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Waterbirds may be a good indicator of harmful metal levels in aquatic environments. Waterbirds' organs and tissues were tested for the presence of pollutants, such as metals. However, very few reports describe the use of bird feathers and their prey in metal analysis. In the present research, seven metals were measured in the tissue, kidney, liver, and feathers of the Indian pond heron, the black-crowned night heron, and their prey species, including crabs, prawns, molluscs, and fishes from a freshwater lake. Metals were examined using an ECIL-4141-double beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer (DB-AAS). Metal concentrations differed considerably in the tissue, kidney, liver, and feathers of the Indian pond heron and black-crowned night heron (p < 0.001). Indeed, this research discovered a good correlation between the metals of prey species and the tissues, kidneys, liver, and feathers of waterbirds that were tested. The regression model explained that the Cyprinus carpio influence the accumulation of metals about 98.2% in tissues, Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Cyprinus carpio around 86.3% in the kidney, the Labeo rohita almost 47.2% in the liver and Labeo rohita nearly 93.2% on the feathers of the Indian pond heron. On the other hand, the Mystus vittatus, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita influence about 98.8% in tissue, the Claris batrachus and Tilapia mossambica around 93.3% in kidney, the Mystus vittatus, Cyprinus carpio, about 93.2% in liver and the freshwater crab (Travancoriana schirnerae), freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and a fish (Cyprinus carpio) nearly 93.2% in feathers in the black-crowned night heron. This research evaluated metals in the dead carcasses of waterbirds, a non-invasive biomonitoring technique for pollution. Overall, the investigation revealed that the lake is severely contaminated with metals. Therefore, the management and protection of aquatic habitats, particularly freshwater lakes, should be enhanced to rescue wild species that rely on aquatic ecosystems and to ensure that people have access to clean drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytotoxicity in freshwater fishes due to different industrial dyes in industrial effluents is a major worldwide issue. Hematoxylin dye has a wide range of uses in textile industries and laboratories. This study was aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of hematoxylin's sublethal effect in vitro in Cirrhinus mrigala. The fish was exposed to different grading concentrations of dye in the aquarium. Fish were sacrificed and dissected to remove the kidney after exposure to hematoxylin dye for specific time intervals. Nephrotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by this dye were detected through histopathology by using the paraffin wax method. Immediate mortality of fish was noticed against the exposure to 0.08 g/L (LC 50) concentration of dye, but at 0.008 mg/L and 0.018 mg/L, it showed tremendous tissue damage in the kidneys, significant reduction in fish growth. This dye induced many alterations in the kidney such as tubular degeneration, vacuolation, shrinkage of a glomerulus, reduced lumen, congestion in the kidney, glomerulonephritis, absence of Bowmen space, necrosis of the hematopoietic interstitial tissues, clogging of tubules, necrosis in the glomerulus and increased space between glomerulus and bowmen's capsule. Although this dye has a wide range of biological and industrial applications, a minute amount of hematoxylin released in effluents is quite toxic to aquatic fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution is severely threatening the wetland habitats. Heavy metals are one among of the major pollutants in wetland habitats. The cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn), were assessed in the water, sediment, benthic species (polychaetes, mollusc and crustaceans), prawn and fishes. The assessment of heavy metals was done by using double-beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Hg, Cr and Co were greater in sediment, Ni and Cd were higher in polychaetes and molluscs respectively. However, the Cu and Pb greater in crabs and the Zinc was greater in fishes. The concentration of metals showed significant differences among the various sources examined (P < 0.05) except Cr (P > 0.05). The inter-correlational analysis among the metals assessed from the various sources showed that the Cr and Pb not correlated among the eight metals examined. However, the Cu and Co were correlated with Hg (r = 0.307) and (r = 0.788) respectively. The nickel was correlated with Hg (r = 0.367), Cu (r = 0.362) and Co (r = 0.432). The Zinc was correlated with the Cd (r = 0.331) and Hg (r = 0.737). However, correlation of metals among the different sources shown that the metals of polychaetes correlated with sediment r = 0.637, the metals of crabs correlated with the sediment and polychaetes r = 0.630 and r = 842 respectively, the metals of molluscs was also correlated with sediment (r = 0.636), polychaetes (r = 0.889) and crabs (r = 0.894). In addition to that the metals of prawns was correlated with the polychaetes (r = 839), crabs (r = 0.628) and molluscs (r = 0.634). The metals of fishes correlated with polychaetes (r = 0.529), crabs (r = 0.710), molluscs (r = 0.493) and prawns (r = 0.593). Indeed the multiple regression model explained that the metals of sediments influence the accumulation of metals in biotic species such as polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans, prawns