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A 90 days experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of urea treated sugarcane bagasse on the growth, gut microflora and digestive enzymes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were fed to 3% wet body weight per day with experimental diets having 0% (CTRL), 0.7% (T1), 1.4% (T2) and 2.1% (T3) urea, with each group having two replicate tanks. Fish fed on 2.1% urea treated sugarcane bagasse (T3) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher growth as compared to T2, T1 and CTRL. The feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate were also significantly higher in T3 fish group, followed by the T2, T1 and CTRL groups. Proximate analysis of fish showed that the level of crude protein was higher significantly in T2 fish than other groups and crude fat level was significantly higher in T1 fish, followed the T2, CTRL and T3 fish groups. The percentage level of dry matter was significantly higher in T3 fish and ash percentage was significantly higher in T2 fish relative to T3, T1 and CTRL groups. Amylase and Lipase concentration was significantly higher in T2 fish compared with T3, T1 and CTRL groups. Protease concentration was significantly higher in T3 fish, followed by the T1, T2 and CTRL fish groups. Lastly, the presence of Lactobacillus fermentum was confirmed in the T1, T2 and T3 fish groups. Overall, the results showed that urea treated sugarcane bagasse can be used as a feed ingredient for C. idella and has no adverse effect on the nutritional value of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their importance to global economies, the aquaculture and seafood sectors are major contributors to waste, which is a problem for the environment. Because of its biocompatibility and recyclability, fish waste, which is rich in chitin and chitosan—holds potential in several fields. The shells of crustaceans are the source of chitin and chitosan, two substances with versatile and useful qualities. Although it is not very soluble, chitin is very biocompatible and biodegradable, much like cellulose. The more versatile and solubilized chitosan is made when chitin is deacetylated. About half of seafood waste is made up of cephalothoraxes and shrimp exoskeletons, and chitin is the second most common polysaccharide in the world. An eco‐friendly strategy for managing seafood waste and creating value may be found in investigating these compounds originating from the ocean. The byproduct of fish scales, chitosan, has many uses in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, culinary, and aquaculture industries. Greener ways of chitin extraction include enzymatic deproteinization and microbial fermentations, as well as biological approaches like demineralization and deproteinization. Chitosan has several potential uses in biomedicine, food technology, and tissue engineering because of its acid solubility and precipitation at pH values greater than 6.0. It may be used in wound healing, water treatment, and agriculture due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial qualities. Research on chitosan supplementation in several fish species suggests that it may improve immune responses. However, further research is needed to properly comprehend this. Oral chitosan use has the potential to lead to a more efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on biochemical biomarkers, immune responses, and the curative potential effects of vitamin C and E on grass carp. Fish (n = 420) with an average initial body weight of 8.045 ± 0.13 g were shifted to glass aquaria (36 x 18 x 18 inches, filled with 160-L tap water) in triplicates. Aquaria were randomly designated as A, B, C, D with alone Ag-NPs (Control (0), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/L) and E, F, G with Ag-NPs + Vit. C + Vit. E (0.25+0.25+0.25, 0.50+0.50+0.50, 0.75+0.75+0.75 mg/L). NPs particles were administrated viz, oral and intravenous routes for 7 days. The results indicated that both routes had non-significant effect, but levels of Ag-NPs had significant effect. Treatments C, D and G showed significant decrease in levels of RBC, HGB and HCT except for WBC and NEUT levels, which significantly increased. ALT, ALP, AST, urea, and creatinine showed significant increase in activity in the C, D, and G groups. CAT, SOD decreased significantly in all Ag-NPs alone groups, while significantly increased with vitamin E and C. LYZ, TP, ALB, GLB showed significant low activity in the B, C, and D groups while significantly high activity in the E, F, and G groups. Cortisol, glucose and triglycerides showed significant increase in the B, C, and D groups, while E, F, and G groups showed significant low levels of triglycerides, COR, and GLU. Cholesterol level was same across all treatment groups. In conclusion, vitamin