UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Multidrug-resistant Pathogenic Bacteria in Lake Sediments: Evidence from Poondi Lake, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThe present study evaluated the presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in sediment samples from the Poondi reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India. Sediment samples were collected from four different sites in triplicate. Bacterial loads varied across the sites, with higher total viable counts observed at locations receiving continuous sewage inflow, indicating nutrient enrichment–driven microbial proliferation. From each agar plate, one dominant and distinct bacterial colony representing each site was chosen and subjected to a series of biochemical analyses for identification. The results revealed the presence of Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Proteus spp., and Acinetobacter spp. Further, these opportunistic pathogens were tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the disc diffusion method. All the four bacterial isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant against the 10 tested antibiotics, with enhanced resistance to broad spectrum antibiotics including carbapenems and quinolones. The findings provide baseline evidence on sediment-associated antibiotic resistance in a major drinking water reservoir and highlight the environmental persistence of clinically relevant resistant bacteria. This study contributes valuable data for understanding the role of freshwater sediments as reservoirs and potential sources of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in aquatic ecosystems. Implementing effective wastewater treatment, controlling sewage inflow, and strengthening routine monitoring of antibiotic resistance in sediments are essential to mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria in freshwater reservoirs
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Selected Jejunal Bacterial Isolates from Commercially Slaughtered Broiler Chicken against Growth-promoting Antibiotics
No full textThe use of Growth Promoting Antibiotics (GPAs) in large scale poultry production pose significant risks to the intestinal microbial homeostasis in those chickens and contributes towards the development of resistance towards these antibiotics. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance pattern of eight major GPAs - Oxytetracycline, Tetracycline, Vancomycin, Streptomycin, Enrofloxacin, Tylosin, Neomycin and Gentamycin, against E. coli and Lactobacillus sp. isolated from the jejunum of commercially slaughtered broiler chickens. Agar Well Diffusion assay was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial sensitivity followed by Resazurin-enhanced MIC assay for the determination of MIC, EC₅₀ and MBC. Non-linear regression analysis was carried out for curve analysis of Concentration vs Response. Freshly isolated bacteria from the jejunum showed a significant concentration-related response towards all antibiotics tested, except Tylosin, against E. coli and Lactobacillus sp. and the most effective antibiotics, Enrofloxacin and Oxytetracycline, showed a drastically low EC₅₀ value towards E. coli (0.038 ± 0 µg/µl and 46 ± 0 µg/µl, respectively) and Lactobacillus sp. (0.037 ± 0.00 µg/µl and 0.046 ± 0.00 µg/µl, respectively). In contrast, the inhibitory activity of Tylosin was negligible and its EC₅₀ values were considerably higher, signifying innate and/or developed resistance. Lactobacillus sp. was highly sensitive to all GPAs, pointing to the unintended vulnerability of beneficial gut microbiome and dysbiosis. All Concentration-Response models demonstrated excellent goodness of fit and all p < 0.01, validating the Concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity of GPAs against pathogenic and commensal jejunal bacteria, thus underscoring the warranted prudent use of antibiotic GPs and the need for the development of sustainable alternatives to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in broiler raised regimes
Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Faunal Diversity across Urban and Peri-Urban Habitats of Bolpur–Shantiniketan, West Bengal, India
No full textAnts are among the most successful eusocial insects and serve as key ecological indicators in urban ecosystems. From April to November 2024, surveys were conducted across three distinct habitat types: the Urban core areas, Urban green open areas, and Peri-urban areas of Bolpur–Shantiniketan. Specimens were collected using pitfall traps and hand collection. A total of 564 individuals representing 24 species, 21 genera, and 5 subfamilies were recorded. Among these, Formicinae was the most dominant subfamily (11 species across 8 genera), followed by Myrmicinae and Ponerinae (5 species each). Dolichoderinae (2 species) and Pseudomyrmicinae (1 species) were comparatively less represented. Diversity indices revealed clear habitat-specific differences in ant richness. Peri-urban areas exhibited the highest diversity (Shannon–Wiener index, H′ = 2.672), followed by Urban green open areas, whereas the Urban core areas supported the lowest diversity. These results demonstrate that Peri-urban habitats function as vital areas for sustaining ant faunal diversity in Bolpur–Shantiniketan
Mathematical Modeling of Water Pollution and Its Impacts on Aquatic Species: A Coupled Pollution Population Dynamics Approach
