UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Microbial Assessment and Antibiotic Resistance Profiling of Bacterial Isolates from Surface Water of Poondi Lake, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThe present study aims to assess the antibiotic resistance of bacterial isolates from the Poondi Lake, Tamil Nadu. The collected surface water samples were subjected to enumeration of Total Viable Count (TVC) on nutrient agar medium. The bacterial load ranged from 3.66 to 4.01 x 109 CFU/ml. Further, four dominant and morphologically distinct colonies were purified by quadrant streaking and biochemically analyzed to identify the bacteria. On analysis, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were detected to be more prevalent. Then, an Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) was performed on bacterial isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method with ten commonly used antibiotics across Tamil Nadu. Among the tested isolates, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Staphylococcus were found to be superbugs showing Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR). Increased resistance was observed towards β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines, while aminoglycosides showed powerful effects against bacteria. Resistance towards old as well as last-resort antibiotics leads to accumulation and emergence of MDR microorganisms in the environment. Presence of such Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) in drinking water may contribute to the spread of hard-to-treat infections. Thus, the findings highlight the presence of ARB, emphasizing the need for pollution prevention and continuous monitoring of inland water bodies
Evaluation on Antimicrobial Activity of Jellyfish Cnidae Derived Extracts from the Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini) of the South East Coast of India
No full textJellyfish venom found in tentacle nematocysts have been implicated in human injuries and even deaths. The present study assessed antimicrobial properties of crude venom extract toxins from cnidocytes of Crambionella orsini, Vanhöffen, 1888 that were collected from Parangipettai coast. Nematocysts crude extracts showed effective antibacterial activity against five bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella paratyphi, and Staphylococcus aureus) and five fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Rhizopus sp. Mucor sp. and Penicillium sp.). The highest antibacterial activity was observed against Escherichia coli with the n-Butanol extract (6.36 ± 0.38 mm), while Salmonella paratyphi showed a maximum inhibition zone of 5.68 ± 0.40 mm with the chloroform extract. The extracts also showed antifungal activity against five fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., and Penicillium sp.), with the highest inhibition recorded against Aspergillus flavus using the chloroform extract (6.22 ± 0.52 mm). The observed antimicrobial activities may be attributed to bioactive toxins or secondary metabolites present in the nematocyst crude extracts. The findings were compared with previous studies on Chrysaora quinquecirrha (Suganthi et al., 2012), which showed comparatively higher antimicrobial potency. This study supports ongoing investigations into biologically active compounds from jellyfish nematocysts and tentacles, highlighting their potential pharmacological applications
A New Occurrence of Ditremaster (Irregular Echinoid) from the Eocene Kapuradi Formation, Barmer Basin, Western Rajasthan, India
No full textA previously unreported small spatangoid echinoid referable to the genus Ditremaster (Munier- Chalmas, 1885) has been identified from the Eocene Kapuradi Formation. The specimen was discovered from Kapuradi and Bhadkha localities in the Barmer Basin, Western Rajasthan, India. Thirty-eight specimens were recovered from the Fuller’s Earth horizons at Kapuradi and Bhadkha. All exhibit diagnostic characters of Ditremaster. The sample is derived from the Fuller\u27s Earth horizon of the Kapuradi Formation, a clay-rich unit that has previously gone unrecorded for echinoids. This finding indicates a low-energy, shallow marine setting with soft clayey substrate in the Early Eocene Kapuradi Formation. This finding indicates previously unrecognised dispersal routes and environmental tolerance of spatangoids along the Western Indian margin during the Eocene. This discovery also widens Ditremaster\u27s known paleogeographic distribution beyond the Middle Eocene of Kutch, Gujarat, where the genus was initially described
Marine Mammals of the Indian Ocean: Diversity, Distribution and Climate Change Vulnerability: A Review
