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Information on fisheries resources in East Malaysia is scarce and poorly known. The current review aims to compile a checklist of fisheries resources in the Northwest Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia) from available published literature, address the resources' present status, and suggest future monitoring needs for selected critical species. The study also aims to determine several Sarawak land-use issues that are in flux and responsible for habitat degradation. Five hundred sixty-four species belonging to 123 families and 32 orders were recorded from Sarawak waters. Freshwater fish species comprised 48.0% of the total, followed by a marine (36.6%), marine-euryhaline (12.9%), and brackish water (2.5%) species. Of this, Cyprinidae was the most dominant group accounting for the greatest number of species (82 species), followed by Balitoridae (34 species), Bagridae (21 species) and Penaeidae (21 species). Therefore, available fisheries resources should be managed carefully as 48 species (9.0%) are currently vulnerable to extinction. Furthermore, the presence of 20 alien species in Sarawak water bodies also requires attention from the authorities due to the potential disruption of aquatic ecological balance. Changing land use issues in Sarawak such as forest degradation, agricultural expansion, peatland deforestation and conversion, logging, destruction of mangrove forests, and construction of hydroelectric power dams and flood mitigation channels pose significant challenges to fishery management in Sarawak. Our study documents the priority of fishery monitoring and conservation in Sarawak water bodies to ensure sustainable management of fisheries resources.

The main focus of the study was to assess the effect of lipid levels on the reproduction of the female orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Four isonitrogenous feed (~420 g/kg) were formulated with different lipid percentages: T 1 = 60 g / kg , T 2 = 80 g / kg , T 3 = 100 g / kg , and T 4 = 120 g / kg . A feeding trial was carried out on 120 matured female mud crabs for 90 days with 30 replicates in each treatment. Based on the morphological, histological, and hormonal analysis of each crab, the performances of each experimental diet were tested. The results of the experiment disclosed positive body weight gain (BWG) and specific growth rate (SGR), with the highest value recorded in crabs that were fed T4 (BWG: 14.43 ± 1.14 g ; SGR: 0.10 ± 0.01 % da y − 1 ). The highest gonado-somatic index (GSI) and hepato-somatic index (HSI) were noted in mud crabs that were fed T4, each with a value of 14.51 ± 1.13 % and 5.23 ± 0.55 % , respectively ( P < 0.05 ). The histological assessment revealed that the highest oocyte diameter was recorded in mud crabs fed T4 ( 192.80 ± 21.93 μm), where the oocyte diameter was correlated with the progesterone (Pg) concentrations in the ovary with r = 0.73 . Evidence also indicated that Pg and estradiol (E2) are important in the ovarian development in S. olivacea and their concentrations were affected by the lipid levels. An overall analysis revealed that 120 g/kg of lipid in the diet contributes to optimal reproductive performance in Scylla olivacea. Yet, a further experiment is expected to be carried out in the future to determine the nutrient-dose response as 120 g/kg lipid may not be the optimum lipid level for reproductive and growth performance in S. olivacea. Moreover, the extrapolation of data from this study can be used as guidelines in feed formulation for developments in future research in adult crustaceans.

Rapid urbanization with an increasing rate of urban built-up area is decreasing urban green space resulting in changing urban microclimate conditions showing increasing land surface temperature. A better understanding of these effects is important to formulate effective strategies in addressing the impact of increasing built-up area. Land surface temperature patterns in an urbanized city in Bangladesh (Mymensingh district) were investigated using Landsat satellite sensor data from 1988 to 2016. A total of nineteen Landsat satellite images were used to retrieve land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI). The radiative transfer equation (RTE) model was applied to derive LST for the years 1988, 1992, 1999, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. Further, the Landsat-derived LST results were compared with MODIS Terra satellite outputs (MOD11A1) for the validation of our study results. Our results showed NDVI higher in 2008 and lower in 2004, LST maximum in 1988 and minimum in 2008, and NDBI higher in 2004 and lower in 2012. Seasonally, summer was characterized by higher LST and winter by lower LST, while NDVI was higher in autumn and lower in winter, however, NDBI was higher in winter and lower in autumn. Spatially, a relatively higher LST and NDBI was observed in the southwest, followed by central, and northern regions, whereas the trend was opposite for NDVI. Using Pearson's correlation, results showed a strong significant negative correlation between LST and NDVI and a positive significant correlation between LST and NDBI. Further, simple linear regression analysis revealed that LST decreased with increasing NDVI most quickly in 2012, followed by the years 2016, 2008, 1992, 1988, 1999, and 2004. On the other hand, LST increased with increasing NDBI most quickly in 1999, followed by the years 2016, 1988, 1992, 2012, 2004, and 2008. Thus, long-term observation suggested that urbanization had driven a decrease in green space while simultaneously increasing the land surface temperature within an urbanized area. This study has concluded that the protection of urban green spaces is needed as an effective step toward addressing adverse effects of regional climate change and desertification.