and fishes with 84% (F = 21.079; p < 0.001).The order of the heavy metals in the water, sediment and biotic species was Hg > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu > Cd. The study found that the level of heavy metals at various sources in the sanctuary is showing considerable warning and the sanctuary is required intensive assessment on various aspects of pollution since the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is supporting several species of migratory and endangered shorebirds seasonally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metals are major toxic elements and cause various diseases and damage shorebirds. The study envisaged the heavy metals content in the feathers of shorebirds, prey, water, and sediment from Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF). Primary feathers of shorebirds species such as Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Painted Stork were collected and analyzed the following metals viz., Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn. The levels of Hg, Cr, Pb and Ni varied significantly among the metals studied (p < 0.05). The metal contamination pattern of shorebirds followed in the following order: Painted stork > Eurasian Curlew > Curlew sandpiper. However, in the habitat, Cd, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zi varied significantly between water and sediment (p < 0.05) and Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni, and Zi differed significantly among the prey species (p < 0.05). Overall, except for Cd, whereas, other seven metals showed significant differences between the feathers of shorebirds and the environment such as water, sediment, polychaetes, mollusc, crabs, prawns and fishes (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the resident bird (Painted stork) had a higher level of metal accumulation than migratory species, showing that PMF is under threat and requires proper monitoring, management and conservation strategies to sustain organisms that depend on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. W. attu showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish kidneys are sensitive to chemical changes in the freshwater ecosystem because they are directly and constantly exposed to chemicals dissolved in the water. This study evaluated nephrotoxicity in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala harvested from the Chenab River in an area of industrial and sewage waste disposal. Induced histological alternation data were correlated to the severity of environmental degradation in order to determine whether this biological system can be used as a tool for environmental monitoring programs. Kidneys from two fish species occupying different niches were collected and stored for 24 h in 10% formalin. Control fish were collected upstream of the polluted river area. Specimens were processed using topical histological methods. The major histological alterations observed in both species were renal tubule myxospora, hyperemia, glomerulonephritis, degeneration of renal tubule cells, dilation of glomerular capillaries, presence of pycnotic nuclei in the hematopoietic tissue, epithelial hypertrophy, vacuolization, reduced lumen of renal tubules, and shrinkage of glomeruli. Renal tubular atrophy, degeneration due to extensive degranulation, necrosis of glomeruli, glomerular expansion, absence of Bowman's space, hypertrophied nucleus, necrosis and hyalinization of the interstitium, clogging of tubules, and regeneration of tubules was also observed. Wallago attu exhibited the maximum incidence of moderate to severe changes and was defined as having the highest "histopathologic alteration index". These severe alterations were found to be related to environmental degradation, indicating the presence of stressors in freshwater. Control groups showed normal tissue morphology in the kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study's objective was to assess a seasonal impact of industrial and sewage waste disposal on water quality of the river upstream Trimu Head. Considering the significance of the river, drain wastewater was analyzed during the summer and the winter seasons from pre-determined locations. Water quality parameters were recorded higher than the maximum permissible limits prescribed by WHO for freshwater bodies. Level of these Physio-chemical variables was higher in the winter due to the least amount of water from domestic sewage. Although some of these parameters indicated sedimentation hitherto the water quality of River Chenab was found very poor due to the pollution bestowed by tributary waste water from drains. Findings of this investigation suggest the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment to improve the water quality of the river. This study provides a baseline data which may be compared to assess any further deterioration in the water quality and may also be used to plan future monitoring and required restoration of habitat for the safe supply of fish to the population of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cirrhinus mrigala, Labeo rohita, and Catla catla are economically important fish for human consumption in Pakistan, but industrial and sewage pollution has drastically reduced their population in the River Chenab. Statistics are an important tool to analyze and interpret comet assay results. The specific aims of the study were to determine the DNA damage in Cirrhinus mrigala, Labeo rohita, and Catla catla due to chemical pollution and to assess the validity of statistical