E and C as powerful antioxidants protect the fish against Ag-NPs except high dose level of 0.75mg/L, while 0.25mg/L of Ag-NPs was presumably safe for C. idella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius) is considered as an affordable and robust freshwater fish for farming in Asia. However, there is limited knowledge on the species' full nutritional requirements to date with extensive gaps in our knowledge and particularly in precision aspects of protein requirements. Therefore, a three-month feeding trial was conducted under semi-intensive farming conditions to determine the protein requirement of bullseye snakehead using test diets containing 40 (P40), 45 (P45), 50 (P50), and 55% (P55) crude protein levels. The growth performance results revealed that the 55% dietary protein group (P55) had the highest final mean weight (14.09 g fish-1), and net weight gain (12.82 g fish-1). When compared to other dietary treatments, the final weight (R2 = 0.921), and weight gain (R2 = 0.913), displayed a linear increasing trend as dietary protein is raised. The lowest FCR was observed in 50% (1.94±0.01) and 55% (1.97±0.01) CP diet groups compared to dietary treatments. Further analysis has shown that the body protein content also significantly increased as dietary protein was raised to 55%. Although, a reverse trend was found in body lipid levels with increasing protein in the diet. The incremental dietary protein also elevated proximal intestinal protease activity but decreased amylase and lipase activity. The overall essential and non-essential amino acids levels of snakehead fillet muscle reflected an increase in dietary protein. Overall, this study has shown that the fish fed a diet with 55% crude protein attained the highest growth performance and nutrient profile of the whole fish when compared to other dietary treatments tested. It would appear we did not obtain the maximum potential for growth under the present experimental conditions due to the upper protein constraint of 55% in the diet. Further quantitative studies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine the artificial breeding response, embryonic and larval development of giant snakehead, Channa marulius, with the application of various dosages of stimulatory hormones: Suprefact® (LHRH) agonist and Ovaprim® (GnRH + dopamine inhibitor). First and second hormonal dosages of Suprefact® (diluted) and Ovaprim® (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ml for male and 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 ml for females per kilogram body weight) were used. There were three treatments T1, T2, and T3 and each treatment had three replicates. Male fish were treated with T1 (0.3), T2 (0.4), T3 (0.5) ml kg−1 of body weight while female fish with T1 (0.8), T2 (0.9), T3 (1.0) ml kg−1 of body weight. The results showed that fish stimulated with T3 (1.0) obtained better fecundity rate (2951.7) followed by T2 (0.4) (2678.3), while the lowest fecundity (466.7) was recorded in T1. The numerically higher values of gonado‐somatic index (males and females) and fertilization rate appeared in T2. The highest survival rate (97.1%) was found in T3 followed by T2 (97.0%), while the lowest (32.2%) in T1. In conclusion, the application of Suprefact® and Ovaprim® at 0.4 and 0.5 ml kg−1 body weight for male and 0.9 and 1.0 ml kg−1 for female fish successfully stimulated snakehead fish induced breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to assess the impact dietary incorporation of vitamin C on the proximate composition, amino acids, and fatty acids profile in bullseye snakehead Channa marulius (100 g initial body weight) reared in hapa’s (cages) for three months. There were four treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3). Each treatment had three replicates. Fish were fed a 40% crude protein diet supplemented with various levels 0, 75, 150, and 300 mg kg-1 diet, respectively for the four treatments. After the feeding trial, the findings showed that by adding vitamin C to the diet improved snakehead Channa marulius growth performance significantly (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. While the proximate composition of the fish was significantly impacted by the dietary treatments. The highest protein content 19.61% and lowest moisture content 72.65 % were found in T1 (75 mg kg-1). Dietary vitamin C at 75 and 150mg kg-1 levels in the diet had also a significant (p<0.05) effect on the methionine, threonine, leucine, histidine, lysine, and glutamic acid of fish muscle. Channa marulius fatty acid profile showed no significant (p>0.05) difference. Conclusively, inclusion of vitamin C at 75 and 150 mg kg-1 in the diet for snakehead significantly improved fish nutrients profile of C. marulius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted to estimate