Unraveling planktonic community patterns and their linkage with the surrounding ecology is essential for aquatic resource management. Studies on the tintinnid microzooplankton in most of the marine waters of Malaysian South China Sea (SCS) are scarce though the trophic role of this community is well established. Thus, we aimed to investigate on spatiotemporal pattern of composition, abundance, and biomass of tintinnid, and how this community patterns are regulated with the basic ecological parameters. A total of 46 species were recorded, mostly in southwest monsoon (33 species) during the study period from May 2016 to April 2017. Tintinnopsis was counted as major genera with 19 species, and Tintinnopsis radix, a species that reported as neritic-estuarine origin calculated as the most abundant (11%) in our study. Both the space and time were equally responsible for differences in species richness, diversity, abundance, and biomass. However, species richness variation was not influenced by space–time interaction, whereas we observed season (time) and species size worked as a strong factor in terms of biomass variations. Accordingly, the higher mean abundance (Station 3; 132,116 ind m−3 in southwest monsoon) did not scale up to the bigger mean biomass (Station 4; 1.317 µgC L−1 in Inter-monsoon April). Among the ecological variables, the strongest influence was observed in the tintinnid community by pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity mostly during southwest monsoon around Bintulu-Mukah areas. Similarly, species-specific affinity to pH was also observed by most of the species. In addition, Favella campanula showed affinity to salinity, turbidity, and conductivity, while T. cylindrica and T. gracilis were driven by the temperature and dissolved oxygen. The findings of this research may help to explore comprehensive food web dynamics in future ecosystem studies in SCS region.

Species checklists enlist the species existing within a distinct geographical biome and assist as an indispensable input for evolving conservation and administration strategies. The arenas of conservation ecology and biology face the challenge of exaggerated biodiversity, accredited to the non-recognition of taxonomic inconsistencies. The study’s goals are to organize all scattered taxonomic information regarding bivalve molluscs from Malaysian Borneo, i.e. Sarawak and Sabah, under one umbrella. Available literature regarding Malaysian Borneo was reviewed. The published taxonomic data on bivalve species, conservation status, inconsistencies, habitats (marine, fresh, and brackish), research aspects, threats, and conservation strategies are presented. A critical review of the checklists and distributional records of the class Bivalvia from Malaysian Borneo and subsequent validation of species names with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) database revealed that currently 76 bivalve species from 12 orders and other entities, 18 superfamilies, and 27 families have been recorded from the area. Twenty-six inconsistencies with WoRMS were found, and the corrected names are presented. The study indicates most of the enlisted bivalve species have not been evaluated by the IUCN Red List authority and have ‘Least Concern’ or ‘Data Deficient’ status for Malaysian Borneo. To date, published documents on conservation decision strategies and guidelines for future research are not good enough. Nevertheless, potential threats and their remedies for bivalves in the enriched Malaysian Borneo ecosystems are discussed herein.

Long-term storage of oogonia and germ-line stem cells provides an alternative to the limitations associated with cryopreserving eggs of important fish species. These cell types are less vulnerable to the stresses of freezing. Cryopreservation has enormous potential for aquaculture advancement, but protocols must be developed for each species and cell type since its success hinges on various input factors. Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus were selected as the test species in this study because of the need to improve fry production of Blue Catfish ♂ × Channel Catfish I. punctatus ♀ hybrids, which can be facilitated by storing oogonia in gene banks. Our objective was to develop a freezing protocol for oogonia of this species. We tested different permeating and nonpermeating cryoprotectants, concentrations of these agents, and freezing rates. We proved that all three factors influenced postthaw recovery of oogonia. Of the permeating cryoprotectants, 1.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide resulted in the most live cells with the highest viability percentages, and adding 0.2 M lactose with 10% egg yolk further improved the results. There were also specific interactions in which the effects of concentration and freezing rate varied among the cryoprotectant treatments. The most effective freezing rate was −1.0°C/min, and cell viability was reduced at −2.5°C/min and −5.0°C/min. From these results, we propose adding 1.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide with 0.2 M lactose and 10% egg yolk to cryomedia and freezing it at a rate of −1.0°C/min. By developing a cryopreservation protocol for a commonly cultured catfish, this work may guide the development of protocols for other species of interest.

