Ecological patterns of phytoplankton across lake cross-section: insights into co-evolution of physicochemical conditions in Chashma Lake on Indus River.

Physicochemical properties of water influence planktonic diversity and distribution, which is essential in obtaining basic knowledge of aquatic biodiversity. Thus current study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal diversity, abundance ratio, and distribution of phytoplankton species and their association with water quality parameters of Chashma Lake, Pakistan. During the study period from 2018 to 2019, we measured 13 physicochemical parameters across three selected sampling sites (S1, S2, and S3) in Chashma Lake, revealing both spatial and temporal variability. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was higher in S3, while S1 exhibited higher alkalinity levels, carbon dioxide, phosphorus, and chloride levels. The study identified 77 phytoplankton species grouped into five taxonomic categories, with Cyanobacteria dominating (39.90%), followed by Chlorophyta (33.4%) and Bacillariophyta (24.88%). Euglenozoa and Ochrophyta were less abundant (1.3% and 0.41%, respectively). Spatial variations in phytoplankton distribution were noted, with Chlorophyta being more abundant at S2, Bacillariophyta and Cyanobacteria at S1, and Euglenozoa dominating at S3. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed the influence of various physicochemical parameters on phytoplankton distribution. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights for the ecological assessment and monitoring of water bodies. It is recommended that continuous monitoring is required to capture long-term trends, further explore the specific environmental drivers impacting phytoplankton dynamics, and consider management strategies for maintaining water quality and biodiversity in Chashma Lake.

Human Health Risk Assessment due to the Incidence of Heavy Metals in Different Commercial Feeds Used for the Culturing of Biofloc Fish (Nile tilapia: Oreochromis niloticus).

Fish meat is a major and rich source of white protein; its quality is determined by the fish feed. However, the low-quality feed may contribute to a source of contamination if it does not fulfill the standard protocol. Biofloc is considered one of the most efficient, successful aquacultures, but this system is still under investigation for its efficiency and safety. Thus, current study focused on the heavy metal contamination in biofloc fish fed on different commercial feeds and human health risk analysis. Samples of extensively used three feeds (Supreme™, Hitech™, and MH-Aqua™), tanks water, and biofloc fish (gills, liver muscle) were collected for heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr) analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry. An experiment was designed by dividing the fish into three groups: group 1 (Supreme™), group 2 (Hitech™), and group 3 (MH-Aqua™). A bioaccumulation factor and human health risk assessment have been calculated to measure fish and human health. Results revealed that most of the heavy metal concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in MH-Aqua™ feed compared to others. Similarly, heavy metal concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in the water of group 3, where fish was cultured on MH-Aqua™ feed. However, in the fish gills, liver, and muscle, the heavy metal concentration was significantly greater in group 3 fed on MH-Aqua™ feed, followed by group 1. Heavy metals in all feeds were positively correlated to the heavy metal concentration of the fish muscles. The bioaccumulation factor for Cu and Pb was higher in the fish liver, Cd and Cr in the case of fish gills, and least in the fish muscle. EDI and THQ values vary in all the groups, while the HI value was found lower than 1 in group 1 and group 2 but higher in group 3 fed on MH-Aqua™ feed. Strict checks and balances in formulating a diet will be helpful to progressively lower the amount of dangerous heavy metals.

Bio-reductive synthesis of silver nanoparticles, its antibacterial efficiency, and possible toxicity in common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio).

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging field of study that seeks to synthesize nanoparticles using non-chemical mechanisms such as microorganisms, plants, and animal blood serum. Among these, plants have gained particular attention due to their ease of handling, availability, and ability to synthesize a wide range of nanoparticles. Therefore, the current study aimed to fabricate the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Chinese medicinal plants (CMP) for their possible toxicity in common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, CMP was dried, ground, and used as a bio-reductive agent. The fabricated AgNPs were characterized and a well dispersed AgNPs were obtained. Moreover, the C. carpio was exposed to the AgNPs for bioaccumulation and histological alterations. The obtained findings revealed that the AgNPs were mostly accumulated in the intestines followed by the gills, muscles, liver, and brain. The accumulated AgNPs caused histological alterations in gills and intestines at the highest concentration (0.08 mg/L). However, very less alterations were caused by the lowest concentration, especially in the intestine. In conclusion, further in-depth research is needed to determine the risks associated with the usage of nanoparticles to reveal their harmful impacts on fish and the aquatic environment. HIGHLIGHTS: The biological fabrication of AgNPs is considered eco-friendly. Chinese medicinal plants play a significant role in AgNPs synthesis. AgNPs have excellent antibacterial activity. AgNPs are bioaccumulated in various organs of fish.

GC-MS-based profiling and ameliorative potential of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines fruit against cardiac and testicular toxicity: An In vivo study.

Fruit of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines (C. opaca) is a feed additive and is commonly used against cardiac dysfunction, fever, asthma, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ailments, and skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile and antioxidant potential of C. opaca fruit against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cardiotoxicity and testicular toxicity in rats. Gas Chromatoghraphy-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of C. opaca fruit for the identification of potential metabolic profile, followed by methanolic extract of C. opaca and its derived fractions including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous were used to assess the antioxidant potential of fruits. Ten groups of rats received different treatments and got evaluated for cardiac and testicular antioxidant enzymes, histological architecture, and serum hormonal levels. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of C. opaca fruit showed the presence of some bioactive metabolites like cyclodecane, diethyl 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate, tetrahydro-geraniol, S-[2-[N, N-Dimethylamino]ethyl]morpoline, 2,3-Methylenedioxyphenol, alpha-d-Glucopyranoside, 5,10-Diethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H, 6H-dipyrrolo [1,2-a; 1',2'-d] pyrazine and 1,3-Benzothiazol-2(3H)-one,3-(3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutyl) that corresponds the medicinal properties of C. opaca fruit. Prepared fractions of C. opaca fruits mitigated the toxicity induced by CCl4 in the heart and testicular tissues of rats. Oxidative stress was caused by the inhibition of activities of glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes of the body, while on the other hand elevating the levels of nitrite and hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with C. opaca fruit extract normalized the levels of enzymes, reproductive hormones, and free radicals thus restoring the histopathological and enzymatic biomarkers towards the normal group. The study supports the indigenous use of fruits as an alternative medicine against cardiac dysfunction by providing scientific evidence of protection against CCl4-induced injuries, and it also concludes the antioxidant defensive role in testicular tissues.