Despite the beneficial role of aquatic food, bioaccumulation of trace metals can increase health risk for consumers. We conducted a comprehensive study to understand the levels of various trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn) in fish (Nematalosa nasus, Gerres filamentosus, Arius arius, Gerres erythrourus, Sardinella fimbriata, Caranx ignobilis, Etroplus suratensis, Mugil cephalus, Sillago sihama, and Euryglossa orientalis) and crab (Portunus pelagicus and Scylla serrata) species collected from Netravathi-Gurupur estuary, India and evaluated the potential health risks to humans by measuring target health hazard (THQ), hazard index (HI), estimated daily (EDI) and weekly (EWI) intake and cancer risk (CR). The hierarchy of toxic metal content in studied species was Fe>Pb>Cr>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cd>Co. The concentration of heavy metals were distinctly lower than the threshold value as suggested by World Health Organization and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, except for Cr and Pb in few species. THQ values were below the acceptable limit. However, the estimated mean HI values were >1 for children, indicating they may be vulnerable to health risk due to continuous consumption of contaminated aquatic species from the study area. In contrast, the cancer risk for Cr, Cd, and Pb was below the acceptable range. Principal component analysis (PCA) discerned nearby petrochemical industry, electroplating industry, pesticides and fertilizer from agricultural runoff, as the potential sources of metal bioaccumulation in different tissues. Although the study reveals that metal contamination in aquatic species does not pose any immediate human health effect, continuous monitoring of the study area is recommended, as some metals have demonstrated their ability to accumulate in the tissues.

Heavy metal enrichment in river sediments poses a significant risk to human and aquatic health. The Yamuna River faces severe challenges due to untreated industrial and domestic wastewater discharge. The study evaluates sediment metal content, ecological and human health risks, and potential sources. Results showed Cd and Pb exhibited moderate to severe contamination and displayed ecological risk based on contamination factor, enrichment factor, and potential ecological risk. According to synergistic indices (pollution load index, PINemerow, toxic risk index, contamination security index, mean probable effects level quotients, and probability of toxicity), the sediment in the Yamuna River doesn't seem to have a risk or enrichment from combined metals. Cd and Pb mainly originate from anthropogenic sources. Hazard index (< 1) and carcinogenic risk (2.2 x 10(-7) to 4.7 x 10(-5)) assessments suggest metal didn't pose any risk to humans exposed to sediment. The present study aids in developing pollution control strategies for the Yamuna River.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of malathion (Elathion®) at two sub-lethal concentrations (0.36 and 1.84 mgL-1) for 45 days after the determination of 96 h-LC50 value (18.35 mgL-1) in a commercially important aquaculture species, Labeo rohita by assaying multiple biomarker approaches. Total erythrocyte count (TEC), and haemoglobulin count (Hb) were found to be decreased while total leucocyte counts (TLC) were increased (p < 0.05) in malathion-intoxicated fish. Malathion exposure significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum protein levels while significantly increased (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels. RNA activity in muscle was reduced (p < 0.05) while DNA activity increased (p < 0.05) in malathion-intoxicated fish. Acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in the brain; lacate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in brain and liver were increased (p < 0.05), while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in the brain; succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in the brain, liver and kidney; acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in the brain; and ATPase activities in the brain, liver and kidney were reduced (p < 0.05) in comparison to control. Thus, the alteration in studied biomarkers was in a concentation-time dependent manner; however, it was more pronounced at the higher concentration at 45 days of exposure. The alteration in biomarker activity is probably a defensive mechanism/ adaptive response of fish to overcome the stress induced by malathion, which is a novel insight and possible impact on L.rohita. Our findings suggest malathion-induced stress, therefore, the use of malathion needs to be regulated to safeguard aquatic animals including fish and human health.

