Water quality assessment and trophic state classification of Tasik Ilmu, UTM

Freshwater lakes are valuable natural asset to humans for their significant functions. Unfortunately, exposure of the lakes with anthropogenic pollutants creates concern on the occurrence of enhanced eutrophication which further degrade the water quality. In this study, water quality of UTM’s lake and river was characterized according the six water quality parameter of Malysian Department of Environment Water Quality Index (DOE-WQI), total phosphorus, fecal coliform, chl-a, transparency and turbidity. The impact of the oxidation pond (OP) on the lake water quality was also investigated and meanwhile, the trophic state of UTM’s lake was evaluated using Carlson index. Water samples were collected at seven locations including river, OP and lake for three times. The samples were analyzed for DO, BOD, COD, AN, total phosphorus and fecal coliform. The study found that, the WQI calculated for the lake was ranging from 69.5 to 70 which falls under Class III indicating that the water is slightly polluted and unsuitable for recreational use with body contact. The Trophic State Index (TSI) of Tasik Ilmu revealed that mean values of TSI(SD), TSI(chl-a) and TSI (TP) were 71.6, 65.4 and 100.2 respectively which reflect the eutrophic condition of the lake water. From the removal profile of OP it was found that, the COD removal was 60%, ammonical nitrogen and fecal coliform were only ranging between 30-33%, the total phosphorus and BOD were significant with 70% of removal. The classification of river water quality before the OP effluent falls under Class II with WQI 78 while, after the effluent it falls under Class III. In conclusion, the two indices TSI and WQI used for water quality assessment process confirmed that Tasik Ilmu is in a deteriorating state and effluents from the OP contributed to its deterioration

Biological features of Chanda nama (Ambassidae) in the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh

Biological features including sex ratio, length-frequency distributions (LFDs), size at sexual maturity, spawning season, length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factor of Chanda nama were studied in the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh. There was no significant difference in sex ratio. LFDs indicated no significant differences in size between the sexes. Size at sexual maturity was estimated at ~3.0 cm standard length. Monthly variations in gonadosomatic index indicate that the main spawning season is from July to August. The LWRs showed isometric growth in males and positive allometric growth in females. Fulton’s condition factor varied in both sexes and was attributed to variations in GSI with maturity. The findings of this study will be helpful to formulate conservation and management strategies of C. nama population in the Old Brahmaputra River and surrounding ecosystems

Reproductive health related complications of spinal cord injury among patients at a specialized center in Bangladesh

Background: Our objective was to find out the reproductive health related complications among spinal cord injury patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2017 to July 2018. A total of 289 patients, both indoor and outdoor, with spinal cord injury were randomly selected. The study aimed to examine reproductive health complications associated with spinal cord injury. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Among 220 (76.1%) were male and 69 (23.9%) were female. In 15-35 (68.1% and 91.2%), 47 (68.1%) participants had menstruation problem. 42.1% had autonomic dysreflexia and 57.9% had UTI as pregnancy related complications. In sexual activity 52% had difficulties having intercourse, 20% had difficulties to reach orgasm and 28% had dry sex. In male participants after SCI 70.5% had erection problem and 78.6% had ejaculation problem. Participants who had erection problem, most of their neurological level was thoracic level 84.51% and in case of ejaculation also their neurological level was thoracic level 81.50%. Conclusions: Awareness of sexuality and reproductive health after SCI has grown among healthcare professionals and individuals with spinal cord injuries. This recognition emphasizes the importance of open discussions, active listening, and education to enhance the quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injury

Assessing Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Markers of Soybean for Drought Tolerance Potential

Drought stress provokes plants to change their growth pattern and biochemical contents to overcome adverse situations. Soybean was grown under 40 (drought) and 80% (control) of field capacity (FC) to determine the morpho-physiological and biochemical alterations that occur under drought conditions. The experiment was conducted following a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that drought exerted detrimental effects on photosynthetic attributes, leaf production, pigment and water content, plant growth, and dry matter production of soybean. However, drought favored producing a higher amount of proline and malondialdehyde in soybean leaf than in the control. The pod and seed production, grain size, and seed yield of soybean were also adversely affected by the drought, where genotypic variations were conspicuous. Interestingly, the studied morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters of AGS383 were minimally affected by drought. This genotype was capable of maintaining healthier root and shoot growth, greater leaf area, preserving leaf greenness and cell membrane stability, higher photosynthesis, absorbing water and sustaining leaf water potential, and lower amount of proline and malondialdehyde production under drought conditions. The heavier grains of AGS383 make it out yielder under both growth conditions. Considering the changes in morpho-physiological, biochemical, and yield contributing parameters, the genotype AGS383 could be cultivated as a relatively drought-tolerant, high-yielding soybean variety. Further study is needed to uncover the genes responsible for the adaptation of AGS383 to drought-stress environments, and this genotype might be used as parent material in a breeding program to develop a high-yielding, drought-tolerant soybean variety

Effects of salinity stress on the seed germination and seedling characters of carrots (Daucus carota L.)

