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Lake Qaroun, one of Egypt’s largest lakes, is a remnant of a much larger one; it is considered as a closed basin used as a general reservoir for agricultural wastewater drainage in El-Fayoum Province. Furthermore, the lake receives agricultural and partially treated sewage water from the El-Fayoum Governorate as well as fish farm drainage. The current study assessed the changes in physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels (Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu) in water and sediment, as well as the bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in Mugilcephalus fish samples obtained from Lake Qaroun. Thus, information on histopathological changes in the gills, liver, kidney, end of the alimentary canal, and muscles was provided. This research was conducted in three different locations along Lake Qaroun (Eastern, southeastern, and western). This study confirms an increased heavy metal pollution in the eastern and southeastern sectors of Lake Qaroun, facing the drain outlet, as a result of the discharge of drainage water effluents without prior treatment, which directly affects water quality and fish health, and subsequently human health. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in the water exceeded the allowable limits. The gills are the target organ for Cd in Mugil cephalus, but Pb and Zn are preferentially collected in the kidneys, with the liver containing the highest concentrations of Cu ions. Histopathological changes with an evident damage were visible in the gills, liver, and kidneys of Mugil cephalus taken from the lake’s eastern and southeastern areas. In addition, blood parameters of Mugil cephalus collected from various study sites throughout Lake Qaroun were included in this study. A highly significant decrease was detected in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin content, and hematocrit values of fish collected from the lake's eastern and southeastern parts in comparison to fish collected from the western sector, indicating more or less normal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, the production of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) has developed into an exciting and sophisticated research area. Green metal oxide nanoparticles have played an extremely imperative role in various fields, including biomedical, environmental, energy, agricultural applications, catalytic, bioactive, antibacterial, poisonous, and biocompatible. To achieve sustainability and adopt environmentally friendly practices, the production of MONPs is now increasingly focused on exploring green chemistry and alternative pathways. When made using green synthesis techniques, the metal oxide nanoparticles are especially important because they do not require external stabilizers, capping agents, dangerous chemicals, or harsh operating conditions (high pressure and temperature). Plant-mediated synthesis of different MONPs using either whole cells or extracts has several advantages, including rapid synthesis (compared with other biogenic processes (using fungi and bacteria)), being more stable than other types, being available in nature, and being non-toxic. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the green synthesis of MONPs using plant parts, factors affecting the synthesis, and the characterization of synthesized NPs. Additionally, it highlights the potential of these environmentally friendly nanoparticles that are widely used to treat environmental pollutants, including the removal of heavy metals, antibacterials, and the degradation of organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical parameters and zooplankton composition in addition to abundance were studied weekly for a year at a fixed station in the Eastern Harbor (EH), a semi-closed basin in Alexandria. The recorded values of physicochemical parameters included temperature (16.4-31.4 oC); salinity (32.3-35.9 ‰), dissolved oxygen (3.5-9.3 mg/l), and water pH (7.43--8.76). The following nutrient salts were determined: nitrate (0.3-32.1 µM), nitrite (0.35-7.34 µM), ammonium (0.95 -5 µM), silicate (7.01-56.3 µM) and total phosphorus (5.76 -73.9 µM). The annual average of zooplankton was 49405 ind. /m3. The number of zooplankton species was 65 recorded in the eastern harbor, with the dominance of Protozoa (32 species), followed by Copepoda (17 species). Phosphorus concentration as an environmental variable showed a positive correlation with the Copepoda and Ostracoda and the dominant group. Cladocera performed a significant positive relationship with ammonia. Cluster analysis illustrated three zooplankton community alignments with each other. Interestingly, the information and observation of this research would be very useful in formulating policies and regulatory frameworks for sustainable management of the Eastern Harbor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]