This study focuses on the relationship between myostatin (MyoS), myogenin (MyoG), and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) axis for muscle growth and histopathological changes in muscle after an Aeromonas hydrophila infection. A total number of 90 Nile tilapia (55.85 g) were randomly allocated into two equal groups of three replicates each. The first group was an uninfected control group that was injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 0.2 ml phosphate buffer saline (PBS), while the second group was injected ip with 0.2 ml (1.3 × 10

Sustainability of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus ♀ × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus ♂ hybrid aquaculture relies on new innovative technologies to maximize fry output. Transplanting spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from blue catfish into channel catfish hosts has the potential to greatly increase gamete availability and improve hybrid catfish fry outputs. Cryopreservation would make these cells readily accessible for xenogenesis, but a freezing protocol for blue catfish testicular tissues has not yet been fully developed. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment were to identify the best permeating [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol, methanol] and non-permeating (lactose or trehalose with egg yolk or BSA) cryoprotectants, their optimal concentrations, and the best freezing rates (−0.5, −1.0, −5.0, −10 °C/min until −80 °C) that yield the highest number of viable type A spermatogonia cells. Results showed that all of these factors had significant impacts on post-thaw cell production and viability. DMSO was the most efficient permeating cryoprotectant at a concentration of 1.0 M. The optimal concentration of each cryoprotectant depended on the specific cryoprotectant due to interactions between the two factors. Of the non-permeating cryoprotectants, 0.2 M lactose with egg yolk consistently improved type A spermatogonia production and viability beyond that of the 1.0 M DMSO control. The overall best freezing rate was consistent at −1 °C/min, but similar results were obtained using −0.5 °C/min. Overall, we recommend cryopreserving blue catfish testicular tissues in 1.0 M DMSO with 0.2 M lactose and egg yolk at a rate of either -0.5 or −1 °C/min to achieve the best cryopreservation outcomes. Continued development of cryopreservation protocols for blue catfish and other species will make spermatogonia available for xenogenic applications and genetic improvement programs.

Environmental contamination of chromium (Cr) has gained substantial consideration worldwide because of its high levels in the water and soil. A pot experiment using oil seed crop (rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)) grown under different levels of tannery wastewater (0, 33, 66 and 100%) in the soil using the foliar application of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)–lysine (lys) has been conducted. Results revealed that a considerable decline in the plant growth and biomass elevates with the addition of concentrations of tannery wastewater. Maximum decline in plant height, number of leaves, root length, fresh and dry biomass of root and leaves were recorded at the maximum level of tannery wastewater application (100%) compared to the plants grown without the addition of tannery wastewater (0%) in the soil. Similarly, contents of carotenoid and chlorophyll, gas exchange parameters and activities of various antioxidants (superoxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) were also reduced significantly (P < 0.05) with the increasing concentration of tannery wastewater (33, 66 and 100%) in the soil. In addition, a combined application of Zn and Fe-lys reduced the accumulation and uptake of toxic Cr, while boosting the uptake of essential micronutrients such as Zn and Fe in different tissues of the plants. Results concluded that exogenous application of micronutrients chelated with amino acid successfully mitigate Cr stress in B. napus. Under field conditions, supplementation with these micronutrient-chelated amino acids may be an effective method for alleviating metal stress in other essential seed crops.

Macroinvertebrate community in the intertidal setup plays an important role in coastal ecosystem functions and biogeochemical cycle. However, different land use pattern may influence on their community structure, diversity, and composition in the coastal ecosystems. Using Van-Veen grab sampler, 60 sediment samples were seasonally collected from mangroves-dominated, aquaculture-dominated, and anthropogenically affected area in the lower intertidal zone of the Kohelia channel of Bangladesh, the Northern Bay of Bengal. We have tasted the variation in sediment properties across three land-use types in this intertidal habitat. To understand the patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate distribution, a neutral community model was applied. Our results showed that community composition and biodiversity of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities varied significantly between mangrove-dominated area with anthropogenically affected areas among the four seasons. The neutral community model revealed that community assembly of benthic macroinvertebrates in the lower intertidal habitats is structured by stochastic processes while sediment properties have significant influence on species distribution and interactions. Results suggested that land-use changes altered sediment properties and could change the diversity and distribution of the macroinvertebrate communities in the lower intertidal habitats.

