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Research Article
Study of Breeding Performance, Growth Performance and Survival of Mrigal Carp: A Case Study of Dhanusha, Nepal
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2026
Pages:
1-9
Received:
3 July 2026
Accepted:
22 July 2026
Published:
18 September 2026
Abstract: The successful breeding and nursery rearing of Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal carp) are essential for ensuring a sustainable supply of quality fish seed in Nepal. However, high mortality during the hatchling stage remains a major constraint to seed production. This study was conducted at the Fisheries Human Resource Development and Technology Validation Centre, Dhanusha, Nepal, from May to June 2024 to evaluate the breeding performance, growth performance, and survival of C. mrigala under induced breeding conditions using WOVA-FH hormone. Twelve female and eighteen male brood fish were used for induced breeding at a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.5. Female and male brood fish were administered WOVA-FH at doses of 0.5 mL kg-1 and 0.25 mL kg-1 body weight, respectively. Breeding performance was assessed using fecundity, fertilization rate, and hatching rate, while growth performance, survival, and selected water quality parameters were monitored during a 15-day nursery rearing period. The fecundity of female brood fish ranged from 85,333 to 170,926 eggs. Fertilization and hatching rates ranged from 80.0% to 86.53% and 77.0% to 83.0%, respectively. After 15 days of nursery rearing, hatchlings attained an average final weight of 0.41 g, with an average weight gain of 0.407 g, an average daily weight gain of 0.027 g fish-1 day-1, and a specific growth rate of 40.07% day-1. The average fry length was 3.1 cm, while the overall survival rate was 48.47%. Water temperature (29.1–32.2°C), pH (6.9–8.7), and dissolved oxygen (5.8–9.4 mg L-1) remained within suitable ranges throughout the study. The findings indicate that WOVA-FH is an effective inducing hormone for the artificial breeding of C. mrigala under the environmental conditions of Dhanusha, Nepal. Further improvements in nursery management, particularly feeding practices, dissolved oxygen management, and larval health management, may enhance hatchling survival and improve seed production.
Abstract: The successful breeding and nursery rearing of Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal carp) are essential for ensuring a sustainable supply of quality fish seed in Nepal. However, high mortality during the hatchling stage remains a major constraint to seed production. This study was conducted at the Fisheries Human Resource Development and Technology Validation...
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Review Article
Importance of Microbial Diversity in Soil Health and Ecological Function - A Review
Tesfaye Tadesse Gebre*
,
Yitagesu Girma Legesse
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2026
Pages:
10-19
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
5 September 2026
Published:
27 September 2026
Abstract: Soil microbial diversity is a fundamental component of global biodiversity and plays an important role in sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and human health. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, contribute to soil health through organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus solubilization. These microbial processes improve nutrient availability, support plant growth, suppress diseases, and maintain ecosystem stability. However, intensive agriculture, pollution, and land-use changes threaten soil microbial diversity and the ecosystem services it provides. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ecological functions of soil microorganisms and evaluates their applications in sustainable agriculture and environmental monitoring. Recent scientific literature, case studies, and technological advances related to biofertilizers, plant growth-promoting microorganisms, and microbial biosensors were reviewed. Particular attention was given to beneficial microorganisms, especially nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which can improve nutrient availability, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, enhance soil fertility, and strengthen soil resilience. The potential of microbial biosensors as innovative tools for detecting environmental pollutants and supporting pollution assessment and waste management was also examined. The findings indicate that integrating beneficial microorganisms and microbial-based technologies can improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, reduce chemical inputs, and promote environmentally sustainable farming practices. Microbial biosensors also offer promising approaches for environmental monitoring and early pollutant detection. Overall, conserving and effectively utilizing soil microbial diversity is essential for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation. Promoting beneficial microbial communities and advancing microbial biotechnology can contribute to resilient agricultural systems and help address growing global environmental challenges.
Abstract: Soil microbial diversity is a fundamental component of global biodiversity and plays an important role in sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and human health. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, contribute to soil health through organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and pho...
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Research Article
Contaminant Variations in Water and Bed Sediment Samples in Oguta Lake, Nigeria
Goodluck Okoro*,
Joel E. Umeuduji
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2026
Pages:
20-29
Received:
14 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: The concentration of heavy metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the bed sediments and water of Oguta Lake, in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria was investigated. The study was aimed at revealing the concentration of TPH and heavy metals in bed sediments and water in the lake, determine how they vary and ascertain the environmental and health concerns in using the lake for recreational, domestic, industrial and transportation purposes. Bed sediments and water samples were collected in situ at three locations, preserved in ice pack and sent to the laboratory within 48 hours for analysis of pH, TPH, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Fe. These were analyzed using AAS and pH meter. Results show that the lake is polluted with Iron and TPH as their concentrations exceeded allowable standard stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. It also showed that the levels of Iron and TPH in bed sediments were greater than levels found in water. These call for urgent need for a holistic environmental remediation measures and treatment of lake to remove iron and TPH before using it for agricultural, domestic, industrial, recreational and transportation uses. Field investigation also revealed some anthropogenic sources of TPH in the environment which include use of petrol and diesel engines in speed boats. Thus, public enlightenment on the environmental and health implications of polluting the lake and using the untreated water should be extended to schools, markets and worship places within the environs.
Abstract: The concentration of heavy metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the bed sediments and water of Oguta Lake, in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria was investigated. The study was aimed at revealing the concentration of TPH and heavy metals in bed sediments and water in the lake, determine how they vary and ascertain the...
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