The study was carried out for 90 days in floating net cages installed at Maithon Reservoir, Jharkhand, India, with the aim of assessing the growth performance and survival of Amur carp fry at varied stocking densities. The Amur carp seed (4.38±0.19 cm and 2.08±0.28 g) was raised in galvanised iron (GI) cages at three stocking densities (SD) of 100, 200 and 300 nos. m3, i.e., SD 100, SD 200 and SD 300 were considered as low, medium and high stocking densities. The stocked fish were fed with commercial floating pellets containing 32% crude protein and 4% crude fat, at a rate of 5-3% of their body weight, twice daily (at 10:00 and 16:00 hrs). The water quality parameters were checked from within the cage and at distances of 50 and 100 m from the cages at on a monthly basis. The results of this study demonstrated that stocking density had a significant impact on the growth performance and survival rate of Amur carp. The growth attributes, comprising weight gain (WG), absolute growth rate (AGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), were considerably higher at a lower stocking density of SD 100 compared to a higher stocking density of SD 300. Lower-density (SD 100) exhibited greater feed efficiency and effective feed utilisation compared to SD 300. No significant difference was observed in condition factor (K) among the treatments. The findings of the current investigation indicated that the stocking densities of 100 and 200 numbers m-3 showed no significant variations in terms of feed utilisation, growth, or survival. The results of the present study showed that stocking densities ranging from 100 to 200 numbers m-3 may be optimal for the higher growth performance and survival of Amur carp in inland cages. The viability of rearing Amur carp in cages for nursery purposes was investigated for the first time, in this study. Keywords: Amur carp, Cage culture, Growth, Species diversification, Stocking density

Anthropogenic alterations have paramount impacts on the alpha and beta diversity of aquatic resources, and fishes are predominantly susceptible to such impacts. Mahanadi River, one of the major peninsular rivers of India, has abundant fish resources, which play a significant role in supporting the fishers' livelihoods. The exploratory study in the river conducted for three consecutive years recorded 148 species under 53 families. Cyprinids dominated the fish diversity with 41 species, followed by Bagrids (9) and Sciaenids (7). One hundred-one species under 29 families were reported from the freshwater stretch. With a total of 111 species reported under 48 families, the estuarine and tidal freshwater stretch was more speciose, due to marine migrant species which advent the estuarine and tidal freshwaters stretch for breeding and feeding purposes. Tikarpara, a conserved site within a sanctuary, was the most species-diverse as well as a species-even site. The study also recorded the extension of the distributional range of 3 fish species and also 4 exotic species from the river. The seasonal variations in diversity indicated that the deviations were not prominent in freshwater sites, whereas in tidal brackish water sites, species richness was relatively higher in post-monsoon, and species evenness was higher during monsoon. Taxonomic distinctness test showed that the average taxonomic distinctness was high for tidal estuarine locations as they harbour taxonomically distant fishes. The hierarchical clustering of sites showed the inordinate effect of river gradient and fragmentation on the fish community structure. Analyzing the key drivers of the assemblage structure of the entire river, salinity was the major deterministic factor, and within the freshwater stretch, the major influences were depth, transparency, and specific conductivity. The study concluded that, despite all of its ecological stresses, Mahanadi still supports rich fish diversity, yet there is a notable shift in the fish community structure. There is a need for integrating molecular and morphological tools for the taxonomic revision of many genera and species for proper in situ and ex situ conservation measures and to formulate future biodiversity management plans addressing to reduce the impacts of the ecological threats.

The anadromous Hilsa, often known as the "Queen of Fishes" (Tenualosa ilisha), is the most valuable fishery in the Ganga-Hooghly delta estuary. Although BPA exposure has been shown to be harmful to aquatic organisms, no research has looked at the effects of BPA on the commercially valuable Hilsa shad of river Ganga. To close this information vacuum, we examined BPA levels in Hilsa fish from the Ganga estuary. Liver, muscle, kidney, and gonads were all positive for BPA among the Hilsa fish of all ages. Liver BPA levels were highest in adult males (272.16 ± 0.38 ng/g-dw), and lowest in juveniles (5.46 ± 0.06 ng/g-dw). BPA concentrations in the Hilsa shad muscle were highest in reproductively mature females (196.23 ± 0.41 ng/g-dw). The study also discovered a correlation between fish development and BPA exposure, with higher levels of BPA being identified in adult Hilsa species. This is the first study to look at the impact of BPA pollution on aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, and it showed that Hilsa shad is contaminated with BPA and poses health hazards to human beings. The results, which demonstrate BPA contamination, are useful for protecting Hilsa in the river Ganga.