No full textWhile the Indian Ocean is home to a diverse assemblage of marine mammals, there is a marked paucity of data concerning cetacean ecology and conservation in the region. This review analyzes current knowledge of species richness, distribution and conservation status of marine mammals in the Indian Ocean, particularly climate change vulnerability and management considerations. Based on systematic synthesis of more than 80 publications (2000-2025) from major databases, this review identifies key patterns, vulnerabilities, and research gaps. The Indo-Pacific represents a global hot-spot for threatened coastal cetaceans. The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) is one of the most threatened species with small geographic distribution and dependence on coastal localities. Climate change has emerged as the most devastating threat, fuelled by rapid warming of the Indian Ocean that currently has the highest rate of oceanic warming on a global scale. The projections indicate that by 2050, on-going marine heat wave conditions will establish with severe impacts on the ecosystem services and fishery productivity. Over 70% of marine mammal populations exhibit high sensitivity to climate impacts (e.g., modified prey distribution, habitat alteration, physiological stress). Such pressures are exacerbated by fisheries by catch, rising vessel traffic and acoustic pollution. Priorities for action include the implementation of climate-proof marine spatial planning, living protected areas, improved by catch measures in the fisheries sector and strengthened regional cooperation. Urgent policy action is needed to halt these declines and ensure long-term conservation of marine mammals in the Indian Ocean
A Preliminary Report on Butterfly (Insecta: Lepidoptera) Diversity in Dawaipani, West Bengal, India
No full textButterflies are considered as bio-indicators, predicting the health of an ecosystem and its biodiversity, making their conservation crucial. Dawaipani, a tranquil village of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India, harbors forests, grasslands and tea gardens, that support diverse flora and fauna and is renowned for its remarkable butterfly diversity. A survey-based study was undertaken to explore the butterflies in this moderately disturbed forest area and to understand the diversity, abundance, community structure, and conservation needs of the study area. The study recorded 64 butterfly species from 49 genera and six families (Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, and Riodinidae), with Nymphalidae being the most dominant with 56.93% of the total number of butterflies and 51.56% of the total butterfly species. The score of Shannon diversity index, Pielou’s evenness index and Simpson\u27s index of diversity were found 3.30, 0.95 and 0.98 respectively, indicating the area is rich in butterfly diversity with high abundance and evenness. The butterflies that showed high occurrences were Common Fivering (Ypthima baldus), Indian Cabbage White (Pieris canidia), Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita), Indian Tortoiseshell (Aglais caschmirensis) and Common Crow (Euploea core). Nine species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, were documented. The study contributed a concise checklist along with diversity and abundance of the butterfly fauna found in the study site, accentuating the exigency of focused conservation efforts
Hypericin Confers Photoprotection in UV-B-Exposed Mouse Skin by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Modulating Autophagy
No full textThe occurrence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide and UV radiation is a critical causative agent, which leads to the initiation and progression of skin cancer. The skin cancers are categorized into melanoma (MSC) and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), in which the former is more dangerous and unable to be treated in advanced conditions. The present study aims to assess the protective role of hypericin in ultraviolet-B (UV-B)- mediated oxidative imbalance and alterations in the protein expression of autophagic markers in the skin of mice. The animals were randomized and grouped (n = 6) into normal, UV-B exposed (180 mJ/cm² for 30 weeks), UV-B + Hypericin (0.1%), UV-B + Hypericin (0.2%), UV-B + Hypericin (0.4%) and Hypericin (0.4%), alone treated. Hypericin was administered topically thrice a week for 30 weeks one hour before radiation exposure. Significant enhancement in TBARS levels and reduction in the levels of GSH and activities of SOD, catalase and GPx were found in UV-B-alone exposed mice, whereas the topical application of hypericin significantly ameliorated the UV-B- mediated oxidative stress and increased the antioxidant levels due to its potent antioxidant property. UV-B radiation exposure diminished the expression of ATG-5, Beclin-1 and LC3-II and enhanced the expression of p62 and LC3-I, thereby suppressing autophagy. The hypericin co-treatment also reversed UV-B-induced alterations in the expression of autophagic markers (ATG-5, Beclin-1, LC3-I, LC3-II and p62), thereby enhancing autophagy and inducing apoptosis. The hypericin co-treatment attenuated these pathological changes due to its anticancer properties. However, more studies are required to evaluate the radioprotective role of hypericin by carrying out more research on the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effect of hypericin
Assessment of the Toxic Effects of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) on the Biochemical Profile of Lissachatina fulica (Mollusca: Achatinidae)
No full textNanotechnology offers a promising approach for pest management, and this study evaluated the effects of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) on the biochemical composition of the giant African snail Lissachatina fulica. Snails were exposed to two concentrations (5 and 10 ppm) for 48 and 96 hours, and changes in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate levels were analyzed in the intestine and foot muscles.