the efficacy of Se nanoparticles on mineral absorption and carcass composition of C. mrigala fingerlings fed nano-Se particles supplemented sunflower meal based diets. The experiment was consisted on seven test diets on the basis of supplementation of nano Se graded levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mg/kg). Chromic oxide was added as an inert marker. Fingerlings were fed at the rate of 5% of their live wet weight. Maximum improvement in mineral absorption (Ca, Na, K, Cu, P and Al) was observed at test diet with 1.5 mg/kg supplementation of Se nanoparticles. Maximum Fe, Mn and Cr absorption was noted at 2 mg/kg supplementation of nano Se. The highest absorption of Mg and Zn was found in the fingerlings fed at test diet with 1 mg/kg supplementation of nano Se particles. The best results in regard of body composition (CP; 61% and EE; 14%) were noted in fingerlings when fed 1.5 mg/kg levels of Se-nano particles based diets. It was concluded from the results of current study that supplementation of Se NPs (1.5 mg/kg) in sunflower meal based diet improves the mineral absorption and body composition of C. mrigala fingerlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution requires constant analysis and revision of water resource policy at all levels. Unfortunately, waterways are polluted by illegal dumping of urban waste, industrial waste, and a variety of human activities. Hazardous releases from industry are harmful to both human and animal health and safety. The Ravi River is the largest river in Punjab, Pakistan, and its water quality has deteriorated as a result of the inflow of municipal and industrial waste. As a result of this pollution, the aquifer environment is deteriorating. This situation necessitates an assessment of the pollution level in the Ravi and its sediments in order to make an urgent and ecological arrangement to preserve and replenish the quality of the aquifer for long-term and safe use without interfering with the natural flow of the environment. Samples of fish (Cirrhina mrigala), water, and sediment from three public fishing sites in the Ravi River, Shahdra Bridge, Saggian Bridge, and Balloki Headworks, were collected on a monthly basis from October 2015 to March 2016 to detect metal concentrations. Physico-chemical parameters viz dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity were measured on the spot, while hardness, turbidity, and alkalinity were measured in the laboratory. The findings show that the highest concentrations of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) are present in water, fish organs, and river Ravi bed sediments at all three locations with statistically significant variations. Pb was slightly higher for all fish organs compared to Cr. The highest concentration of chromium in water samples was found in October 2015, while the lowest concentration was detected in February 2016. The study concludes that all types of wastewater (sewage and agricultural waste) should be treated and tested for toxic heavy metals such as Cd and Pb prior to discharge into aquatic resources. Finally, for the protection of aquatic life and to keep heavy metals out of the food chain, special attention must be paid to the enforcement of all applicable laws and regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present feeding trial was conducted to assess the optimal level of phytase supplementation required for maximum nutrient absorption and growth performance ofLabeo rohitafingerlings fed canola meal-based diet. A standard diet having 30.21% protein and an energy value of 4.26 kcalg−1was used as reference diet. The experimental diet having similar protein and caloric density was formulated by using 70% reference diet and 30% of canola meal as test ingredient. This experimental diet was then divided into seven test diets and were supplemented by graded levels (0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 FTU kg−1) of phytase enzyme. Chromic oxide was used in reference and test diets as an inert marker. Results showed that phytase supplementation at 750 FTU kg−1level effectively increased apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein (64%), crude fat (76%) and gross energy (68%) as compared to reference and other phytase-supplemented diets. The results of present study showed increased growth and feed performance of fingerlings in response to phytase supplementation. Maximum performance was obtained by the fish fed on test diet having 750 FTU kg−1level. It was concluded that 750 FTU kg−1level of phytase supplementation in canola meal-based diet is sufficient for increasing nutrient digestibility and growth performance ofL. rohitafingerlings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Viscera of various fish species was collected during local harvest