Folk Knowledge and Perceptions about the Use of Wild Fruits and Vegetables-Cross-Cultural Knowledge in the Pipli Pahar Reserved Forest of Okara, Pakistan.

Wild fruits and vegetables (WFVs) have been vital to local communities for centuries and make an important contribution to daily life and income. However, traditional knowledge of the use of wild fruits is at risk of being lost due to inadequate documentation. This study aimed to secure this knowledge through intermittent field visits and a semi-structured questionnaire. Using various ethnobotanical data analysis tools and SPSS (IBM 25), this study identified 65 WFV species (52 genera and 29 families). These species, mostly consumed as vegetables (49%) or fruits (43%), were predominantly herbaceous (48%) in wild and semi-wild habitats (67%). 20 WFVs were known to local communities (highest RFC), Phoenix sylvestris stood out as the most utilized species (highest UV). Surprisingly, only 23% of the WFVs were sold at markets. The survey identified 21 unique WFVs that are rarely documented for human consumption in Pakistan (e.g., Ehretia obtusifolia, Euploca strigosa, Brassica juncea, Cleome brachycarpa, Gymnosporia royleana, Cucumis maderaspatanus, Croton bonplandianus, Euphorbia prostrata, Vachellia nilotica, Pongamia pinnata, Grewia asiatica, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Morus serrata, Argemone mexicana, Bambusa vulgaris, Echinochloa colonum, Solanum virginianum, Physalis angulata, Withania somnifera, Zygophyllum creticum, and Peganum harmala), as well as 14 novel uses and five novel edible parts. Despite their ecological importance, the use of WFVs has declined because local people are unaware of their cultural and economic value. Preservation of traditional knowledge through education on conservation and utilization could boost economies and livelihoods in this and similar areas worldwide.

Effects of Different Aquafeed Sources on Growth Performance, Oxidative Capacity, and Fatty Acid Profile of Three Carps Reared in the Semi-Intensive Composite Culture System.

The current experiment is designed to evaluate the effect of different aquafeeds (farm-made versus commercial) on growth, body composition, oxidative capacity, and fatty acid profile in the semi-intensive composite culture system. For this, 1,100 fingerlings/acre having initial body weight and length, Labeo rohita (61.34 g, 171 mm), Catla catla (71.45 g, 181 mm), and Cyprinus carpio (30.80 g, 91 mm) were randomly distributed to 16 ponds and randomly fed on eight different diets (n = 2 pond/diet) in a completely randomized research design. Aquafeed were farm-based diets (D1-D2) and commercial aquafeed (D3-D8). The farm-made diets contained various crude protein levels of maize gluten (24.9%) and rice polish (7.3%), whereas commercial diets were procured from commercial feed plants (AMG, Supreme, Aqua, Star Floating, Hi-Pro, and Punjab feed). The growth performance of carps (L. rohita and C. catla) was significantly improved (p < 0.05) by feeding D3 as compared to other diets. Similarly, white blood cell concentration was greater (p < 0.05) in all species fed by D3 than in those fed on D7, D8, D5, D6, D1, and D2 fed groups, respectively. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine phosphatase activities were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the D3-fed L. rohita, C. catla, and C. carpio compared with those fed on the rest of the treatments. The activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also higher (p < 0.05) for the D3 fed L. rohita, C. catla, and C. carpio than those fed on the rest diets. The groups fed on D3 and D4 had greater (p < 0.05) concentrations of myristic (14), palmitic acid (16), and stearic (18) acids than those fed on the rest of the commercial diets. However, meat chemical composition was similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. These results also prove that the increase in the dietary protein level and lipid content can improve the fish's body's crude protein and fat levels. Feeding D3 improved the production performance, oxidative status, and fatty acid profile in composite major carps culture systems. Thus, based on growth, survival, and body composition, it is concluded that D3 and D4 may be recommended for a commercial culture of major carps. Dietary treatments had no significant impact (p > 0.05) on water's physical-chemical properties. Calcium content and alkalinity varied (p < 0.05), with D5 showing the lowest calcium and the highest alkalinity.

Roles of Essential Oils, Polyphenols, and Saponins of Medicinal Plants as Natural Additives and Anthelmintics in Ruminant Diets: A Systematic Review.

