UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review of Ecotoxicological Effects, Exposure Pathways and Trophic Transfer Risks
No full textMicroplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as pervasive pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, posing growing ecotoxicological risks to aquatic fauna. Originating from a wide array of sources, including industrial discharge, wastewater effluents, and degradation of larger plastic debris, microplastics are now documented in marine, freshwater, and estuarine environments globally. Their small size, persistence, and ability to adsorb toxic chemicals make them a multifaceted threat. The ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics, emphasising physiological, cellular, behavioural, genotoxic, and endocrine-related effects across diverse taxa such as plankton, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and marine vertebrates. Documented impacts include digestive obstruction, energy depletion, reproductive impairments, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disrupted predator-prey interactions. The role of microplastics as vectors for heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants further compounds their toxicity, often leading to synergistic effects. Weathering and biofouling enhance their chemical reactivity and alter exposure pathways. While laboratory studies provide mechanistic insights, limitations in ecological realism and a lack of long-term or multigenerational data persist. The underrepresentation of freshwater species and nanoplastic-specific studies presents further knowledge gaps. Monitoring efforts remain hindered by inconsistent analytical methods, while regulation have only recently begun addressing microplastic-specific challenges. Current knowledge on the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on aquatic fauna by examining their sources, pathways, exposure mechanisms, and biological effects across different taxa. Emphasis is placed on evidence from peer-reviewed experimental and field studies to assess the scale and severity of effects. Microplastic pollution poses significant ecological risks, necessitating robust policy and mitigation strategies. Global initiatives, including the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and UNEA’s commitment to a legally binding treaty, demonstrate growing policy attention. Public engagement, biodegradable alternatives, and integrated scientific approaches are essential components of future mitigation. Urgent need for standardised methodologies, cross-ecosystem studies, and adaptive risk assessment frameworks to address microplastic pollution holistically. Bridging experimental findings with real-world ecological complexity is key to understanding the long-term consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health, and to informing science-based environmental policies on both national and global scales
Seasonal Gut Content Analysis of Oil Sardine (Sardinella longiceps) at Dabhol, Harnai and Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri Coast, Maharashtra, India
No full textThe oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) is one of the most commercially important pelagic fish species along the Ratnagiri coast of Maharashtra. Understanding the dietary spectrum of oil sardine provides critical insights into trophic dynamics and resource availability in Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs). In this study, 270 specimens of S. longiceps were collected between January–May (pre-monsoon) and September–December (post-monsoon) from fish catched from PFZs of Dabhol, Harnai, and Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. This study examines the qualitative and quantitative composition of gut contents during pre-monsoon (January to May) and post-monsoon (September to December) seasons of year 2024 at three major fish landing centres: Dabhol, Harnai and Mirkarwada. A total of 270 specimens (10 fish per month per site for 9 months) were analyzed using the Occurrence Method. The gut content analysis was not performed during monsoon months i.e. June to August due to fishing ban and PFZs advisory not available during this monsoon months. Planktonic organisms such as diatoms (Fragilaria oceanica, Chaetoceros spp., Thalassiosira spp., Coscinodiscus spp., Biddulphia spp., Rhizosolenia spp.), dinoflagellates (Ceratium spp., Peridinium spp.), copepods (Acartia spp., Paracalanus spp., Copepod nauplii.), fish eggs, Ostracods, polychaete larvae, tintinnids, larvaceans, organic matter, sand particles and detritus were identified. The results revealed marked seasonal variations, with diatom dominance in the post-monsoon period and higher copepod abundance in pre-monsoon months. The findings highlight the influence of coastal productivity and upwelling events on oil sardine feeding ecology
Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Chitosan Extracted from Crustacean Exoskeleton
No full textThe primary component of crustacean exoskeletons, a significant byproduct of the seafood processing industry, is chitin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide. Chitin is an excellent precursor for the synthesis of chitosan because of its rigidity and biocompatibility. The shrimp\u27s exoskeleton was ground into a powder and put through a series of treatments, including as deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorization, to produce chitin in the form of a colorless, white powder. To produce chitosan, the acquired chitin was treated to deacetylation. Its antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities were examined in the study, which shed light on its potential uses in medicine. By using inhibitory zone measurements to test chitosan against bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella species, antimicrobial activity was evaluated. By measuring the degree of fungal growth inhibition, its antifungal effectiveness against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans was investigated. The chosen bacterial and fungal strains were significantly inhibited by chitosan
Morpho-Molecular Identification of Echinostome Cercariae Isolated from Indoplanorbis exustus Snails in Nagaland, India