at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ravi Campus, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore pond facility. Acid silage was prepared by systematic applications of formic acid. The proximate analysis of the product revealed 5.16 ± 0.65% moisture, 32.17 ± 0.12% crude protein, 9.56 ± 0.14% lipids and 6.50 ± 0.32% ash contents. Total microbial aerobic plate count was 1.69 × 104± 0.06 × 103cfu g−1while the coliforms were recorded as 0.97 × 104± 0.02 × 103cfu g−1. The pure silage was free of aflatoxins B1, B2and G1and G2; however, microbial load and aflatoxin values vary in different feed ratios. The feeding trial showed significant change in all three feeds prepared from different ratios of silage; nevertheless, feed containing 75% acid silage showed better growth inLabeo rohitafingerling diet when compared with its counterparts. Our studies suggest that the fish silage can be a cheaper and effective alternative to fishmeal in fish feeds, if carefully handled and properly processed. This is because fish silage is prepared from fish waste body viscera, which is utilized neither in human nor in animal feeds in the raw form. On the other hand, fishmeal is a main and expensive ingredient used in livestock and fish feeds. Utilization of fishmeal is on the rise while its production is on decline, which is continuously escalating its price. Furthermore, the manufacturing of fish silage is simple and requires relatively lesser inputs as compared to fishmeal manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Time budget of turkeys (Maleagris gallopavo) reared under free-range and confinement rearing systems was recorded and compared from day old chick to sixth months of age. Throughout the study period, M. gallopavo reared under free-range rearing system spent relatively greater time in litter pecking (23.51%) followed by walking (19.99%), feeding (16.33%), preening (13.72%), feather pecking (6.07%), aggression (5.94%), drinking (5.90%), immobility (2.36%), standing (2.29%) and jumping (1.96%). Similarly, the birds reared under confinement rearing system spent relatively greater time in lying (17.82%) followed by litter pecking (15.71), preening (12.93%), walking (11.47%), standing (8.35%), drinking (8.31%), aggression (6.85%), feeding (6.46%), feather pecking (6.04%), immobility (4.59%) and jumping (1.46%) behavior. It was observed during present study that the birds reared under free-range rearing system spent significantly greater time in litter pecking, walking and feeding behaviors as compared to the birds reared under confinements. These behaviors are indicators of good health of the animals, therefore free-range system is recommended over confinement rearing system for farming of M. gallopavo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study extended from January, 2014 to December, 2014 was conducted in all the four tehsils of district Kasur. A total of 60 amphibian specimens representing 3 species, 3 genera and 2 families while 71 reptilian specimens representing 15 species, 14 genera and 10 families were captured from the study area. Amphibian species captured from cultivated land included Bufo stomaticus, Hoplobatrachu stigerinus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, while reptiles included Varanus bengalensis, Amphiesma stolatum, Ptyas mucosus, Echis carinatus, Calotes versicolor, Bungarus caeruleus. Lycodon aulicus was the only reptilian species captured from uncultivated land. Human habitations provided habitat to a single amphibian species Bufo stomaticus, while the reptiles included Bungarus caeruleus, Varanus bengalensis, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, Ablepharus grayanus, Lycodon aulicus, Typhlops ductuliformes, Eryx johnii, Lissemys puntata andersoni, Ablepharus grayanus, Eutropis macularia, Amphiesma stolatum, Lycodon aulicus, Eryx Johnii and Typhlops ductuliformes. Three amphibian species Bufo stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and four reptilian species were captured from water catchment areas viz. Lissemy spuntata andersoni, Varanus bengalensis, Xenochrophis piscator and Kachuga smithii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted in glass aquaria to determine the growth potentials of 240-day three fish species viz., Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala under chronic exposures (1/3 of LC50) of Al, As, Ba, Cr and their mixture (Al + As + Ba + Cr) for 90 days. The growth parameters viz. increase in wet weights, fork and total lengths, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and condition factor of fish were correlated with physico-chemical parameters viz. total ammonia, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, electrical conductivity, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium of the test media (water) of different treatments. The