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a pesticide used extensively in agricultural crops. Residual CP has been found in a variety of soils, vegetables and fruits indicating a serious danger to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict its entry into agricultural products for food safety. A wire-house pot experiment was conducted with maize plants in biochar- and compost-amended soil (at 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, in weight-by-weight composition) contaminated with 100 and 200 mg kg−1 of CP, respectively. Results indicated toxicity at both CP levels (with 84% growth reduction) at CP 200 mg kg−1. However, application of compost and biochar at the 0.50% level improved the fresh weight (2.8- and 4-fold, respectively). Stimulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) activities and depressed catalase (CAT) activity were recorded in response to CP contamination and were significantly recovered by the amendments. Both amendments significantly decreased the CP phytoavailability. With biochar, 91% and 76% reduction in the CP concentration in maize shoots and with compost 72% and 68% reduction was recorded, at a 0.50% level in 100 and 200 mg kg−1 contaminated treatments respectively. Compost accelerated the CP degradation in postharvest soil. Therefore, biochar and compost amendments can effectively be used to decrease CP entry in agricultural produce by reducing its phytoavailability.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an important cereal crop, grown throughout the temperate and in some tropical and sub-tropical zones, at higher elevations. Several biotic and abiotic factors influence the production of wheat. In the present study, two wheat varieties have been subjected to disease severity and resistance analysis against Fusarium equiseti. Disease severity analysis revealed Shafaq-2006 to be more resistant than Sahar-2006. Both varieties were further subjected to the expression analysis of six important defense-related genes by RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. This analysis revealed that PR-1, TLP, Chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase genes were highly expressed in Shafaq-2006 and possibly play a significant role in its defense mechanism. In addition, biochemical and physiochemical parameters were also studied to further explore the difference between resistant and susceptible varieties. With total proline and protein contents, sugar and chlorophyll contents also increased significantly in resistant variety. Likewise, higher relative water content, total plant length, and the high root–shoot ratio was observed in resistant plants, compared to susceptible wheat plants. These increases in chemical and physiological parameters might be related to the activation of the defense mechanism due to the higher expression of PR genes in the resistant wheat variety. These genes can further be employed for cloning into wheat and other transgenic crops to develop resistance against F. equiseti.

Simple Summary Information on the diet composition, food types, and feeding behavior of decapods is important for developing well-formulated diets in aquaculture, since feed constitutes the largest operational cost in crustacean hatcheries. The use of formulated feed for decapods at a commercial scale is still in the early stages. This is probably because of the unique feeding behavior that decapods possess: being robust, slow feeders and bottom dwellers, their feeding preferences change during the transition from pelagic larvae to benthic juveniles as their digestive systems develop and become more complex. This article presents an overview of recent progress on the nutrition and feed formulation of commercially farmed decapods during the juvenile stages. In this review, we attempt to update the information on the topic from the last 25 years and examine challenges and opportunities in the development of formulated diets, considering diet composition and decapod feeding behavior during the juvenile stages, which is vital for developing a better quality of feed formulation in hatcheries. Abstract The increasing market demand for decapods has led to a considerable interest in cultivating decapod species at a larger scale. Following the development of hatchery technologies, most research has focused on the development of formulated feeds for commercially farmed decapods once they enter the juvenile stages. The use of formulated feed for decapods at a commercial scale is still in the early stages. This is probably because of the unique feeding behavior that decapods possess: being robust, slow feeders and bottom dwellers, their feeding preferences change during the transition from pelagic larvae to benthic juveniles as their digestive systems develop and become more complex. The current practice of decapod aquaculture involves the provision of juveniles with food such as natural diet, live feed, and formulated feed. Knowledge of nutrient requirements enables diets to be better formulated. By manipulating the levels of proteins and lipids, a formulated feed can be expected to lead to optimal growth in decapods. At the same time, the pellet’s physical characteristics are important factors to be considered upon formulating commercially farmed decapod feeds, considering the unique feeding behavior of the decapod. However, most published studies on decapod nutrition lack data on the physical characteristics of the feed types. Thus, it is difficult to establish a standard feed formulation that focuses on the physical pellet properties. Moreover, careful consideration must be given to the feeding behavior of species, as decapods are known as bottom feeders and are robust in terms of handling feed. Information on the pellet forms, diet composition, and unique feeding behaviors in commercially farmed decapods is gathered to suggest potential better formulated diets that can optimize growth and reproduction. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize the information that has been published to date and to come up with suggestions on ways to improve the feed formulation in decapods that comply with their feeding behavior and nutrient requirements. Further research is needed to explore the potential of the pelleted feed at the adult stage so the decapod can take full advantage of the nutrients present in the pellets.