Various environmental indicators were used to evaluate the water and sediment quality of the Netravathi-Gurupur estuary, India, for trace metals and pesticide pollution. The descended order of studied metal concentrations (μg/L) in the water was Fe (592.71) > Mn (98.35) > Zn (54.69) > Cu (6.64) > Cd (3.24) > Pb (2.38) > Cr (0.82) and in sediment (mg/kg) was Fe (11,396.53) > Mn (100.61) > Cr (75.41) > Zn (20.04) > Cu (12.77) > Pb (3.46) > Cd (0.02). However, pesticide residues were not detected in this estuarine environment. The various metal indexes categorised the water as uncontaminated, whereas contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, degree of contamination and pollution load index indicated low to moderate sediment contamination. Multivariate statistics showed that the dominance of natural sources of trace metals with little anthropogenic impact. Improvement in water/sediment quality during the study period might be due to COVID-19 imposed lockdown.

Introduction Status of child health in a country is reflected in various morbidity and mortality indicators and their changes over a period of time. India is home to 19% of the world’s children and like any other country, the morbidity profile is not static in India and keeps on changing with overall development in socioeconomic and environmental status as well as child health care awareness/facilities in the community. So, the proper documentation of the same is also of great importance for proper health care planning. Aim and Objective This study aimed to determine the patterns of morbidity, mortality in pediatric patients (1 month to 15 years) in a tertiary care centre, Jamuhar in South West Bihar. Methodology This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Jamuhar of South West Bihar. Medical records of 2019 children admitted in the department of Pediatrics between 1st May 2019 to 30th April 2020 were reviewed. The data on morbidity patterns in children due to different diseases, causes of death in different age groups, age and gender distribution of pediatric age group mortality, mean time interval between admission and death of children were collected. Result In our study, we enrolled 2019 patients, those who were admitted in the study period. Most common 39.6 % (800 patients) morbidity was acute respiratory infection. Among respiratory illnesses, acute bronchiolitis was the most common respiratory morbidity 601 (75.12%). Second most common morbidity was associated with Gastrointestinal system illness 386 (19.12 %) patients, out of which acute diarrheal diseases accounted for 347(89.89 %). Third most common morbidity was Central nervous system illness 347(17.18%). In our study, the mortality rate of hospitalized pediatric patients was 2.67%, which is comparable to any other hospital of developing countries. In this study we found most common causes of mortality were sepsis and septic shock 48% followed by acute respiratory infection 29.62%. Conclusion In this study we concluded that 3 most common causes of morbidities among 1 month to 15 years age group patients were acute respiratory infection, acute diarrheal illness and acute encephalitis syndrome. Three most common cause of death were sepsis and septic shock, acute bronchiolitis and acute encephalitic syndrome.

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental concern and in particular for aquatic ecosystems. With heavy metals exceeding safe and recommended limits, they pose significant threats to the environment and its inhabitants, including fish. Heavy metals, when accumulated in the different organs of the fish, result in toxicity in fish by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the generation of oxidizing radicals. This oxidative stress mechanism is a key factor in the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution on aquatic life. Heavy metal exposure profoundly affects fish behavior and physiology. In this review, an attempt was made to report the effects of heavy metals on fish physiology, focusing on toxicological effects on antioxidant enzymes, microRNAs (miRNAs) and molecular genetic responses, histopathology of organs, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review also highlighted the heavy metal impact on fish gonads (testes and ovaries) and the hormones associated with it. The detection methods and the incorporation of latest developments in AI-based technology for the detection of heavy metals are also included in this review. Understanding the above effects is important for assessing the ecological impact of heavy metal pollution and developing strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on aquatic life. Understanding the consequences listed above is important for analyzing the ecological impact of heavy metal pollution and devising measures to reduce its negative effects on aquatic life and human health.

For effective and sustainable water management, assessing the water quality and identifying potential sources that threaten the river system are crucial steps. In the present study, spatiotemporal variation of 20 hydrochemical variables, water quality indices, and multivariate statistics were applied to evaluate the quality of Yamuna River water. In the middle and lower stretch, the levels of electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, dissolved organic matter (DOM), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nutrients were higher than in the upper stretch. Based on the trophic state index, the upper, middle, and lower stretches were mesotrophic, moderate, and low eutrophic in nature, respectively. In the drinking water category, the water quality index (WQI) ranged from almost good (upper stretch) to inappropriate (middle and lower stretch). Nemerow pollution index (PINemerow) and the comprehensive pollution index (CPI) indicated that most sites were strongly and moderately polluted, respectively. Various point and nonpoint sources of pollution deteriorated the quality of Yamuna water. Spatial cluster analysis divided eleven stations into three groups based on water variables similarity. Discriminate analysis indicated that water temperature, flow, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), magnesium hardness (Mg-H) and COD were the most influencing variables seasonally, while water flow, pH, chloride (Clˉ), DO, Mg-H, and nitrate–N were for spatial variation in Yamuna water quality. Five potential sources were identified using principal component analysis (PCA); anthropogenic, natural, agricultural non-point sources, metrological, and seasonal factors. This study emphasizes the importance of using multivariate statistical techniques to identify variability patterns and develop management plans to improve river water quality by identifying the key variables responsible for maximum deterioration.

The striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, dominates in the Indian inland freshwater cage culture because of its rapid growth and adaptive feeding habits; however, suitable stocking density based on growth without compromising the health of fish is important. Furthermore, fish growth and survival are inversely proportional to stocking density. Many farmers face size differentiation and poor survival at higher stocking densities. To address the aforementioned practical issue, the current study was carried out to study the influence of different stocking densities on the growth performance of P. hypophthalmus in cages. The fingerlings of P. hypophthalmus (10.63 ± 0.27 g) were stocked in triplicate in five different stocking densities (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 m-3), and the fishes were given commercial feed for 240 days. The outcome demonstrated that the fish stocking densities and their growth attributes were inversely related. Stocking density in the range of 20 to 40 m-3 produced the highest final weight, relative growth rate, and specific growth rate. The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in 20, 30, and 40 m-3 than the higher densities of 50 and 60 m-3. The level of serum biochemical markers such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and glucose and cortisol levels elevated significantly in higher stocking densities. The muscle quality changed as crude fat and muscle pH decreased at 50 and 60 m-3, leading to a drop in drip loss and frozen leakage rate. The vital water quality parameters were found within a suitable range. According to the outcomes of principal component analysis (PCA), elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, glucose, and cortisol were detrimental to fish growth. The stocking density of 30 m-3 had the highest benefit-cost ratio (B:C) and return on investment (RI), followed by 20 and 40 m-3. Higher economic return was achieved at lower densities (30–40 m-3). This study suggests that rearing P. hypophthalmus at stocking densities of about 30–40 m-3 could be considered as an optimum for the inland freshwater cage culture which gives the best performance in terms of growth and production in tropical reservoirs of India. The best-suited stocking density is also taken into consideration based on the characterization of multivariate biochemical and physiological attributes.

Ganga river surface sediment was sampled from 11 locations, which revealed average concentrations (mg/kg) of metals in the order Mn (296.93) > Zn (61.94) > Cr (54.82) > Cu (30.19) > Pb (24.42) > Cd (0.36). Sediment quality guidelines showed metals rarely to occasionally exhibit adverse biological effects. Indices like potential ecological risk, contamination security index, hazard quotients, multiple probable effect concentrations quality, mean probable effects level quotients, mean effects range median quotient suggest nil to a very low level of pollution with low ecological risk. Contamination factor, geo accumulation index, enrichment factor, quantification of contamination revealed that Pb and Cd originated from anthropogenic activities. APCS-MLR model revealed that metals contributed from natural sources (Zn, Mn, Cr; 20.18 %), industrial-agricultural (Cd; 21.35 %); and discharge of paints, Pb batteries, fossil fuel (Pb; 8.49 %). Present findings will serve as an effective guideline for managing and ameliorating pollution in the river system.

Anthropogenic activities impacted the ecological health of rivers by altering the physical habitat and water flow as well as by pollution. Monitoring of biotic groups for gauging the river health is a prerequisite for assessing the extent of degradation and formulating management guidelines for river restoration. An assessment using fish-based index of biotic integrity (IBI) was carried out in the Central Indian river, Tapti, for probing its health status. For the multimetric index, twelve metrics were adopted under five categories: taxonomic richness, habitat composition, tolerance indicators, species resilience, and trophic composition. Among the studied sites, Betul in the upper stretch was selected as the reference site for River Tapti, which almost meets the upper expectation of the metrics explored. Continuous scoring method was applied to evaluate the biotic integrity in the selected sites of the river. The IBI score based on the pooled fish abundance data in River Tapti ranged from 33 to 60. Assessment of the ecological health revealed that three-fourth of the river stretch was moderately impaired (25–50