ammonia contents of the test media (water), used for growth trials with three fish species, escalated due to aluminum and arsenic toxicity while it remained lowest in the control media. Dissolved oxygen contents of the control media were significantly higher than all other treatments. However, dissolved oxygen contents of water decreased significantly due to arsenic treatment to the fish predicting variable changes in the metabolic rates of fish exposed to either individual metals or metal mixture from that of control. During growth trials, the increase in dissolved oxygen contents of the media used for Labeo rohita under chromium stress is indicative of decrease in oxygen consumption by the fish due to onset of acute hypoxia. The average sodium contents of the test media increased significantly due to exposure of Labeo rohita to metal mixture. Physico-chemical variables like pH, sodium, calcium and dissolved organic matter are known to cause metallic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 1-year study, extending from January to December 2011, was conducted to investigate the role of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) as a seed disperser in Lahore, Pakistan. Ejecta of the species from two roosting sites, i.e. Jinnah garden and Lalazar garden, was collected and the plant seeds were extracted from bat boluses and guano. Various seeds of edible trees and forest plantation species extracted from ejecta of P. giganteus included areca palm (Areca catechu), coromandel ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon), Indian gaabh (D. peregrina), lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), mahwa (Madhuca longifolia), Indian lilac (Melia azedarach), cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), guava (Psidium guajava), and janbolanum plum (Syzygium jambolanum). Measurements of the extracted seeds' length (mm), diameter (mm), and weight (g) were taken and the seeds of jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) were found the longest (40 mm) with the maximum average diameter (50 mm) while the rambutan (N. lappaceum) seeds were the heaviest (3.4 g). It can be concluded from the present study that P. giganteus is a seed disperser and transporter of heavier seeds as heavier seeds are mammal-dependent for their dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at determining the impact of sources of ingredients on the intestinal enzyme activity and haematology of juvenile Labeo rohita. Five isocaloric treatment diets viz., T1 (guar meal and canola meal), T2 (soybean meal and cottonseed meal), T3 (guar meal and cottonseed meal), T4 (soybean meal and canola meal), T5 (fishmeal and canola meal) control T0 (control which received rice polish only) were prepared and fed to Labeo rohita juveniles. At the end of the experiment, amylase and protease concentrations in the whole intestine were found highest in the T3 diet (p≤0.05). Leukocyte and erythrocyte counts were higher in T0 low-protein diet (p≤0.05). The concentrations of albumin and protein were found highest in the T4 diet (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the diet T3 containing guar and cottonseed meals remained effective for the activity of digestive enzymes. However, the non-protein diets are more effective in improving haematological traits of juvenile Labeo rohita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bat roost with 70 individuals of Rhinolopus lepidus was found from an underground cellar of an old temple at Rasul Nagar (32° 19.687 N, 073° 46.922 E), Gujramvala district, in the Punjab province. From the roost, 10 (4♂, 6♀) individuals were captured with the help of a hand net. The average head and body length of all the captured specimens was 42.36±1.1 mm, forearm length was 40.34±0.75 mm, greatest skull length (n = 2) was 17.5±0.49 mm while baculum (n = 2) was 4.35±0.38 mm long. The present record is first from the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the acute toxicity of chromium (Cr) in terms of 96 h LC50 and lethal concentrations, to three age groups viz. 60, 120 and 240 day of Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala at constant water temperature (30oC), pH (7.50) and total hardness (300 mg L-1). At termination of each trial, the fish were dissected and their organs viz. bones, gills, gut, intestine, kidney, liver, scales, skin, muscle and fats were isolated for the determination of metal concentrations. Sixty days old fish species showed significantly higher sensitivity to Cr in terms of both LC50 and lethal concentrations of 74.35 and 122.19 mg L-1, respectively, while 240 days old fish were significantly least sensitive. However, among three fish species L. rohita was significantly greater sensitive to Cr, followed by C. mrigala and C. catla. Significant variations in the sensitivity