The results showed a significant, concentration- and time-dependent decline in all biochemical components in both tissues. At 10 ppm after 96 hours, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents were markedly reduced, with the intestine showing greater sensitivity than the foot muscle. These findings indicate that Ag₂O NPs induce metabolic stress, leading to depletion of energy reserves and disruption of biochemical balance, highlighting the potential physiological risks of prolonged nanoparticle exposure
Water Quality Index of lentic and lotic Water Bodies of Mathura Block, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textThis study employs the Water Quality Index (WQI) approach to assess the health of lotic and lentic water bodies within the Mathura block, Mathura (U.P.). A range of physico-chemical parameters, including pH, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Free Carbon Dioxide, Nitrates, Chlorides, Sodium, Potassium, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, and Total Alkalinity, were analysed in water samples collected from multiple sites representing both hydrological systems. In addition, microbiological parameters such as Total Coliform and Feacal Coliform were evaluated, which revealed considerable microbial contamination, indicating potential public health risks. WQI values computed from the collected data categorized the water quality into classes ranging from good to unsuitable for use. The results revealed that both lotic and lentic systems exhibited elevated levels of nutrient enrichment and organic pollutants, primarily attributed to anthropogenic inputs. Overall, the findings emphasise the need for ecosystem-specific water quality management strategies and demonstrate the effectiveness of WQI as a comprehensive tool for evaluating and comparing aquatic ecosystem health across diverse hydrological environments
Neurophysiological and Immunological Effects of Microplastics in Green Mussels (Perna viridis) from N4 Beach and Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textMicroplastic pollution has become a widespread environmental concern, particularly in aquatic ecosystems where filter-feeding organisms are highly vulnerable to contamination. This study examines the sublethal physiological effects of environmental microplastic exposure on the neurophysiological, immunological, and biochemical responses of the green mussel Perna viridis, a commercially important and widely consumed marine bivalve. Mussels were collected from two coastal sites in Tamil Nadu, India, N4 Beach, Chennai (Site 1), and Pulicat Lake, Thiruvallur (Site 2) previously reported to differ significantly in microplastic abundance. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in gill tissues, haemolymph clotting time, total haemocyte count (THC), and total protein levels in the gill and posterior adductor muscle were quantified using standard biochemical and immunological assays. Mussels from Site 1 exhibited significant inhibition of AChE activity, prolonged haemolymph clotting time, reduced THC, and markedly lower protein concentrations compared to those from Site 2 (p < 0.05). These alterations indicate neurotoxicity, immunosuppression, and metabolic stress associated with elevated microplastic exposure. The findings suggest that microplastics, either directly or as carriers of associated contaminants, interfere with critical physiological processes in P. viridis. This study highlights the suitability of green mussels as bioindicators of microplastic pollution and raises concerns regarding ecosystem health and potential human exposure through seafood consumption. Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the sublethal impacts of microplastics on marine bivalves and emphasize the need for sustained monitoring and risk assessment in coastal environments
Awareness of Pollution and Contamination of Nworie River by Microorganisms: A Public and Environmental Health Concern in Imo State, Southeast, Nigeria
No full textThe Nworie River in southeastern Nigeria is a vital freshwater source for domestic, recreational, and agricultural use. However, it is increasingly threatened by pollution from untreated sewage, urban runoff, and indiscriminate waste disposal. This study assessed the microbial quality of the river to evaluate potential ecological and public health risks. Water and sediment samples were collected from six different sites between April and June 2023 using standard plankton nets and Van Veen grab samplers. Microbial assessment employed serial dilution and membrane filtration methods, with inoculation on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, Salmonella Shigella Agar, and Potato Dextrose Agar. Colony counts were expressed as cfu/ml and compared with Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) standards. Results revealed elevated microbial loads: total bacteria ranged from 2.00 × 10⁴ to 4.05 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, coliforms from 6.00 × 10⁴ to 1.30 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, and fungi from 2.00 × 10⁴ to 1.40 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, all exceeding FMEnv permissible limits. Klebsiella species were detected at three sites (up to 2.00 × 10⁵ cfu/ml), while Escherichia coli was absent across all samples. These findings indicate severe microbial contamination, highlighting significant health risks for communities dependent on the river. The study underscores the urgent need for improved wastewater management, public sensitization, proper water treatment strategies,and exploration of microbial bioremediation as a sustainable solution