No full textWater pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge, exerting increasing pressure on the stability and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. This study proposes a coupled mathematical framework designed to analyse pollutant transport mechanisms and their associated ecological impacts on aquatic species. The framework combines advection–diffusion-based pollutant transport dynamics with population-level biological models that incorporate toxicity-driven dose response relationships. Numerical simulations conducted under multiple pollution scenarios are employed to examine spatial and temporal variations in contaminant concentrations and corresponding population responses. A case study examining ammonia toxicity in Daphnia magna demonstrates the model’s capability to identify critical concentration thresholds beyond which pronounced ecological degradation is observed. Sensitivity analysis further demonstrates the influence of key model parameters on simulation outcomes. The proposed framework serves as an effective decision-support tool for ecological risk assessment and water pollution management, offering insights relevant to environmental conservation and policy formulation
Dose-dependent Biopesticidal Activity of Annona squamosa against Sitophilus oryzae in Stored Sorghum Grain
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent biopesticidal activity of Annona squamosa seed extract against Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) in stored Sorghum grains under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted for a total duration of 45 days, during which the efficacy of three concentrations (5 g, 10 g, and 15 g per kg of grains) was assessed. Insect mortality was recorded at regular intervals throughout the 45-day experimental period. Results showed a clear dose and time-dependent response: The highest dose (15 g) achieved 100% mortality by day 10, the intermediate dose (10 g) by day 15, and the lowest dose (5 g) by day 15. There was no mortality seen in the untreated control. The results demonstrate that the extracts used are highly effective against insects and can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. The replacement of synthetic chemical pesticides with plant-based alternatives is significant in reducing toxic residues, minimizing environmental contamination and promoting safer and sustainable grain storage practices. Annona squamosa extract was found to be significantly effective against the rice weevil and the study supports the integration of Annona squamosa into storage pest management strategies, contributing to reduced chemical residues, enhanced grain safety, and greater agricultural sustainability
First Report on Moth (Insecta: Lepidoptera) Diversity at Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India
No full textMoths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) are an important group of insects that play important roles in terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to pollination, herbivory and serving as prey for various predators. For many protected areas in India, moth documentation is incomplete or poor. Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the important tiger reserves in central India, located across the two states, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The present study aimed to document the baseline data on moth diversity in Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. In the study period from June 2020 to May 2023, 92 moth species from 19 families and 11 superfamilies were recorded from four locations, representing taxonomic diversity in the protected area. Erebidae (21%) and Crambidae (15%) were dominant families, followed by Noctuidae (13%), Geometridae (11%), Limacodidae (9%), and Sphingidae (7%). The most species-rich group was Noctuoidea, which was followed by Pyraloidea; the least represented groups were Cossoidea and Tineoidea. The presence of diverse moth species supports the presence of a stable ecosystem. The study also emphasizes how crucial protected forest ecosystems are to preserving ecological balance and insect biodiversity. The current study supports conservation management plans for India\u27s protected forest ecosystems and adds to regional biodiversity databases
Screening of Biofilm Forming Bacteria from the Surfaces of Different Immersed Panels in the Process of Biofouling
No full textBiofouling remains a persistent concern in aquatic environments, largely initiated by biofilm-forming bacteria that colonize submerged surfaces. The present study (2023) evaluates biofilm formation and bacterial diversity in the Vellar estuary, South east Coast of India. Aluminum, fiberglass, and wooden panels were immersed at a depth of one meter and the associated environmental parameters such as temperature (21.5–37.1 °C), salinity (13.3–35.5 ppt), pH (7.1–8.6), dissolved oxygen (3.12–5.16 mg L⁻¹) and rainfall (1.0–129.4 mm) were recorded monthly. Fifteen bacterial genera were isolated and identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, including Aeromonas sp, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Vibrio sp, and Staphylococcus sp. Total viable bacterial density ranged from 2.9 × 10³ to 6.1 × 10³ CFU mL⁻¹, with the highest colonization on wooden panels (37.6%), followed by fiberglass (34.2%) and aluminum (28.1%). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated strong positive associations between bacterial load and salinity (r = 0.77–0.79; P = 0.01), temperature (r = 0.47–0.57), and dissolved oxygen (r = 0.72–0.79), while rainfall and pH exhibited negative relationships. The findings highlight that both substrate type and seasonal variability driven by climatic factors significantly affect microbial colonization and biofilm development