Background:Despite annual rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) being carried out every year since 2004 to break the transmission of lymphatic filariasis, India has not achieved elimination status in many areas of country. This study was conducted to determine the operational issues in the implementation of MDA for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in selected districts of Jharkhand. Methods:Two districts of Jharkhand state were selected for present cross-sectional study. Multi-staged cluster sampling was adopted to select study participants. Data were collected with use of prescribed questionnaire of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) from the study participants. Data related to socio-demographic details, coverage and compliance of MDA and operational issues were collected. Results:Findings of independent assessment show that percentage of MDA coverage and compliance for Hazaribag district was 96.02% and 88.90%, respectively. On the other hand, percentage of MDA coverage and compliance was found to be only 67.06% and 48.44% in Chatra district. Overall drug consumption was significantly associated with age group (p-value = 0.045), educational status (p-value = <0.0001) and socio-economic status (p-value <0.0001) of eligible population. Most common reason for not swallowing the drugs was found to be absence of family members at the time of MDA rounds followed by no visit of house by drug distributors. Conclusions:Coverage and compliance of MDA was better in Hazaribag district as compared to Chatra district. In order to increase compliance, socio-demographic factors must also be addressed apart from other operational issues.

This research paper examines the adoption patterns of solar pumps in Haryana, India, within the agricultural sector. As worldwide necessities for renewable energy increase, this study investigates the specific dynamics driving the adoption of solar pumps, a sustainable alternative to traditional irrigation methods. Through a mixed-methods approach, encompassing analyses and consultations, the study explores the socio-economic, policy, and technical factors influencing farmers' decisions. It reveals both the incentives and challenges associated with solar pump adoption, shedding light on the broader transition towards renewable energy in Haryana's agricultural practices. By providing valuable insights into the adoption patterns and drivers, this research contributes to evidence-based policymaking and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural development.

Ganga river is the inhabitant of more than 190 fish species and important river system of India. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Gangetic riverine ecosystem are a hot environmental issue. A detailed evaluation of PTEs bioaccumulation in Gangetic fishes is required to safeguard human health. The present study investigated the bioaccumulation of PTEs (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, and Mn) within 12 economic fish species (n = 72) collected from the lower Gangetic stretch. The mean concentrations of PTEs followed the order Zn > Cu > Mn > Ni > Se > Cr > Pb > Co Li > Cd. Li and Se bioaccumulation were studied first time from Gangetic fishes. Results demonstrated that all the selected PTEs were below the maximum permissible limit recommended by reference standards except for Zn in L. catla and L. rohita. For all PTEs, the metal pollution index (MPI), hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were < 1, indicating that these PTEs do not pose a health risk to the public through the dietary intake of fish in this study area. All studied fish were acceptable in terms of carcinogenic risk (CR) from exposure to Cd, Cr, and Pb. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that inter-correlated metals have similar dispersion properties and bioaccumulation homology within the body. This study provides a scientific basis for food safety assessment and continuous monitoring of PTEs in Gangetic fishes is suggested in the future to safeguard human health.

India has a vast network of 14 major rivers and their tributaries, covering 83% of the drainage basin and accounting for 85% of the surface flow. Anthropogenic activities like damming, channel modification, water abstraction, sewage and effluent disposal, sand mining, unthoughtful exploitation of biotic resources, etc. are the major threats faced by the rivers in the country. Monitoring protocol of Indian rivers lacks an integrated approach based on judicious use of both abiotic and biotic components as well as a total lack of consideration for ecological health. Index of Biotic Integrity is a flexible multimetric index that can be modified and adapted to the various zoogeographic regions of the world. A fish-based multi-metric IBI was developed by modifying and incorporating metrics that are sensitive to the various ecological stressors faced by Indian rivers, fishes being excellent indicators of river health. The adapted IBI was validated and used to assess ecological health of two rivers—Mahanadi, and its distributary Kathajodi-Devi—flowing through central-eastern India. The study indicated that in River Mahanadi, around 25% of the freshwater river stretch was slightly impaired and the remaining 75% stretch was moderately impaired. In Kathajodi-Devi, most of the river stretches were in a moderately impaired condition, except at Italnga stretch where the river was severely impaired. The Index of Biotic Integrity scores estimated could reflect the ecological health of the rivers. The study shows that use of Index of Biotic Integrity is a useful and reliable approach to assess the health conditions of Indian aquatic resources warranting initiatives to be taken to implement and incorporate it into the country's water resource management.