Seagrass habitats are considered to be some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and safeguard some ecologically and economically important fauna, amongst which are some globally threatened species, including dugong. Malaysian seagrass ecosystems are not widespread, but their existence supports some significant marine fauna. A rigorous zooplankton study was conducted from May 2016 to February 2017, in the seagrass habitat of Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia, to examine their temporal composition and diversity, together with their ecological influences. A total of 45 zooplankton species from 13 significant groups were recorded in the seagrass habitat. The population density of zooplankton ranged between 2,482 ind/m³ and 22,670 ind/m³ over three different seasons. A single zooplankton copepod was found to be dominant (47.40%), while bivalves were the second largest (31.8%) group in terms of total abundance. It was also noticed that the average relative abundance (0.62) and important species index (62.08) of copepods were higher than for other groups that exist in the seagrass meadow, whereas copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris showed both the highest average relative abundance (0.41) and the highest important species index (41.15). The diversity (H') and richness index of the intermediate season were found to be highest due to favourable physico-chemical conditions. Within the referred seasonal cluster, the wet and dry seasons were almost similar in terms of species abundance, while the intermediate season was distinct, with high species diversity backed by ANOSIM analysis results. Copepod and bivalves formed one group with a common similarity level of 0.80. The CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) model established that abiotic factors, especially turbidity, NO2, rainfall, dissolved oxygen and pH were significantly correlated with abundance of individual groups of zooplankton. Zooplankton assemblage and abundance in Lawas were found to be very rich in multiple seasons, indicating that the productivity of uninterrupted seagrass habitat might be high and the system rich in biodiversity.

presented in5th International Postgraduate Conference on Biotechnology (IPCB);At: Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench) plays a significant role in humans nutrition because its fresh leaves, stems, flowers, pods and seeds, are used for multiple purposes. The present study attempted to determine the spatial variations in biochemical attributes of osmoprotectants and the oxidative defense system of okra plants. Samples of soil and okra plants (leaves and fruits) were collected from three different locations: Faisalabad region-1 (7 JB-I), Faisalabad region-2 (7 JB-II) and Pindi Bhattian. Chlorophyll contents, glycine betaine (GB), ascorbic acid (AsA), total phenolics, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were analyzed in the leaves and fruits of okra plants. Soil analyses showed that pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and saturation of soil were higher in Faisalabad region 2, while organic matter, sand, Zn, and Cu were higher in the Pindi Bhattian region. The results from okra leaves showed that Pindi Bhattian had higher chlorophyll a, GB and H2O2 contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had a higher ratio of chlorophyll a/b compared to the other regions. However, Faisalabad regions 2 and 1 had higher leaf phenolic contents, Faisalabad regions 1 and 2 showed higher leaf proline contents, and Faisalabad region 2 possessed higher AsA and MDA contents. Analyses of okra fruits showed that Faisalabad region 2 had higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had higher chlorophyll b contents. Faisalabad region 2 and Pindi Bhattian had higher ratios of chlorophyll a/b, and Faisalabad region 1 showed higher phenolic, AsA, H2O2, and MDA contents of okra fruit, whereas the Faisalabad regions exhibited higher proline and GB contents than the Pindi Bhattian region. Overall, okra leaves and fruits showed better responses in the Faisalabad regions, and these results may be used to screen for okra cultivars with better tolerance under different environmental conditions.