Carrot is an important root vegetable and salinity has strong effect on its seed germination and seedling characters. An experiment was conducted at the Postgraduate Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from July to August, 2023 to study the effect of salinity stress on the seed germination and seedling characters of four carrot varieties. The two-factor experiment consisted of four carrot varieties viz. Orange king, Orange star, Sangal and Red lady, and five salinity levels viz. control (tap water), 25 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM and 100 mM NaCl. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three replications. Results revealed that salinity and carrot varieties significantly influenced all the parameters studied. The highest seed germination (44.44%) was obtained from Orange king while the lowest (32.89%) was obtained from Red lady. The highest seed germination (41.11%) was obtained from 100 mM NaCl solution and the lowest (34.44%) was found from 75 mM NaCl. Among the treatment combinations, the highest seed germination (60.00%) was obtained from Orange king along with 50 mM NaCl. The maximum radicle (15.46 mm) and plumule length (12.36 mm), leaf size (5.50 mm), number of leaves (2.73) and seedling height (27.82 mm) was obtained from Orange king. Maximum plumule length (13.27 mm), leaf size (5.98 mm) and seedling height (23.27mm) was obtained from control treatment and maximum number of leaves (2.08) from 25 mM NaCl solution. Among the treatment combinations, highest radicle length (18.27 mm), plumule length (17.40 mm), leaf size (7.60 mm), seedling height (35.67 mm) was obtained from Orange king along with 25 mM NaCl solution. Therefore, Orange king along with 50 mM NaCl solution and 25 mM NaCl solution was found to be better in respect of seed germination and seedling characters of carrots compared to other treatments respectively. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(2.000): 113-121

Fish Biodiversity and Suggested Conservation Measures of Transboundary River Someshwari in Netrokona, Bangladesh

Considering the importance of fish biodiversity for sustainable management of river fisheries, this study aims to explore and evaluate the fish biodiversity of Someshwari River along with conservation measures from November 2020 to October 2021. Data collection was carried out in Jaria, Susang Durgapur, Shivganj Bazar and Bijoypur of Netrokona district. Questionnaire interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Direct observations, Key Informant Interview (KII) was used to collect data. During the study period, 23 species under 12 families were determined. Among them 6 finfish species are endangered, 4 are critically endangered, 5 are vulnerable, 7 are data deficient, and 2 are not threatened, respectively which includes highest catch catfishes at about 26.62%. However, the lowest amount catch constituted the Miror carp of about 5.29%. After the catfish, the second highest catch was 15.9% of small prawn. Another dominant group major carps contained 11.26%, and barbs remained at 11% of the catch and the loaches constituted 1.3% of the total catch. In addition, other groups like Mola carplet 7%, gourami 2.20%, Spiny eels 9.86% etc. were found in the Someshwari river. There were about 81% fish for food and 17% ornamental fish. Fourteen distinct types of fishing equipment were used namely: nets, traps, hooks, and lines, and wounding equipment. Finally, indiscriminate use of harmful gear, extraction of sand and rock, inadequate supervision of Governments and Non Governemental orgazizations, pollution from the adjacent areas, high interest rate of bank loan were understood as common constraints in the study area. Therefore, recommendations were made to improve river fisheries management through habitat restoration, increasing public awareness, prohibition on exploiting brood fish and active participation for sustainable catch

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects of Flemingia macrophylla Leaf Extract and Fractions: In vitro, Molecular Docking, Dynamic Simulation, Pharmacokinetics, and Biological Activity Studies

Flemingia macrophylla has traditionally been applied to relieve inflammation, diabetes, and circulatory complications. The leaf extract of F. macrophylla and its fractions were investigated for their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. The phytochemical screening showed valuable phytochemicals, including glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, etc. GC‒MS analysis of the phytochemicals in the methanol extract detected 19 bioactive compounds. Among the diverse fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction (EFM) exhibited the highest phenol and flavonoid contents of 557 mg GAE/g and 326 mg QCE/g, respectively. The total antioxidant content of EFM was found to be 292.41±19.16 mg AAE/g, while its antidiabetic study showed the greatest level of α -glucosidase (IC50: 11.27±1.25 µg/mL) and α -amylase (IC50: 10.04±0.63 µg/mL) inhibitory effects. The docking results showed that C6 had the highest binding scores of -9.0, -7.4, and -7.6 kcal/mol against antioxidant (6NGJ), α-glucosidase (5NN5), and α-amylase (4GQR) proteins, respectively. The dynamics simulation disclosed that C6-receptor protein complexes remained stable at the binding pocket under human body conditions and retained their stiff morphology for 100 nanoseconds (ns). ADMET results demonstrated their noncarcinogenic and well-absorbed properties, where PASS prediction data confirmed their efficacy as an antioxidant, antiulcerative, thrombolytic, and antidiabetic. Therefore, F. macrophylla has potential health benefits