A 90 days trial was carried out to investigate the impact of stocking density on growth performances and the health status of Puntius sarana in inland open water cages (Salia Dam of Odisha, India). The fishes of mean body weight 32.04 +/- 1.25 g were stocked @ three stocking densities (SD) i.e., 10 m- 3 (SD10), 20 m- 3 (SD20), and 30 m- 3 (SD30) and fed with commercial feed of 28% protein and 4% fat. The growth, in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate, absolute growth rate, percentage survival, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion efficiency was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with increment in stocking density, however the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in SD10 (1.68 +/- 0.02). At the end of the experiment, a significant increase in red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets level was found in SD30, while white blood cells were showed a reverse trend. The concentration of superoxide dismutase, catalase, serum glucose, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and cortisol were increased significantly in SD30. On contrary, the level of serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine decreased with an increase in stocking density. The higher stocking density negatively affected the amylase activity without any adverse impact on protease and lipase. The cluster analysis revealed that SD20 and SD30 came under the same dendrogram while SD10 formed a separate one. The outcome of PCA (Principal Component Analysis) revealed that increased levels of SGPT, SGOT, glucose, and cortisol negatively influenced the growth attributes. Stocking density up to 20 fingerlings m- 3 of P. sarana in inland open water cages performed ideally in terms of growth and health status of fish.

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a potent neurotoxin agent, widely used for ectoparasites control in aquaculture, but their detailed toxicological implications in Labeo rohita are unknown. Thus, this study was conceptualized to determine the LC50 and to investigate the effects of two sub-lethal concentrations 1/50th of 96 h LC50 (1.82 μgL-1) and 1/10thof 96 h LC50 (9.1 μgL-1) on hemato-immunological and biochemical responses in L. rohita (mean weight 25.54 ± 2.3 g and length 10.35 ± 2.4 cm) for a period of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. LC50 of EMB were 163 μgL-1, 112 μgL-1, 99 μgL-1 and 91 μgL-1 at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h respectively. The safe limit at 96 h LC50 of EMB was 2.30 μgL-1. In EMB treated fish, red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit counts were reduced (p < 0.05) significantly. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver and kidney declined (p < 0.05) at 72 h while in gill and muscle the activity increased significantly. Glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activity in the liver, gill, and kidney increased (p < 0.05) while muscle decreased significantly. Catalase (CAT) activity in liver, gill, and muscle decreased while in kidney increases. Glutamic-oxaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) activity and Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity were increased in liver, kidney, and muscle tissue. The change in serum triglycerides, serum protein level was noticed. The level of cortisol, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and HSP90 increased (p < 0.05) while the immunological responses like immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3(C3) activity decreased (p < 0.05) in EMB exposed fish. Thus, EMB exposure at two sub-lethal concentrations in L. rohita induces several hemato-immuno, and biochemical alterations in blood, serum, and different organs. The overall result of the present study indicated that EMB is toxic to fish even for a short-term exposure and low doses, and therefore utmost caution should be taken to prevent their drainage into water bodies.

The present study was conducted for 240 days to evaluate the effects of stocking density based on growth attributes, digestive enzymes, muscular composition, biochemical and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings in tropical inland open water cages. L. rohita (30.35 ± 1.08 g) were randomly distributed into three treatments, namely low stocking density, LSD (10 m −3 ), medium stocking density, MSD (20 m −3 ) and high stocking density, HSD (30 m −3 ) in triplicates. Fish were fed twice daily with CIFRI CAGEGROW® floating feed (crude protein-28%, crude fat-4%). Fish growth and feed efficiency were higher ( p < 0.05) in LSD, however, MSD registered a higher yield. Amylase and protease activity reduced whereas lipase activity increased with increasing stocking density. Muscle crude protein and crude fat formed an inverse correlation. The fillet quality deteriorated at higher stocking densities based on Muscle pH, drip loss and frozen leakage rate. The stress biomarkers level (glucose, cortisol, superoxide dismutase and catalase) increased in serum under crowding conditions. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in serum were significantly increased in HSD. Serum protein levels decreased with the increase in stocking densities. Body ionic imbalance (Na + , Cl − and K + ) was observed under crowding stress. Based on growth attributes and multiple biomarker responses, L. rohita @ 10 m −3 was found to be the optimum density for inland open water cage culture.