Public awareness on health and safety issues in using antibiotics for livestock production has led many countries to ban the use of all growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) for livestock feeding. The ban on the utilization of antibiotics in livestock, on the other hand, is an opportunity for researchers and livestock practitioners to develop alternative feed additives that are safe for both livestock and the consumers of animal derived foods. Many feed additives were developed from a number of plants that contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins. These secondary metabolites are extracted from various parts of many types of plants for their uses as feed additives and anthelmintics. Recent investigations on using essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins as dietary additives and anthelmintics demonstrate that they can increase not only the production and health of ruminants but also ensure the safety of the resulting foods. There are many publications on the advantageous impacts of dietary plant bioactive components on ruminants; however, a comprehensive review on individual bioactive constituents of each plant secondary metabolites along with their beneficial effects as feed additives and anthelmintics on ruminants is highly required. This current study reviewed the individual bioactive components of different plant secondary metabolites and their functions as additives and anthelmintics to improve ruminant production and health, with respect to safety, affordability and efficiency, using a systematic review procedure.

Silage Mixtures of Alfalfa with Sweet Sorghum Alter Blood and Rumen Physiological Status and Rumen Microbiota of Karakul Lambs.

The study investigated the effects of feeding mixtures of alfalfa (AF) and sweet sorghum (SS) at different ratios of silages in terms of the physiological status of blood and rumen, and rumen microbiota in lambs. A total of 30 four-month-old male Karakul lambs with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg mean initial body weight were randomly allocated to five groups, with six lambs in each group. Five experimental diets containing 40% of one of the five AF−SS mixed silages (containing 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% AF on a fresh weight basis, respectively) and 60% of other ingredients were formulated. Overall, the results showed that the mixed silage with more AF tended to increase serum antioxidant capacity, dry matter (DM) intake, and rumen fermentation metabolites. The AF−SS mixed silages containing AF at 60% and 80% caused a significant linear increase (p < 0.05) in the activity of total antioxidant capacity. The superoxide dismutase in the Karakul lamb responded with significant linear and quadratic increases (p < 0.01) as the ratio of AF was increased in the AF−SS mixed silages. Feeding diets with AF in silage mixtures at the ratio of 60% significantly increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (tVFA), acetate, and ammonia-N. However, no statistical significance (p > 0.05) was found in the alpha diversity of rumen microbes among the tested groups (p > 0.05). Principal coordinates analysis could clearly discriminate the differences between the five groups (p = 0.001). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen were significantly higher with AF at 40% in the AF−SS silage-based diet than those with AF at 0%, and 20% ratios. The abundance of Ruminococcus_albus had a significant linear increase (p < 0.05), as the ratio of AF in the AF−SS mixed silages was increased. In conclusion, the best beneficial effect on the physiological status of the blood and rumen, DM intake, and rumen microbiota in lambs came from those that consumed the diet containing the AF−SS mixed silage with 60% AF.

Connecting nutritional facts with the traditional ranking of ethnobotanically used fodder grasses by local farmers in Central Punjab of Pakistan.

The local farmers of Central Punjab, Pakistan have been using indigenous grasses as vital components of ruminant diets, but little is reported about their nutritional potential. Hence this study investigated nutritive potential of a selection of ethnobotanically important fodder grasses. Multiple nutritional parameters (proximate components, fibre fractions), secondary metabolites (phenolics, tannins) and in vitro digestibility values were determined. Furthermore, the legitimacy of ethnobotanical knowledge of local inhabitants about these grasses was also verified. The results suggested that majority (77%) of these grasses can be regarded as good quality fodders because of their high protein (169 g/kg) and good digestibility (457 g/kg) with moderate fibre (≤ 602 g/kg), lignin (≤ 50 g/kg) and secondary metabolites (total phenols ≤ 87 g/kg, total tannins ≤ 78 g/kg, condensed tannins ≤ 61 g/kg). Pearson correlation between nutritional parameters indicated that in vitro digestibility values were positively correlated with crude proteins (IVDMD, r = + 0.83 and IVOMD, r = + 0.83 respectively) and negatively correlated with fibre (NDF, r = - 0.91), ADF, r = - 0.84 and ADL, r = - 0.82) contents. Moreover, a positive relationship was identified between ethnobotanical knowledge and laboratory findings for studied grasses. Spearman correlation test showed that ranking of grasses based on ethnobotanical preferences were highly correlated (r values) with the laboratory results for CP (0.85), NDF (- 0.76), ADF (- 0.72) and ADL (- 0.62). The resilient complementarities between ethnobotanical preferences and nutritive analysis authenticate farmer's traditional knowledge, which needed to be aligned with the corresponding scientific data. Farmers can use these findings for appropriate fodder selection and development of precise supplements for feeding ruminants within a sustainable and economically viable livestock industry for food security.