analyses to determine the viability of the comet assay for a possible use with these freshwater fish species as a good indicator of pollution load and habitat degradation. Comet assay results indicated a significant (P < 0.05) degree of DNA fragmentation in Cirrhinus mrigala followed by Labeo rohita and Catla catla in respect to comet head diameter, comet tail length, and % DNA damage. Regression analysis and correlation matrices conducted among the parameters of the comet assay affirmed the precision and the legitimacy of the results. The present study, therefore, strongly recommends that genotoxicological studies conduct appropriate analysis of the various components of comet assays to offer better interpretation of the assay data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to white meat production Labeo rohita have vast economic importance, but its population has been reduced drastically in River Chenab due to pollution. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed a merciless toxicity level of Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Sn and Hg. Comet assay results indicated significant (p < .05) DNA fragmentation in Labeo rohita as 42.21 ± 2.06%, 31.26 ± 2.41% and 21.84 ± 2.21% DNA in comet tail, tail moment as 17.71 ± 1.79, 10.30 ± 1.78 and 7.81 ± 1.56, olive moment as 13.58 ± 1.306, 8.10 ± 1.04 and 5.88 ± 0.06, respectively, from three different polluted sites on the river. Micronucleus assay showed similar findings of single micronucleus induction (MN) as 50.00 ± 6.30‰, double MN 14.40 ± 2.56‰, while nuclear abnormalities (NA) were found as 150.00 ± 2.92‰. These higher frequencies of MN induction and NA were found to be the cause of reduction of 96% of the population of this fish species in an experimental area of the River Chenab. This fish species has been found near extinction through the length of the river Chenab and few specimens in rainy seasons if restored by flood, may die in sugarcane mill season. Due to sweeping extinction Labeo rohita showed the highest sensitivity for pollution and could be used as bioindicator and DNA fragmentation in this column feeder fish species as a biomarker of the pollution load in freshwater bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research work was planned to investigate genotoxicity in fish to screen and monitor the aquatic ecosystem. Epinephalus chlorostigma (Hamour) was collected from the contaminated areas of "Tarut Island" (26.571°N 50.056°E) in the Arabian Gulf near Dammam, Saudi Arabia. DNA fragmentation was detected by Comet assay and Micronucleus assay. Heavy metals' water quality parameters and concentrations (Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Sn, and Hg) were extensively higher than the WHO permissible limits. They were more than enough to have adverse effects on fish health. The highest DNA fragmentation was observed in E. chlorostigma , indicating its most heightened sensitivity to pollution. E. chlorostigma showed comet head diameters 63.33 ± 2.2, 83.59 ± 3.38, and 66.28 ± 2.13px from S1-S3, respectively. E. chlorostigma erythrocytes showed comet tail lengths as 16.66 ± 1.65, 16.20 ± 1.63, and 19.07 ± 1.81px from S1-S3. DNA damage was found to be 19.14 ± 1.38, 16.38 ± 1.26, and 19.95 ± 1.33 % from S1-S3, respectively. The tail moment was observed as 6.46 ± 0.79, 4.72 ± 0.69, and 7.14 ± 1.08, while the olive moment was recorded as 5.31 ± 0.51, 5.14 ± 0.52, and 6.01 ± 0.49, respectively from S1-S3. The highest frequency for single micronucleus induction, double micronucleus induction, and nuclear abnormalities was observed in E. chlorostigma collected from the polluted site of the study area. This study proposes that this fish species and novel DNA damage assays could be the best tools for toxicity screening and monitoring water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of nine heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, As, and Fe) in the muscles of four fish species (O. niloticus,C. gariepinus,P. latipinna, andA. d. dispar) collected from the Riyadh River were detected using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in two different seasons in 2012. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals except Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu inAphanius d. disparandPoecilia latipinnawere found to be below the safe limits suggested by various authorities. This study also showed that Zn was predominant, while Cr was least accumulated metal in the studied fish muscles. Data demonstrated that there was a significant variation in the heavy-metal concentrations in different fish species in the Riyadh River. Significant positive correlations between heavy-metal concentrations in fish muscles were also found both in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Metal pollution index was calculated to distinguish polluted from unpolluted ecosystems based upon current knowledge of metal bioavailability, bioconcentration, and bioaccumulation patterns. From the human health point of view, this study showed that there was a possible health risk to consumers due to the intake ofAphanius d. disparandPoecilia latipinnaunder the current consumption rate in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal discharge is the primary cause of freshwater pollution, harming fish health. This research was planned to calculate the seasonal variations in metal (Pb, Cu, and Ni) bioaccumulation in different tissues of Gills, Liver, Kidney, and Muscle from Cirrhinus mrigala sampled from River Chenab from an area of high-intensity pollution near Thatta Muhammad Shah. The results