes.

8A. Facilities available

8B. Facilities not available

i)

8C. Scientific Personnel

i)

1
 8D. Other funding available for the proposed studies (if any)

NA

9. Principal Investigator

Your previous projects if any

Sr. # Title of Project Initiation Completion Amount(s) Funding
date date awarded source(s)
1

(one page summary of each project is attached)

9A. A Brief Resume of PI

Resume (CV) is attached.

10. Estimated budget for the proposed research period

% of time
Amount
Description devoted year 1 year 2
(in million Rs.)
to project
A. Salaries and Honorarium
PI: (Either on BPS or TTS) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Co-PI: (Either on BPS or TTS) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Studentships @
M. Phil. Scholars
PhD Scholars
BS / M. Sc.
Subtotal:

B. Permanent Equipment

Subtotal:
 C. Expendable Supplies

Subtotal:

D. Local Travel
Local Travel
Subtotal:

E. Others
Journal publication fee / Online
material
Stationary/Contingency
Subtotal:

F. Miscellaneous

Subtotal:
Subtotal (D + E + F):

G. Indirect cost (University overheads)

05% of total direct cost to meet
research office support and utilities,
etc.
Subtotal:
Grand Total (A + B + C + D + E +
F+ G):

11. Justification
A. Salaries & Allowances
B. Permanent Equipment

C. Expendable supplies

D. Other Costs.
12. Check list/ Have you filled/attached copies of all required documents?

Sr. # Check list/ required documents Tick () Yes Reference

or No page No.
1. Is PI a full time regular faculty member (BPS or TTS) or on contact not N/A N/A
less than project life?
2. Has PI never been black listed by HEC?
3. Is PI not executing any NRPU project whose completion is delayed by N/A N/A
three (03) years? (If No, please specify their ID number.)
4. Is PI not currently executing or has submitted two or more NRPU
projects.
5. Is Turnitin report of the proposal attached?

6. Has a clearance certificate from Institutional Bioethics Committee (IBC)

of the university/DAI concerned attached (if required)?
7. Have relevant university authorities affixed signatures with date &
stamps on the Declaration Certificates? (Section H of cover sheet for
proposal at page # 3)
8. Has a brief of the impact of research project been attached? (Section-
5)
9. Is industry support letter attached? (Section-2C)
10. Has a letter of consent from collaborating partner/agency expressing
willingness to collaborate been attached? (Section-7)
11. Is one page summary of each project of PI already completed/ running/
submitted to any funding agency been attached? (Section-9)
12. Is equipment demanded for the execution of the subject project not
available with the University / DAI? (Section-10B)
13. Have original Invoices / Quotations for permanent equipment costing
over Rs.0.1 million or more been attached? (Section-10B)
14. Have year-wise cost and quantities of each expendable item been
given (Section-10C)?
15. Has tentative and detailed schedule of local visits (annual plan) with
justification and rates been provided (if study involves field survey/field
work)? (Section-10D)
16. Has head of institution duly endorsed the application (Section-13) of the
application form?
17. Is total cost of the research project in line with the financial provisions
of the NRPU program (with reference to PI’s Impact Factor)?
18. Have you provided project activities on GANTT Chart?
19. Have all fields of research proposal been carefully filled and counter
checked by the PI?
20. Have you prepared research proposal (Hard copies) along with
soft/scanned copies on updated Research Grant Form/ Application
Form 2023?
13. Endorsement

N/A

SIGNATURE OF PI Signature of the Director ORIC/Research Office

Date /Registrar Office (with Stamp)
Date

N/A

Endorsement of the Head of Institution

SIGNATURE OF CO-PI (Vice-chancellor of University)
Date Signature & Stamp

Name & Title:

Address:

Phone: E-mail:

Fax:

Date:

Introduction

Water is an essential resource, sustaining both terrestrial and aquatic life. In Pakistan, freshwater
ecosystems are critical to the country's biodiversity, economy, and human health. However, the
degradation of water quality due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urbanization poses a
significant threat to aquatic life. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and nutrients lead to
the deterioration of water quality, affecting the habitat and health of aquatic species. This research
aims to assess the current state of water quality in Pakistan and evaluate its impact on the aquatic
ecosystems within the country's major water bodies.

Problem Statement

Pakistan’s freshwater resources are under considerable stress due to pollution and environmental
mismanagement. The declining water quality has led to concerns about the sustainability of aquatic
life, with many species facing the risk of extinction. This research seeks to investigate the extent of
water pollution and its direct effects on aquatic biodiversity, focusing on the ecological balance
within Pakistan's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Objectives of the Study

1. Assessment of Water Quality:

o To measure the concentration of pollutants such as heavy metals, nitrates, phosphates,
and other contaminants in Pakistan's freshwater bodies.
o To analyze seasonal variations in water quality parameters.
2. Impact on Aquatic Life:
o To examine the correlation between water quality and the health of aquatic species.
o To identify the most vulnerable species and ecosystems.
3. Policy Recommendations:
o To propose measures for improving water quality management.
o To suggest conservation strategies for protecting aquatic biodiversity.

Literature Review

Several studies have explored the relationship between water quality and aquatic life globally,
highlighting the negative effects of pollution on freshwater ecosystems. However, there is limited
research focusing on Pakistan's water bodies. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on
individual rivers or lakes, with insufficient emphasis on a comprehensive national assessment. This
research aims to fill this gap by providing a broad analysis of water quality across various regions in
Pakistan and its impact on local aquatic life.

Research Methodology

Study Area:
The research will focus on major freshwater bodies in Pakistan, including the Indus River, Chenab
River, and Lake Manchar.

Sampling:
Water samples will be collected from multiple sites within each water body, ensuring coverage of
both upstream and downstream locations.

Parameters to be Analyzed:

• Physical Parameters: Temperature, turbidity, and pH.

• Chemical Parameters: Concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals (e.g., lead,
mercury), and dissolved oxygen.
• Biological Parameters: Presence of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and key indicator species.

Impact Assessment:
The health of aquatic life will be evaluated through surveys and monitoring of species diversity,
population densities, and reproductive health. Statistical analysis will be conducted to establish
correlations between water quality parameters and the observed biological impacts.

Expected Outcomes

• A comprehensive assessment of water quality in major freshwater bodies in Pakistan.

• Identification of the primary pollutants affecting aquatic life.
• Insights into the impact of water pollution on the biodiversity and ecological balance within
these ecosystems.
• Practical recommendations for policy-makers to improve water quality and protect aquatic
life.
Significance of the Study

This research is crucial for the conservation of Pakistan’s aquatic ecosystems. The findings will
provide valuable data to inform environmental policies and strategies aimed at mitigating pollution
and preserving biodiversity. By understanding the relationship between water quality and aquatic
life, this study will contribute to the sustainable management of freshwater resources in Pakistan.

Timeline
Activity Timeline
Literature Review 2 months
Sample Collection 3 months
Laboratory Analysis 4 months
Data Analysis 2 months
Report Writing 1 month
Submission of Report 1 month

Budget
Expense Cost (PKR)
Field Equipment 200,000
Laboratory Chemicals 150,000
Travel and Logistics 100,000
Data Analysis Software 50,000
Miscellaneous 50,000
Total 550,000

Conclusion

This research will provide a critical assessment of water quality in Pakistan and its impact on aquatic
ecosystems. The findings will be instrumental in guiding environmental policies, ensuring the
protection and sustainability of the country’s freshwater resources and the biodiversity they support.