Biochemical Properties of Black and Green Teas and Their Insoluble Residues as Natural Dietary Additives to Optimize In Vitro Rumen Degradability and Fermentation but Reduce Methane in Sheep.

Black (BTL) or green (GTL) tea and their spent tea (STL) leaves can be used as natural dietary additives for ruminants. Experiment 1 used a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four replicates (n = 4) to test the effects of three different inclusions of tea leaves at 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/kg DM of two different tea types (BTL and GTL) in two different total mixed diets containing either ryegrass hay (RH) or rice straw (RS) on in vitro rumen organic matter degradability (IVOMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH, ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) outputs over a 24 h incubation time. Experiment 2 followed a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with eight replicates (n = 8) to study the impacts of three different STL inclusions at 0, 100, and 200 g/kg DM of two different STL types (black and green) into two different total mixed diets containing either RH or RS on the same in vitro measurements. Both types of tea leaves decreased NH3 (p < 0.001) and CH4 (p < 0.01) without affecting (p > 0.05) rumen degradability, but the effect of their STL was less remarkable. Tea leaves and their STL inclusions improved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio. Compared with BTL, GTL containing diets had higher IVOMD (p < 0.05) and A:P ratio (p < 0.05) but lower NH3 (p < 0.001). Reduced rumen NH3 and CH4 outputs can be useful for protein and energy use efficiency while an increased A:P ratio might lead to increased milk fat synthesis and reduced low-fat milk syndrome. The surplus or wasted tea leaf products could be used as sustainable sources of nutrients to optimize rumen function and minimize environmental impacts of feeding ruminant animals.

Toxicity assessment of metallic nickel nanoparticles in various biological models: An interplay of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) are widely used for multiple purposes in industries. Ni-NPs exposure is detrimental to ecosystems owing to widespread use, and so their toxicity is important to consider for real-world applications. This review mainly focuses on the notable pathophysiological activities of Ni-NPs in various research models. Ni-NPs are stated to be more toxic than bulk forms because of their larger surface area to volume ratio and are reported to provoke toxicity through reactive oxygen species generation, which leads to the upregulation of nuclear factor-κB and promotes further signaling cascades. Ni-NPs may contribute to provoking oxidative stress and apoptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways are involved in Ni-NPs associated toxicity. Ni-NPs trigger the transcription factors p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK1/2, interleukin (IL)-3, TNF-α, IL-13, Fas, Cyt c, Bax, Bid protein, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, Ni-NPs have an occupational vulnerability and were reported to induce lung-related disorders owing to inhalation. Ni-NPs may cause serious effects on reproduction as Ni-NPs induced deleterious effects on reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) in animal models and provoked hormonal alteration. However, recent studies have provided limited knowledge regarding the important checkpoints of signaling pathways and less focused on the toxic limitation of Ni-NPs in humans, which therefore needs to be further investigated.

Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera on copper nanoparticle induced toxicity in Cyprinus carpio assessed by histology and oxidative stress markers.

Nanoparticles (NPs) enter the environment mainly through waste water effluents, accidental spillage, and industrial runoffs. This is worrying because NPs can enter the human body owing to their large aspect-to-size ratio and reactive surfaces that facilitate their penetration through biological barriers and thus can induce oxidative stress in host cells. Therefore, there is a growing concern about the toxicity of NPs, which needs to be addressed. Thus, this study investigated the ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera seed extract (MOSE) in Cyprinus carpio exposed to copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). For the in vivo assessment of the shielding effects of MOSE, 240 samples of C. carpio (40-45 g) were randomly allocated to 24 experimental tanks (10 fish/tank of 40 L) 24 h prior to the start of this experiment. The experimental fish were faced with the water-born exposure of a pre-determined dose of 1.5 mg Cu-NPs/l along with pre- and post-treatment with different doses (100 or 200 or 300 mg l-1) of MOSE for 28 days. The MOSE showed significant ameliorative effect on the antioxidant defense, in response to the elevated levels of Cu-NP-induced oxidative stress. It also played a protective role as indicated by the suppression of the histological alterations in the gills and liver of fish exposed to the Cu-NPs. It was concluded that the Cu-NP-induced toxicity in C. carpio was ameliorated by the use of MOSE in this study. Moreover, the post-Cu-NP treatment stage showed more protective effects of MOSE than the pre-Cu-NP treatment phase. Further studies are suggested to determine the optimum dose and delivery method of MOSE for similar or different NP exposed fish.