No full textThe freshwater snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1834) belonging to the family Planorbidae, acts as the sole intermediate host for several trematodes of medical and economic importance. These include zoonotic schistosomes and echinostomes. However, studies on cercarial identification from aquatic snails in the northeastern region are scarce. This study aims to employ morphological and molecular tools to identify specific Echinostome cercariae in snails. Snails (Indoplanorbis exustus) were collected from different villages of Dimapur district of Nagaland and identified morphologically. Of the 2,000 snails examined, 60 tested positive for Echinostome cercariae, indicating a 3 percent prevalence. Key morphological traits included an elongated oval body with an unforked tail, a mid-ventral circular sucker, and an oral sucker encircled by a subtle spiny collar. Numerous cystogenous glands (giving a dark appearance) were present, eyespots were absent, and the oral sucker lay distinctly apart from the ventral sucker. Cercarial DNA was extracted and amplified using PCR. The resulting DNA products were sequenced, and the ITS2 region was analyzed for phylogenetic identification. Genotypic characterization based on ITS2 demonstrated a 95% homology with Echinostoma trivolvis, 99% with E. malayanum, and 97% with Artyfechinostomum sufratyfex. Furthermore, there was a 97% similarity with E. revoltum, E. trivolvis, and E. caproni. Therefore, supported by the distinctive collar spines and strong ITS2 homology (up to 99 %) with the recognized E. revolutum-group species, the identification was conclusive. The combination of morphological and molecular approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of Echinostome cercariae in snail populations in Nagaland. This also research contributes to the accurate diagnosis of snail-borne diseases, facilitating effective control measures and minimizing their impact on domestic livestock in India
Evaluation of Bioagents and Botanicals for the Management of Spodoptera litura and Erionota thrax in the Sugandhi Banana
No full textBanana production is significantly affected by a range of biotic and abiotic factors, with insect pests being among the most serious biotic threats to successful cultivation. In particular, the defoliator pests Spodoptera litura and the leaf roller Erionota thrax pose considerable challenges to banana farmers. To explore sustainable management strategies, a field study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 in farmers’ fields within the Tungabhadra Command area of Vijayanagar district, Karnataka, India. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of selected bioagents and botanicals against these key pests. The experiment consisted of seven treatments, laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Pooled data across both years showed that the treatment T4 Beauveria bassiana strain UHSB-END1 applied at 10 g per plant as a soil application at 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th months intervals resulted in the lowest leaf infestation by S. litura (1.69%) and E. thrax (1.76%). This was statistically comparable to T3, where B. bassiana was applied during the 5th and 6th months only registered 2.13% and 2.76% infestation, respectively. The next most effective treatments were T2 neem cake @ 250 kg/ha applied at the same monthly intervals (2.57% and 3.71%) and T6 carbofuran 3% G @ 10 g/plant applied at the 5th and 6th months (2.79% and 4.05%). The untreated control plots recorded the highest levels of infestation, underscoring the need for active pest management. Overall, the results highlight the potential of B. bassiana as a promising bioagent for integrated management of banana defoliators under field conditions
Exploring Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms and β-Lactamase Interactions with Ceftriaxone and Linezolid
No full textIntroduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge, fueled by mechanisms such as β-lactamase production and the formation of biofilms. This study aimed to assess antibiotic resistance, β-lactamase activity, biofilm formation, and explore resistance mechanisms through molecular docking.
Methods: Thirty-five bacterial isolates from clinical samples, representing seven genera—Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analyzed. Antibiotic susceptibility testing determined resistance patterns, while β-lactamase production and biofilm formation were assessed phenotypically. Molecular docking evaluated interactions between β-lactamase (PDB ID: 1YLJ) and the antibiotics ceftriaxone and linezolid using Auto Dock Vina 2.0.
Results: High resistance rates were observed to ceftriaxone (85.7%) and erythromycin (71.4%). Salmonella spp. showed the highest overall resistance (77.3%) with complete resistance to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. β-lactamase producers accounted for 25.7% of isolates, with a mean resistance rate of 67.3%, higher than non-producers. Biofilm-forming isolates (48.5%) exhibited increased resistance (68.5%) compared to non-biofilm producers (49.5%). Docking results revealed ceftriaxone had moderate binding affinity (-6.45 kcal/mol; Ki: 18.67 µM) to β-lactamase, suggesting vulnerability to enzymatic degradation, while linezolid bound more strongly (-8.66 kcal/mol; Ki: 448.07 nM), indicating better inhibitory potential.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for ongoing resistance monitoring, antimicrobial stewardship, and molecular-level insights to guide effective treatment against multidrug-resistant pathogens
Biodiversity of Insect Pest and Their Natural Enemy Efficiency in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Agro Eco-System in Central Uttar Pradesh