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Kappaphycus alvarezii and Spirulina platensis on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Penaeus vannamei Challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus
No full textThis study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis and Kappaphycus alvarezii on the growth performance, body composition, immune response, and disease resistance of Penaeus vannamei reared in HDPE-lined pond using hapas. Experimental diets containing inclusion levels of 10% S. platensis (T2) and 5% K. alvarezii (T1) and control diet (without any inclusion) were evaluated over a 100 day feeding trial. Shrimp fed an S. platensis–based diet showed significantly higher final body weight (23.15 ± 0.18 g), weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio, along with the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.30 ± 0.02), compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Whole-body protein, lipid, and ash contents were significantly enhanced in T1 and T2. Following Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge, shrimp fed algal-supplemented diets showed improved survival and reduced mortality than the control diet. Immune parameters, including total haemocyte count, prophenoloxidase, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, were significantly elevated in T1 and T2 compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that dietary inclusion of S. platensis and K. alvarezii enhances growth, immunity, and disease resistance in P. vannamei, supporting their potential as functional feed additives for sustainable shrimp aquaculture
Lethal Toxicity and Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Biomass and Gut Microbial Population of Indian Earthworm Lampito mauritii (Kinberg)
No full textEarthworms constitute a significant portion of the biomass in soil. They serve as appropriate bioindicators for chemical pollution. The impact of chemicals on earthworms varies based on the substances used, but regardless of their nature, both the direct and indirect effects on soil organisms must be included in the ecological risk evaluation. Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is widely used to control agricultural pests, but also affects non-target organisms like earthworms. The present laboratory study was conducted to observe whether the insecticide is toxic or not to earthworms by carrying out the following studies: Determination of LC0, LC50 and LC100 values; observation of biomass L. mauritii after exposure to sublethal concentration of Chlorantraniliprole and enumeration of bacterial and fungal population in gut contents. For the acute toxicity study, mortality of L. mauritii was observed after 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h of CAP exposure. Sub-lethal concentrations of CAP were selected from 96 hr LC50 value of 10.22 mlKg-1 (5.11, 2.04, 1.46 and 1.022 mlKg-1). Biomass of L. mauritii was observed once in 10 days up to 90 days. 10 a clitellate L. mauritii was introduced into each experiment (C, T1, T2, T3 and T4). Soil substrate without CAP served as control. The present study showed that CAP highly affected the biomass and gut microbial population of L. mauritii. These findings proved that CAP application in the agricultural field highly inhibited earthworm population in soil so we could lost our soil fertility in future
Ecology and Microhabitat Patterns of Varanus bengalensis in Semi-Arid Grasslands of Solapur and Dharashiv Districts, Maharashtra, India
No full textThe Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) is a large-bodied, wide-ranging squamate that plays an important ecological role in semi-arid ecosystems. Very few ecological studies from India have examined its detailed ecology and microhabitat use. Our study has attempted to investigate the patterns of microhabitat use, spatial occupancy, and temporal variation in sighting frequency of V. bengalensis in a semi-arid grassland patch from Solapur and Dharashiv Districts. The study was conducted over two years (June 2020–May 2022) using visual encounter surveys across a 10 km² area. A total of 68 sighting records representing juveniles, sub-adults, and adults were documented and analyzed as independent ecological observations reflecting habitat use rather than individual population counts. Termite mounds accounted for the highest proportion of sightings (68%), followed by rock piles (19%), cobbles (6%), rocky patches and burrows (3% each), and wells (1%) as far as microhabitat usage is concerned. A Statistically significant difference in microhabitat use among life stages was detected (one-way ANOVA, F₅, ₁₂ = 4.16, p = 0.020), indicating life-stage-specific habitat associations. The appearance of juveniles coincided with the onset of the monsoon season, indicating considerable temporal pattern. Sighting frequency showed weak to moderate positive association with environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Habitat variables such as termite mounds, rock piles and open rocky-grassy mosaic were found to serve as critical refuges that supported life history stages of V. bengalensis. Our study highlights the conservation significance of remaining large moderately disturbed grassland habitats (Semi-Arid Open Natural Ecosystem) outside the protected area that support threatened and critically endangered species and offer livelihood to traditional grazing community