Evaluating toxicity of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) through waterborne exposure to tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) by tissue accumulation, oxidative stress, histopathology, and genotoxicity.

Metal oxide nanoparticles are widely used in industries, and peak level can be confirmed in their surroundings. In the present study, the sub-lethal effects of CuO-NPs from low to high concentration as 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L were observed in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Accumulation of copper from CuO-NPs was increased with the increase in doses, and maximum accumulation was found in the gill than liver and muscles. The increased lipid peroxidation level was observed in the gill as compared to liver, and the similar results were obtained in catalase and glutathione while superoxide dismutase level was higher in the liver than gills. In histological alterations, gill edema, curved tips, fusion of gill lamellae, and thickening of primary and secondary gill lamellae were observed. Necrosis and apoptosis with condensed nuclear bodies and pyknotic nuclei were observed in the liver at the highest dose concentration. In a genotoxic study, the highest value of % tail DNA and olive tail movement was observed with increasing concentrations. Copper oxide nanoparticles has greater potential to accumulate in the soft tissues, which may cause respiratory distress such as oxidative stress, induction of antioxidant defense by raising glutathione, organ pathology, and genotoxicity.

Ameliorative Effects of Selenium in ZnO NP-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hematological Alterations in Catla catla.

Various applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can increase pollution in aquatic environments. Consequently, pollution can cause toxicity in fish as indicated by oxidative stress, hematotoxicity, and changes in gill and liver histology. Selenium is known for its antioxidant potential in scavenging the free radicals generated during ZnO NP-induced oxidative stress. This study tested the ameliorative role of selenium against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in freshwater fish Catla catla. Four groups of replicated fish, representing control, selenium-treated, ZnO NP-treated, and ZnO NPs+selenium-treated, were used in this study. The ZnO NPs (40 mg l-1) were given to fish in water whereas selenium (50 µg kg-1) was given as sodium selenite in feed. After 28 days of exposure, the fish specimens were processed to collect samples of blood, gills, and liver. The results demonstrated that the consumption of selenium containing feeds protected the C. catla from ZnO NP-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. The use of selenium containing feeds appeared to have reduced the contents of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reduced (GSH), and increased the level of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the consumption of selenium in feeds improved the hematological parameters in ZnO NP-treated fish. This study suggests that dietary selenium might be able to ameliorate ZnO NP-induced toxicity in fish.

Assessment of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and copper (II) oxide (CuO) induced hemato- and hepatotoxicity in Cyprinus carpio.

Recently, Cu-based nanoparticles have drawn considerable attention for their various fascinating roles in multiple biological systems. It is recognized that their frequent use can create compatibility challenges for the recipient systems. Nevertheless, it is unclear how various biological interactions affect the compatibility of Cu oxide II (CuO) and Cu oxide nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) for different organisms. Consequently, it has been difficult to perform structured risk assessments for their use in biological systems. Therefore, this study compared the effects of different doses of waterborne Cu-NPs and CuO on the blood and liver of selected groups of Cyprinus (C) carpio. These fish while housed in suitable water tanks were exposed to one of the following treatments for 14 d: control (no added Cu) or 0.5 or 1 or 1.5 mg Cu as Cu-NPs or CuO l-1 of water. We found significant changes in all assessed blood parameters of fish in response to increasing doses from 0 to 1.5 mg of Cu-NPs or CuO. Similarly, increased levels of lipid peroxide and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also observed in the livers of C. carpio in Cu-NPs or CuO treated groups. Enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation and GSH were also recorded in the Cu-NP treated groups compared with the CuO treated groups in a dose dependent manner. The lowest catalase activity was observed in the liver of C. carpio treated with the higer dose of Cu-NPs. Cu-NP or CuO exposure induced significant histological alterations in the liver of C. carpio including focal necrosis, cloudy swelling of hepatocytes, degenerative hepatocytes, vacuolization, pyknotic nuclei, damaged central vein, nuclear hypertrophy, dilated sinusoid, vacuolated degeneration, congestion, and complete degeneration in a dose dependent manner. Substantial alterations in blood and liver specimens were observed in the Cu-NP treated fish when compared with the CuO treated fish. It appeared that the Cu-NPs were more toxic than the CuO as shown by the hemato- and hepatotoxicity in C. carpio of this study.