Due to the rapid increase in industrial and urban areas, environmental pollution is increasing worldwide, causing unwanted changes in the air, water, and soil at biological, physical, and chemical levels, ultimately causing negative effects for living things. This work was performed in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, and examined and measured heavy metal levels in various plant parts of the rice (Oryza sativa) variety Kainat (roots, shoots, and grains) with results been set in relation to the soil around the root area. The samples were taken from five different sites. The mean level of trace metals (mg/kg) in grains was soil-dependent and varied from cadmium (Cd) (2.49–5.52), zinc (Zn) (5.8–10.78), copper (Cu) (4.82–7.85), cobalt (Co) (1.48–6.52), iron (Fe) (8.68–14.73), manganese (Mn) (6.87–13.93), and nickel (Ni) (2.3–8.34). Excluding Cd, the absorption of all metals under inspection was recorded within permissible limits, as recommended by the FAO and WHO. The pollution load index for Cd was highest at all sites. The enrichment coefficient of Co, Cd, and Cu were greater. The bioaccumulation factor at all studied sites was present, in order: Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Mn ˃ Co ˃ Ni ˃ Cd. The translocation factor was present at five different sites: Mn ˃ Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Co ˃ Cd ˃ Ni. The health risk index of all inspected metals was lower than 1 and was within safe limits. The higher pollution of Cd suggested maintenance of rice crop is recommended, decreasing health risks in humans.

The application of untreated sewage sludge to cropland in water-deficient areas is common practice. A study was conducted to investigate the transfer of trace elements from sewage sludge to tomato crop and the potential health risk to humans. Two types of sewage sludge, ISS (I-9 Sector wastewater treatment plant, Islamabad) and WSS (Water and Sanitation Authority wastewater treatment plant, Faisalabad), were applied at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% w/w and compared with control (without any amendment). The test crop was tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Results revealed that the ECe of soil was increased by these treatments with respect to all application levels. The levels of Pb (lead) and Zn (Zinc) solubility in soil were increased about 46- and 28-fold by the application of ISS at 1.5% and 16- and 22-fold by the application of WSS at 1.5%, respectively. The highest shoot biomass was recorded with 0.5% level of WSS, while higher rates (1.0% and 1.5%) of both ISS and WSS showed significant (p &lt, 0.001) decline in shoot biomass production, and the lowest SFW was recorded with the addition of ISS at 1.5% application rate (a significant reduction of 44%) compared to control. The pore water analysis and correlation depicted that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) controlled the release of Zn and Pb. The PLI (value &lt, 1) indicated that the overall pollution of trace metals in the investigated samples was absent, but the Igeo and CF showed the contamination potential for Cd, Cu, and Ni was moderate to strong. DIM and HRI analysis suggested that the tomato was safe for human consumption. The HRI values for all trace metals were below the permissible limit (HRI = 1) described by USEPA-IRIS. It was concluded that a lower rate of both sewage sludge types produces more biomass and less accumulation of trace metals in the test crop.

Toxicity of heavy-metals in soil is a major constraint for the production of carrots (Daucus carota L.). Different plant growth regulators are being used to overcome this problem. It has been found that plant growth regulators induce stress tolerance in plants. In this study, the role of exogenously applied plant growth regulator, gibberellic acid (GA3) was examined in soil grown two carrot cultivars under four different levels of lead (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) with one level of gibberellic acid (50 ppm). Results showed that Pb stress retarded the plant growth and reduced chlorophyll contents in the leaves of both carrot cultivars. A significant decrease was observed in photosynthetic attributes by Pb addition alone. However, exogenously applied GA3 ameliorated the plant growth and chlorophyll contents in the leaves of both carrot cultivars under Pb stressed conditions. Moreover, GA3 also decreased the uptake of Pb concentration in carrot leaves and roots. In addition, GA3 significantly regulated the phenolic compounds concentration in both carrot cultivars under Pb stress. In this study, cultivar T-29 was found to be more tolerant to Pb stress, however, cultivar Mevarick experienced higher damage regarding plant growth under Pb stress.

Meeting consumer concerns and preferences for fresh and safely processed fisheries products free of chemical and synthetic preservatives is a challenge for the aqua-food industry. As such, natural preservatives from plant and animal origin including chitosan, essential oils (EOs), plant extracts and lactic acid bacteria have attracted considerable interest recently. These preservatives have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can retard spoilage, uphold product quality and safety as well as extend the storage shelf-life of fish and seafood. Chitosan and EOs have been successfully used in edible coatings, film wrapping and dipping solutions. The present review focuses on the effectiveness of chitosan, EOs and other natural preservatives intended for prolonging the shelf-life of fisheries products, and maintaining their freshness and quality. Moreover, the mechanisms of action of natural additives, harmful impacts of chemical preservatives and status of aquatic food preservatives in Southeast Asian countries are summarized, with notes on important research gaps. Overall, this study informs recent development in natural preservatives related to the aqua-food industry.