of C. catla, L. rohita and C. mrigala to Cr appeared to be species specific depending upon metal exposure concentration, water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH. Fish organs showed greater variations in ability to concentrate Cr during acute exposures. However, liver and kidney exhibited significantly higher tendencies as 47.94 and 40.48 μg g-1 to accumulate Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute toxicity tests (96-hr LC50 and lethal concentration) of aluminium (Al) were conducted with three fish species viz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala of 60, 120 and 240 days age groups at constant water temperature (30°C), pH (7.50) and total hardness (300 mg.L-1) in the wet laboratory. At termination of each trial, the fish were dissected and their organs viz. bones, gills, gut, intestine, kidney, liver, scales, skin, muscles and fats isolated for the determination of Al concentrations. At 60 days, all the three fish species showed significantly (P<0.05) higher sensitivity to Al while 240 days fish were significantly least sensitive. Among the three fish species, Catla catla were significantly (P<0.05) more sensitivity to Al with the mean 96-hr LC50 and lethal concentration of 81.68±28.54 and 129.81±30.95 mg.L-1, respectively. Fish organs showed significantly variable ability to concentrate metal during acute exposure of Al. However, liver and kidneys exhibited significantly higher potentials for metals accumulation. From the study it was concluded that all the three fish species responded differently towards Al toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of heavy metals viz. aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in fish at three main public fishing sites of the river Ravi viz. Shahdara bridge, Baloki headworks and Sidhnai barrage has been studied from June, 2009 to May, 2010. The concentrations of heavy metals in the body organs (gills, liver, kidney, intestine, reproductive organs, skin, muscle, fins, scales, bones, fats) of three fish species viz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala were determined. The present results reveal that the toxicity of metals fluctuated significantly in fish at all the three sampling stations with season. The fish samples collected from all the three sampling stations had significantly higher aluminium and zinc. However, the fish at Sidhnai barrage showed significantly lower metallic toxicity, followed by that at Baloki headworks and Shahdara bridge. Significantly higher metals were observed in fish liver, followed by that of kidney, gills, intestine, reproductive organs, skin, scales, fins, bones, muscle and fats. The accumulation of metals in carnivorous fish body organs showed significantly direct dependence on the metallic toxicity of herbivorous cyprinids. Fish liver and kidney showed significantly higher abilities for the accumulation of all metals while accumulations were lowest in fish muscle and fats. The health status of river Ravi at three main public fishing sites viz. Shahdara bridge, Baloki headworks and Sidhnai barrage, with respect to eco-toxicity of Al, As, Ba, Cr, Ni and Zn was above the recommended permissible standards [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminants of global concern, microplastics (MPs) have been lately reported to be found almost everywhere. Yet there is limited evidence to suggest if these tiny particles can bioaccumulate and biomagnify along the food chain. The current study was conducted to quantify MPs load in two fresh water bodies i.e. River Ravi (Pakistan) and a fish rearing pond fed with ground water to trace MPs along the food chain including biotic and abiotic components. Samples were taken from air, water, sediments, planktons, fish and avian specimen from both water bodies. Higher MPs were found in all samples taken from river Ravi ranging from 3.0 ± 1.58 MPs items in water to 15.20 ± 3.35 MP items in air as compared to 2.8 ± 1.79 MPs in water to 11.20 ± 1.89 air-borne MP items in fish rearing ponds respectively. The mean value of MP items in the GIT of all species was higher (5.05 ± 2.25) as compared to the respiratory tract (1.57 ± 1.3) suggesting ingestion as main mode of exposure. However, this mode of exposure needs to be further investigated along with other exposure routes. Presence of MPs at all trophic levels under investigation indicates some degree of bioaccumulation of these pollutants in the ecosystems. [Display omitted] • The primary mode of exposure of microplastics is ingestion in living beings. • Microfragments were found in higher numbers in abiotic samples. • Microfibers were found in higher numbers in GIT. • Levels of MPs decreased along the food chain. • Trophic transfer of microplastics is possible along a food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]