revealed significant (P ≤ 0.5) variations in metals bioaccumulation in different seasons. The lowest level of selected metals was observed in winter, whereas the maximum level was noted in the summer. The concentration of selected heavy metals differed seasonally. During winter Pb concentration distribution in descending order was observed in liver (0.823 ± 0.009 ppm) > kidney(0.817 ± 0.011 ppm) > muscle(0.758 ± 0.009 ppm) > gills(0.742 ± 0.011 ppm). Whereas, in summer it was noted as liver (1.726 ± 0.066 ppm) > gills (1.633 ± 0.060 ppm) > kidney (1.575 ± 0.051 ppm) > muscle (1.532 ± 0.050 ppm). While during winter, the bioaccumulation of Cu in organs was noted with descending order of kidney (1.88 ± 0.038) > liver(1.75 ± 0.037) > gills (1.67 ± 0.043) > muscle (1.45 ± 0.031)ppm, while in summer, it was gills (2.85 ± 0.071) > kidney (2.84 ± 0.082) > liver (2.83 ± 0.068) > muscle (2.72 ± 0.065) ppm. In winter, the Ni bioaccumulation with descending order was in the kidney (7.83 ± 0.139) > liver (7.68 ± 0.159) > muscle (7.63 ± 0.162) > gills (7.61 ± 0.129)ppm and in a season of summer, it was detected as in kidney (8.71 ± 0.129) > muscle (8.59 ± 0.131) > liver (8.56 ± 0.141) > gills (8.56 ± 0.131) ppm. All studied heavy metals were found to be above the WHO permissible limits. Histopathological evaluation of fish tissues has been considered an important indicator of environmental pollution monitoring. Histology of kidney and liver tissues showed congestion, necrosis, dilation in Bowman capsule space, while liver showed necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and sinusoid dilation. This study revealed that the Chenab River is being polluted due to the untreated discharge of industrial effluents and sewage runoff from the city, and these heavy metals from anthropogenic pollution load have adverse effects on the fish population in the river system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxicity in freshwater fishes induced by industrial effluents and dyes is a global issue. Trypan blue dye has many applications in different sectors, including laboratories and industries. This study determines to detect the cytotoxic effects of trypan blue dye in vivo. The objective of this study was to estimate the sub-lethal effects of azodye in fish. Cirrhinus mrigala , a freshwater fish, was exposed to three different grading concentrations of dye 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L in a glass aquarium. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the weight of fish was observed as 0.728 ± 0.14 g and 2.232 ± 0.24 g, respectively, in the trial groups exposed to 10 and 20 mg/L of dye in a week. After exposure to trypan blue dye, fishes were dissected to remove liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological assessments determined hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by trypan blue through the paraffin wax method. This dye induces mild alterations in the liver such as congestion, hemolysis, dilated sinusoids, ruptured hepatocytes, vacuolization, edema of hepatocytes, necrosis, degeneration, aggregation, and inflammation. This dye not only alters liver tissue, also induces an acute level of tissue alterations in the kidneys, such as degeneration of epithelial cells of renal tubules, shrinkage of the glomerulus, congestion, reduced lumen, degeneration of glomerulus, absence of space of bowmen, glomerulonephritis, necrosis in hematopoietic interstitial tissues and glomerulus, reduced lumen, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, increased per tubular space. The current study concludes that trypan blue dye released even in small amounts is found to be associated with a high incidence of cytotoxicity. Such tissue alterations in this species could be used as biomarkers for azo dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene microplastic particles are one of the predominant pollutants in marine ecosystems and their toxic effects are unknown in aquatic biota. The study aims to prepare the spherical shaped polypropylene microplastics (size range 11.86 μm–44.62 μm) and assess their toxic effects (1, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL) in various life stages (nauplii, metanauplii and juvenile) of marine microcrustacean Artemia salina within 48 h. In addition, microplastics ingestion by Artemia nauplii was proved by FTIR analysis. The results revealed, microplastics accumulation in their tract leads to change in their homeostasis, as followed increase in the oxidative burst causes mortality in nauplii (LC 50 40.947 μg/mL) and meta nauplii (LC 50 51.954 μg/mL). In juvenile, swimming behaviour was changed. Moreover, microplastic consumption disturbs the antioxidant biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione –S- Transferase (GST) and reduces the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In addition, histology of juvenile Artemia showed damage in epithelial cells. This study indicates that exposure to polypropylene microplastics is more harmful to zooplanktonic organisms of the marine ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Various life stages of Artemia easily intake polypropylene microplastics (11–44 μm). • Microplastics were accumulated in their track, triggering the redox-hemostasis. • Microplastic consumption disturbs the antioxidant biomarkers and neurotransmitter activity. • Mortality was observed in nauplii & meta -naupili; in juveniles, only behaviour changes. • Morphological analysis of the juvenile intestinal epithelial layer was damaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]