Humans are facing very serious health threats from food contamination with cadmium (Cd), and Cd uptake by wheat is amongst the main causes of Cd entrance into the food chain. The current study examined the effect of foliar application (0, 1.50, 3.00 and 4.00 mM) of various silicate chemicals (calcium silicate and potassium silicate) on wheat growth and Cd addition by wheat under Cd stress 20 mg kg−1 of soil using CdCl2. The results revealed that under control conditions, the application of Si improved all the growth, physiological, biochemical and quality attributes by reducing malondialdehyde contents and electrolyte leakage. Under Cd stress, the supplementation of Si conferred a better growth rate, gaseous exchange for metabolic activity and maintained the tissues’ turgor and membranes’ stabilities compared to those obtained under control (without Si). The enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase) also show rapid action by the application of Si supplement, which were associated with elevated osmoprotectant contents and antioxidants, having role in antioxidant defense against Cd stress. These results suggested that a 4.50 mM concentration of Si supplement (potassium silicate) works effectively against Cd stress. The given results showed that Si supplement is beneficial for the enhancement of many metabolic activities that takes places in plants during the growth period that proved a feasible approach in controlling the Cd concentration within wheat plants and, ultimately, in humans.

Several antiviral peptides (AVPs) from aquatic organisms have been effective in interfering with the actions of infectious viruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and 2. AVPs are able to block viral attachment or entry into host cells, inhibit internal fusion or replication events by suppressing viral gene transcription, and prevent viral infections by modulating host immunity. Therefore, as promising therapeutics, the potential of aquatic AVPs for use against the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is considered. At present no therapeutic drugs are yet available. A total of 32 AVPs derived from fish and shellfish species are discussed in this review paper with notes on their properties and mechanisms of action in the inhibition of viral diseases both in humans and animals, emphasizing on SARS-CoV-2. The molecular structure of novel SARS-CoV-2 with its entry mechanisms, clinical signs and symptoms are also discussed. In spite of only a few study of these AVPs against SARS-CoV-2, aquatic AVPs properties and infection pathways (entry, replication and particle release) into coronaviruses are linked in this paper to postulate an analysis of their potential but unconfirmed actions to impair SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans.

Long-term storage of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) represents the next step for advancing aquaculture research by providing valuable genetic resources for genetic enhancement programs and xenogenesis technologies. Hybrid catfish, the cross between channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus ♀ and blue catfish, I. furcatus ♂, are in high demand by the US aquaculture industry, but production can be limited by the availability of blue catfish gametes. Therefore, xenogeneic stem cell transplantation is a powerful method for generating blue catfish gametes within faster growing and maturing channel catfish hosts. These technologies could be facilitated by having cryopreserved SSCs from testicular tissue on-hand in gene banks. Cryopreservation protocols for blue catfish testicular tissues and for other fish species are still being optimized, and currently, data is lacking on the effects antioxidants and antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have on cellular post-thaw viability of SSCs. The objective of this study was to analyze the individual and combined effects of antioxidants (catalase, hypotaurine, and ascorbic acid) and AFPs (I and III) on post-thaw type A spermatogonia cell production and viability from testicular tissue. In this study, there were no improvements with individual antioxidant or AFP treatments. However, when the antioxidants hypotaurine and catalase were tested in combination with different AFPs, three treatments had higher type A spermatogonia cell production than the control, including hypotaurine 7 mM + AFPI 1 μg/mL, hypotaurine 3.5 mM + AFPI 0.1 μg/mL, and hypotaurine 7 mM + AFPIII 0.1 μg/mL. These treatments along with hypotaurine 7 mM + AFPI 0.1 μg/mL and catalase 100 IU + AFPI 0.1 μg/mL had higher viability than the control. From these results, we recommend adding these antioxidant-AFP combinations to future cryopreservation protocols. Overall, this is the first study showing that combining specific antioxidants and AFPs can improve spermatogonia cryopreservation for a fish species.