Rice husk charcoal and acid modified rice husk charcoal for efficient adsorption of methyl orange

In this study, methyl orange (MO) was removed from solution using rice husk charcoal (RHC) and acid modified rice husk charcoal (AMRHC). In batch adsorption mode, contact time (1–240 min), pH (3–10), adsorbent dose (1–30 g/L), and initial MO concentration (10–100 mg/L) were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the adsorbent's surface morphology and chemistry. At equilibrium, the highest removal of MO by RHC and AMRHC were 89 and 99%, respectively. Removal efficiency increased with increasing adsorbent dose, while the opposite was observed for adsorption capacity because of the availability of unsaturated adsorption sites. RHC and AMRHC were best described by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, with maximum adsorption capacities of 4.57 and 11.53 mg/g, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted well for both adsorption and chemisorption, and the process was controlled by multi-step diffusion. Thermodynamic measurements proved that dye adsorption is a spontaneous endothermic process. HIGHLIGHTS MO adsorption was studied using RHC and AMRHC.; About 89 and 99% of MO dye were removed by RHC and AMRHC, respectively.; The maximum adsorption capacities were 4.57 and 11.53 mg/g, for RHC and AMRHC, respectively.; Kinetic data followed pseudo-second-order kinetics for both adsorbents.; The adsorption potential of both adsorbents for the treatment of MO dye was compared with other adsorbents which is cost effective.

Effects of imidacloprid on the ecology of sub-tropical freshwater microcosms

The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid is used in Bangladesh for a variety of crop protection purposes. Imidacloprid may contaminate aquatic ecosystems via spray drift, surface runoff and ground water leaching. The present study aimed at assessing the fate and effects of imidacloprid on structural (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and periphyton) and functional (organic matter decomposition) endpoints of freshwater, sub-tropical ecosystems in Bangladesh. Imidacloprid was applied weekly to 16 freshwater microcosms (PVC tanks containing 400 L de-chlorinated tap water) at nominal concentrations of 0, 30, 300, 3000 ng/L over a period of 4 weeks. Results indicated that imidacloprid concentrations from the microcosm water column declined rapidly. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed significant effects of imidacloprid on the zooplankton and macroinvertebrate community, some individual phytoplankton taxa, and water quality variables (i.e. DO, alkalinity, ammonia and nitrate), with Cloeon sp., Diaptomus sp. and Keratella sp. being the most affected species, i.e. showing lower abundance values in all treatments compared to the control. The observed high sensitivity of Cloeon sp. and Diaptomus sp. was confirmed by the results of single species tests. No significant effects were observed on the species composition of the phytoplankton, periphyton biomass and organic matter decomposition for any of the sampling days. Our study indicates that (sub-)tropical aquatic ecosystems can be much more sensitive to imidacloprid compared to temperate ones

Assessing Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Markers of Soybean for Drought Tolerance Potential

Drought stress provokes plants to change their growth pattern and biochemical contents to overcome adverse situations. Soybean was grown under 40 (drought) and 80% (control) of field capacity (FC) to determine the morpho-physiological and biochemical alterations that occur under drought conditions. The experiment was conducted following a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that drought exerted detrimental effects on photosynthetic attributes, leaf production, pigment and water content, plant growth, and dry matter production of soybean. However, drought favored producing a higher amount of proline and malondialdehyde in soybean leaf than in the control. The pod and seed production, grain size, and seed yield of soybean were also adversely affected by the drought, where genotypic variations were conspicuous. Interestingly, the studied morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters of AGS383 were minimally affected by drought. This genotype was capable of maintaining healthier root and shoot growth, greater leaf area, preserving leaf greenness and cell membrane stability, higher photosynthesis, absorbing water and sustaining leaf water potential, and lower amount of proline and malondialdehyde production under drought conditions. The heavier grains of AGS383 make it out yielder under both growth conditions. Considering the changes in morpho-physiological, biochemical, and yield contributing parameters, the genotype AGS383 could be cultivated as a relatively drought-tolerant, high-yielding soybean variety. Further study is needed to uncover the genes responsible for the adaptation of AGS383 to drought-stress environments, and this genotype might be used as parent material in a breeding program to develop a high-yielding, drought-tolerant soybean variety