Heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments threatens marine life and lowers the quality of freshwater supplies. This research aimed to quantify the heavy metal concentration in fish, avian tissue, and water of the Mangla reservoir. Concentrations of heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb were determined in five vital organs of six species of fishes (Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Wallagu attu, Cyprinus carpio, Sperata seenghala) and five species of migratory birds (Anas strepera, Aythya ferina, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas crecca, Anas clypeata) and water of Mangla dam. Heavy metal concentration was observed with AAS’ help after the samples’ complete chemical digestion. The average concentration of these metals in water samples was higher than the mean values in fish and birds. Heavy metals damaged fish and birds in the same order: Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb. The results of this research will hopefully prompt further consideration on the dangers of heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystem.

Parasites are a significant component of biodiversity. They negatively affect fish appearance, growth, and reproduction. In this study, the prevalence of infection, diversity, and mean intensity of parasites were examined in 9 freshwater fish species (45 samples per fish species). Ecto-parasites were examined on the skin, gills, and fins with a hand lens. Wet mounts were prepared using mucosal scrapings from all the external and internal organs of the sampled fish. Microscopy, muscle compression, and the pepsin-HCL artificial digestion technique were also performed. In this study, 26 species of parasites were identified including three taxa belonging to 9 species of protozoan parasites, 11 treamtodes, and 6 monogenean parasites. The identified protozoan parasites were Entamoeba histolitica, Chilodonella sp., Coccidia sp., Costia sp., Cryptobia sp., Ichthyopthiris-multifilis, Microsporidia, Piscinoodinium sp., and Ichthyobodo necator. The identified trematode parasites were Fasciola gigantica, Echinostoma revolutum, Fasciola hepatica, Haplorchis pumilio, Brachylaima cribbi, Echinostoma cinetorchis, Neascus sp., Deropegus sp., Trematode Soldier, Centrocestus formosanus, and Clinostomum marginatum. The identified monogenean parasites were Dactylogyrus limipopoensis, Dactylogyrus anchoratus, Dactylogyrus myersi, Dactylogyrus vastator, Gyrodactylus salaris, and Ancyrocephalus. The diversity of parasites was maximum at the Okara site. The host’s organs that were targeted for parasitic infection included the intestine, liver, gills, fins, skin, and kidneys. The majority of the parasites were identified in Labeo rohita followed by Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio, and Wallagu attu. Two species appeared to be resistant species because none of the parasites were observed in Notopterus notopterus or Sperata seenghala. This study also concluded that the prevalence of parasites increased with increasing length, size, and age of fish.

Smog is also an alarming signal for health problems in Pakistan especially in the city Lahore. Objective: To find out how the general public feels about smog. Methods: The study was conducted by surveying Lahore residents who drive. This was a survey-based study which included 100 subjects using any vehicle as a mode of transportation. Results: Generally, 2% people used cycle, motorbike 62%, car 13% and public transport 23% but during smog people shifted from bike to public transport and rate of car users were also increased from 13% to 25%. In this survey, 58% of the people came to know about smog through TV channels. Most of the respondents had the symptoms of chest tightness, eye irritation, breathing difficulty. This study revealed that 85% of vehicle users took preventive measures such as kept themselves hydrated (18%), worn mask (58%) and driven less (9%); which kept them away from hospitals during smog. Conclusions: It was anticipated that motor bike, car and public transport users had more knowledge about the causes of smog but none of cycle user was aware that sulfur and nitrogen compounds were the cause of smog (p<0.001). Thus, Pakistan needs to implement future countermeasures for smog.

Migratory birds are important vectors for the spread of zoonotic and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, posing a global public health risk. The River Ravi in Pakistan, is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, is seeing increased anthropogenic activity, which contributes to the spread of AMR bacteria. Objective: To assess the prevalence of specific antibiotic-resistant bacterial species among different migratory birds, and significance of migrating birds as possible reservoirs and disseminators of AMR bacteria. Methods: The study was carried out along the Ravi River in Lahore. Fecal samples from five migrating bird species were gathered at five distinct locations utilizing non-invasive mist netting and fresh fecal collection. The bacteria were isolated and identified using Gram staining and biochemical analysis. The Kirby-Bauer technique of disc diffusion was employed to assess the sensitivity of microorganisms. Results: All sites showed significant contamination from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli were most common, indicating fecal contamination. It was found that E. coli and S. aureus are highly resistant to Azithromycin and Gentamycin, whereas K. pneumoniae is resistant to Norfloxacin. However, erythromycin and tetracycline were effective against P. aeruginosa and C. septicum, respectively. Conclusions: The research concluded that the River Ravi was significantly contaminated with germs from humans and the surroundings, along with distinct AMR patterns. The elevated levels of S. aureus, E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. point to serious health risks for the general public. AMR patterns emphasize the difficulty in controlling bacterial infections, emphasizing the importance of targeted antimicrobial treatments and ongoing surveillance.

• First comprehensive report describing avian gut microbiome diversity across multiple taxonomic and ecological groups from a migratory stopover in Pakistan, addressing a major geographic and data gap in avian microbiome research. • Host taxonomy exerted a stronger influence on gut microbiota than ecology, with diverse and group-specific microbial and functional profiles, including potential zoonotic pathogens (Enterococcus, Escherichia–Shigella, Acinetobacter). • The dataset provides a baseline resource and framework for future studies on avian microbial ecology, environmental surveillance, and conservation along migratory flyways in Pakistan.

Problems associated with pollution are becoming more severe as industrialization advances rapidly. Inorganic and organic wastes, both water-soluble and insoluble, are discharged into the aquatic environment, contributing to one of the most critical problems: water pollution. The discharge of waste in water channels allows heavy metal ions, which are toxic to all kinds of life, to enter the food chain. Lead, nickel, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron lithium, cadmium, and chromium (VI) are among the most hazardous metal ions. Because they don't break down, metal ions build up in the environment and move up the food chain. Therefore, higher trophic level animals are more susceptible to their toxicityHeavy metals found in freshwater and sediments have been found to bioaccumulate in fish tissues. Rawal Dam, Mangla Dam, and Zabi Dam were identified as highly contaminated areas of freshwater that had detrimental effects on fish and human health. The Rawal Dam, which received a lot of industrial and sewage drainage from Punjab's metropolitan areas and industry, was significantly contaminated compared to other Pakistani Dams. Changhoz and Ghol Dams, with their massive water flows and relatively few accompanying industrial facilities, have the healthiest ecosystems of all Pakistan's dams. Changhoz Dam's freshwater fish are considered to be safe for human consumption. Heavy metals are accumulated by migratory birds at Rawal Dam from eating fish from freshwater reservoirs. Heavy metal pollution has been linked to a variety of social, ecological, and economic issues. The detrimental effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms and human well-being can be reduced if wastewater is purified before being released into freshwater.