No full textMungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the most important pulse crops cultivated during the zaid season for its high nutritional value and short growth duration. However, its productivity is often constrained by the incidence of insect pests at different growth stages. In 2024 and 2025, an experiment was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology’s Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Identified Twelfth species of insect pest and their natural enemies, among seven species of insect pests five species occurred regularly were noticed to both vegetative and reproductive crop stage, while remaining two species occurred occasionally on mungbean with low population density and considered as a minor insect pest of mungbean agro-ecosystem in the Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on the number of species, orders Lepidoptera (three species), order Coleoptera (one species), order Hymenoptera (two species), order Hemiptera (three species), order odonata (one species), Thysanoptera (one species) and order Dictyoptera (one species) from mungbean agroecosystem were observed. According to their economic importance. Among five species of natural enemies (four species of predators and one species of parasitoid) Coccinella septumpunctata, was a major predator were observed in mungbean crop occasionally in low population density and designated as a minor status. Whitefly had the highest relative abundance in both the year. Simpson’s index was 0.29 and 0.27, respectively. The Simpson’s Index of Diversity was 0.71 and 0.73 in 2024 and 2025
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Assessment of Earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) Coelomic Fluid for Its Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties
No full textWound healing is a complex, multi-phased process that can be severely impaired by prolonged inflammation and infection, leading to chronic wounds with major clinical and economic burdens. Conventional therapies, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, face limitations due to antimicrobial resistance and adverse side effects, creating a pressing need for safer and more effective alternatives. Earthworms, particularly Perionyx excavates, have been traditionally used in Asian folk medicine for treating wounds and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to scientifically validate the therapeutic potential of P. excavates coelomic fluid (CF) through phytochemical characterization, in vitro anti-inflammatory assays, and in vivo wound-healing evaluation. Phytochemical screening revealed CF to be rich in proteins, phenolics, and flavonoids, with GC-MS identifying key bioactive compounds such as palmitic acid and oleic acid. In vitro assays demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity, with significant inhibition of protein denaturation, stabilization of red blood cell membranes, and suppression of nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo, topical application of CF ointment significantly accelerated wound contraction, reduced epithelization period, and enhanced tissue regeneration in excision wound models of Wistar rats. Histopathological analysis confirmed superior collagen deposition and minimal inflammatory cell infiltration in CF-treated wounds. Collectively, these findings provide strong scientific evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of P. excavates CF as a multi-functional therapeutic agent with both anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This research highlights the potential of earthworm-derived biomolecules as promising candidates for the development of novel wound care therapies
Larvicidal and Molecular Docking Evaluation of Stephanotis volubilis Leaf Phytochemicals against Culex quinquefasciatus Odorant-Binding and D7 Proteins
No full textVector-borne diseases pose a significant worldwide health threat, and the dependence on synthetic insect repellents has led to the development of resistance and ecological damage. This study investigated the larvicidal potential of Stephanotis volubilis (Apocynaceae) leaf extracts against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and explored the underlying mechanisms through in-silico molecular docking. Larvicidal bioassay using Hexane, Ethyl acetate, and Ethanol extracts was conducted as per WHO guidelines. All extracts demonstrated concentration and time-dependent mortality against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. The Ethyl acetate extract was the most potent, recording an LC50 value of 101.3 ppm at 24 hours, which decreased to 80.0 ppm at 72 hours. This 72-hour LC50 value is within the WHO’s permissible threshold for plant-based larvicides. Molecular docking studies were performed using four phyto constituents against two critical mosquito targets: Odorant Binding Protein (OBP) PDB:3OGN and D7 Salivary Protein (PDB: 6V4C). Oleic acid showed the highest binding affinity for OBP at -7.4 kcal/mol, which was superior to the synthetic insecticide Temephos -7.1 kcal/mol. (E) -Cinnamic acid also bound strongly to the D7 Salivary Protein -6.7 kcal/mol and Temephos -6.2 kcal/mol. In conclusion, S. volubilis leaf extracts exhibit potent larvicidal activity. The moderate correlation (r = 0.78) between in vitro larvicidal activity and in-silico binding energies suggests these phytochemicals disrupt mosquito physiology through multiple mechanisms. S.volubilis phytochemicals demonstrate WHO-compliant larvicidal efficacy with superior molecular binding than the synthetic controls, validating their potential as eco-friendly alternatives for integrated vector management.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRAC
Cladocerans as an Ideal Live-Food for Fish Larviculture Towards Aquaculture Sustainability
No full textAquaculture remains one of the fastest-growing food-producing sectors, challenges for the development of a sustainable and species diverse aquaculture industry is lack of suitable live feeds at the larviculture phase. At present, some live feeds are being harvested from the wild and fed to the larvae and brooders. However, unfortunately, the wild collected live feeds are forming a way to entry of pathogenic organisms, which can cause diseases to the cultivable organisms. In this context, the present review was focussed on the cladocerans, their morphology, collection, identification features and culture methods. The culture of live feeds primarily the cladocerans culture in captive condition is highly essential for country like India. However, viable technologies for the intensive production of marine cladocerans are lacking in aquaculture industry especially in India coupled with the issue of lack of brood stock facility. A comprehensive brood stock facility for marine cladocerans to take up on as commercial scale seems to be the need of hour. Therefore, the culture technology has to be developed for all the possible species of marine cladocerans and pure culture of such species could be maintained and supplied to farmers and researchers of the country for sustainable aquaculture practices