Assessment of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) Induced Hepatotoxicity and Ameliorative Effects of Cinnamomum cassia in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

This study assessed the protective effects of Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) bark extract in rats exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt. For in vivo evaluation of the ameliorative role of the cinnamon extract, the experimental groups were orally administered with the cinnamon extract at different dose levels (50 or 100 or 150 mg/kg bodyweight) along with the subcutaneous injections of 150 mg/kg bodyweight titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt. The extract showed significant ameliorative role on the antioxidant system in response to elevated levels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt-induced oxidative stress. It aided in the recovery of the antioxidant system as well as protective role in histological damages and some haematological parameters in the rat liver treated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt.

Ethnobotanical studies of fodder grass resources for ruminant animals, based on the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities in Central Punjab Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge of indigenous plants is pivotal in developing strategies to feed livestock sustainably in low input systems. Likewise, in Pakistan the indigenous people of Central Punjab have been using their regional grasses as a ruminant fodder for centuries. This study evaluated the indigenous traditional knowledge to ascertain the value of various fodder grasses to optimise their use to feed livestock in Central Punjab. METHODS: The snowball technique was employed to identify key informants who had relevant knowledge about different grasses in the study area. Semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and site visits were used for describing the fodder grasses. The data were then analysed by using relative frequency citation and pairwise comparison methods to determine the order of priority among the listed fodder grasses. Furthermore, SPSS 22 software was used for descriptive statistics and interpretation of associations among studied parameters. Microsoft Excel was used to present data as % values and graphs. RESULTS: Overall, 53 grasses were described with ethnobotanical information regarding their uses for fodder, ethnoveterinary and other purposes. All these grasses belonged to the family Poaceae where the subfamily Panicoideae had the maximum number of 30 grasses. We categorized these grasses into high (A), medium (B) and low priority (C) groups where the group A grasses were reported as not only the most abundant but also the most palatable forages to all ruminants. Their higher demand was reflected by the feeding systems of both ad libitum grazing and feeding after cutting and mixing with other feeds. The study also revealed 37 previously unreported ethnoveterinary uses of these grasses. CONCLUSIONS: The results have reinforced the value of conserving ethnobotanical knowledge, being poorly documented previously, in developing strategies to feed livestock. It indicated the preferred fodder grasses as well as the possible reasons of their preference. The reported data need to be validated for nutritional and health benefits. This information could help the smallholder farmers in association with regional governments to propagate suitable fodder grasses for their use in sustainable livestock feeding to produce safe and healthy food for indigenous communities.

The impact of seasonal variation on organochlorine pesticide residues in buffalo and cow milk of selected dairy farms from Faisalabad region.

Two hundred milk samples from 20 randomly selected dairy farms were screened for the incidence of organochlorine pesticide residues to evaluate the safety of milk in Faisalabad region. The results revealed that overall buffalo milk samples in winter (85 %) and in summer (78 %) were more contaminated as compared to cow milk samples 83 and 75 % in respective seasons. The residues of cyhalothrin were found only in summer season in milk of both species. Permethrin residues were detected at higher levels than perfinofos while DDT and methamedophos were found undetectable. The mean levels of permethrin were 0.042 and 0.033 mg kg-1in buffalo milk samples and 0.045 and 0.043 mg kg-1 in cow milk in winter and summer season, respectively. Perfinofos residues were found to be the least contaminated pesticides with mean values of 0.0006 and 0.0013 mg kg-1, respectively in winter season, and 0.004 and 0.0025 mg kg-1 in summer season. All analysed pesticide residues in milk samples in both seasons were below the maximum residual limit (MRL) values as described by European Union (EU) but milk samples contaminated with α, ß-endosulfan and endosulphate exceeded their respective Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) established MRLs both in winter and summer.

Toxicity of Nano-Titanium Dioxide (TiO2-NP) Through Various Routes of Exposure: a Review.

Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most commonly used materials being synthesized for use as one of the top five nanoparticles. Due to the extensive application of TiO2 nanoparticles and their inclusion in many commercial products, the increased exposure of human beings to nanoparticles is possible. This exposure could be routed via dermal penetration, inhalation and oral ingestion or intravenous injection. Therefore, regular evaluation of their potential toxicity and distribution in the bodies of exposed individuals is essential. Keeping in view the potential health hazards of TiO2 nanoparticles for humans, we reviewed the research articles about studies performed on rats or other mammals as animal models. Most of these studies utilized the dermal or skin and the pulmonary exposures as the primary routes of toxicity. It was interesting that only very few studies revealed that the TiO2 nanoparticles could penetrate through the skin and translocate to other tissues, while many other studies demonstrated that no penetration or translocation could happen through the skin. Conversely, the TiO2 nanoparticles that entered through the pulmonary route were translocated to the brain or the systemic circulation from where these reached other organs like the kidney, liver, etc. In most studies, TiO2 nanoparticles appeared to have caused oxidative stress, histopathological alterations, carcinogenesis, genotoxicity and immune disruption. Therefore, the use of such materials in humans must be either avoided or strictly managed to minimise risks for human health in various situations.

Examining pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotenoids in fish, water and sediments from the Indus River for potential health risks.

This 3 × 3 factorial study assessed pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotenoids groups of pesticides in replicated samples of three fish species from low (S1, reference), medium (S2) and heavy (S3) polluted sites receiving agricultural run-offs around the Indus River. Water and sediment samples from the same sites were also analysed for these pesticides by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Out of nine investigated pesticides, only three pesticides (deltamethrin, carbofuran and cypermethrin) were detected in fish and sediment samples. Deltamethrin in Cyprinus carpio ranged from 0.490 to 0.839 µg/g, mostly exceeding 0.5 µg/g as the maximum residual limit suggested by FAO-WHO, whereas it ranged from 0.214 to 0.318 µg/g in the sampled sediments. The carbofuran concentrations were 0.0425-0.066 and 0.613-0.946 µg/g in Labeo rohita and Channa marulius muscles respectively and 0.069-0.081 µg/g in the corresponding sediment samples. These values were either higher or lower than the maximum limit (0.1 µg/g) as suggested by FAO-WHO. Conversely, the cypermethrin concentration ranged from 0.141 to 0.174 in Ch. marulius and 0.183-0.197 µg/g in sediments which were both below the FAO-WHO maximum limit of 2 µg/g. No pesticide residues were detected in water from these sampling sites. Most selected physicochemical variables were within the acceptable range of World Health Organization for the water quality for aquatic life. The detected pesticide contents were mostly higher in fish muscles from heavily polluted sites. This is worrying because these pesticides may pose health risks for the fish and people of the study area. However, a preliminary risk assessment indicated that the calculated daily intake of detected pesticides by people consuming fish from the Indus River was low and did not present an immediate risk to the fish-consuming people. This study may be used as a benchmark to determine the safety of fish meat in order to develop intervention strategies to maintain the water quality and to protect the health of fish and fish-consuming people.

Monitoring the impact of urban effluents on mineral contents of water and sediments of four sites of the river Ravi, Lahore.

We assessed the impact of urban effluents on the concentrations of selected minerals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Hg) in river Ravi before and after its passage through Lahore city. Water and sediment samples were collected from three lowly to highly polluted downstream sites (Shahdera (B), Sunder (C), and Balloki (D)) alongside the least polluted upstream site (Siphon (A)) during high and low river flow seasons. All the mineral concentrations increased up to site C but stabilized at site D, showing some recovery as compared to the third sampling site. The trend of mean mineral concentration was significantly higher during the low than the high flow season at all the sites. The mean Hg concentrations approached 0.14 and 0.12 mg/l at site A which increased (%) up to 107 and 25% at site B, 1,700 and 1,317% at site C, and 1,185 and 1,177% at site D during low and high river flows, respectively. All mineral concentrations were much higher in the sediment than the water samples. Mean Cd (917%), Cr (461%), Cu (300%), Fe (254%), Pb (179%), Zn (170%), Mn (723%), Ni (853%), and Hg (1,699%) concentrations were higher in riverbed sediments sampled from site C in comparison with the sample collected at site A during low flow season. The domestic and industrial discharges from Lahore city have created undesirable water qualities during the low river flow season. As majority of the mineral levels in the river Ravi were higher than the permissible and safe levels, this is of immediate concern for riverine fish consumers and the users of water for recreation and even irrigation. The use of these waters may pose health risks, and therefore, urgent intervention strategies are needed to minimize river water pollution and its impact on fish-consuming communities of this study area and beyond.