Publications of TBRI Researchers
This study investigates metallothionein gene expression in Biomphalaria alexandrina as a biomarker for pesticide stress and examines bacterial abundance in pesticide-contaminated water in Gharbeya, Egypt. Pyrethroids and triazoles were detected in water and sediment samples, exceeding WHO limits. Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and epoxiconazole accumulated in B. alexandrina snails in winter, while tetraconazole accumulated in spring and autumn. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for deltamethrin was highest in snails in winter, corresponding with greater deltamethrin residues in water during that season compared to summer. Snails showed the highest Metallothionein (MT) levels in summer (5.79 ± 0.01), even with greater pesticide bioaccumulation in winter, suggesting that MT may help manage pesticide toxicity. Bacterial strains from sediment samples (8 spcies) were more numerous than those from water samples (4 species), suggesting that sediments enhance nutrient availability and provide stable habitats. Correlations between bacterial species and pyrethroid and triazole residues suggest their potential in future bioremediation studies. These findings support SDG 14 and SDG 6 by safeguarding aquatic biodiversity and water quality in contaminated ecosystems. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026.
Continued monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues in inland watercourses contributes indirectly to Sustainable Development Goal 14 by preserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, the current work aims to monitor PCBs in water courses of Giza, Al-Qaliobiah, and Al-Gharbiah Egyptian Governorates and assess their risk using various tools. The highest water temperature was 32.2 °C et al.-Gharbiah during spring. pH values were natural throughout all seasons and sites, except Al-Qaliobiah, which showed alkaline water in the summer. Giza showed high DO in winter (7.75 mg/L), while Al-Qaliobiah and Al-Gharbiah peaked in autumn (5.04 and 6.41 mg/L, respectively). Six PCB congeners (52, 70, 101, 118, 138, and 180) were detected, and their levels exceeded the permissible limit in surface water. PCB-52 and 70 were the most dominant in all investigated governorates. The highest total PCBs were 126.10 and 132.40 µg/L in deep water at Giza and Al-Gharbiah, respectively, while in surface water et al.-Qaliobiah it was 111.90 µg/L. Most PCB congeners were lowest in winter, compared to spring and autumn, and this was inversely proportional to abundance of macroinvertebrates. Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) values showed relatively poor water quality, indicating significant organic pollution. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were greater than 1, and the carcinogenic risks exceeded the acceptable limits. Therefore, implementing monitoring programs and regulatory policies is vital to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health. © The Author(s) 2025.
Macroinvertebrates are valuable surrogates in reflecting the health of river streams through their abundance, taxa richness (TR), and functional feeding groups. The present work aimed at monitoring the water quality (WQ) of the River Nile in the greater Cairo area, the most crowded with multiple human activities, using a combined approach of some physical parameters, metals, and macroinvertebrates matrices during four successive seasons. Results showed that all physical water parameters and metals were approximately at the normal levels (except temperature & Cu). The highest TR was in spring and was consistent with the low average of organic pollution determined by the Hilsenhoff biotic index (HBI), reflecting fair WQ. In contrast, the lowest abundance during winter was consistent with the highest HBI, indicating a poor WQ. Multimetric macroinvertebrates index flanders showed poor WQ during winter, while moderate WQ was observed during the rest three seasons. Filtering collectors and scrapers were the predominant functional feeding groups (FFGs), then predators at lower abundance. Gathering collectors were absent during winter, while shredders were absent in all seasons. The matrix plot showed a strong positive correlation between all FFGs and Fe, Zn, and Ca, while it showed a negative correlation with Cu. Analysis of stream ecological health matrices showed that the Nile stream was autotrophic during spring and winter, while a natural predator-to-prey was balanced during autumn, spring, and summer. Indices of habitat stability and filtering collectors pointed to perfect stable substrates only during autumn, spring, and summer, when most feeding groups were represented. © 2025, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
The aquatic environment has been contaminated by pyrethroids and triazole pesticide applications, which pose serious health risks to the aquatic ecosystem and human beings. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate water quality parameters, fungal diversity, and distribution of snails and aquatic plants of certain Egyptian water courses contaminated with pyrethroids and triazole pesticides. Seasonal samples were taken throughout 2021 from different water courses at Giza Governorate and Tanta (Gharbeya Governorate). Qualitative and quantitative surveys showed significant differences in water physical parameters between the two investigated governorates. Deltamethrin, permethrin, Es-fenvalerate, and lambada-cyhalothrin showed the highest pyrethroids concentrations, while tebuconazole, tetraconazole, and difenoconazole were the highest triazole concentrations. Fungal diversity displayed 21 molecularly identified fungal species related to four fungal genera: Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger were the most frequent species. Snail diversity recorded 10 and 9 species in Giza and Tanta, respectively. Physa acuta was the most abundant snail. Ten species of aquatic plants were observed in Giza, while six species were observed in Tanta. Specifically, Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna gibba were the dominant species in the two governorates, with the relative abundance (39 and 22%) in Giza and (27 and 23%) in Tanta, respectively. Water quality parameters and seasonal variations could control fungal diversity, snails, and aquatic plant distribution. Different relations between pesticides and biological communities may reflect the ability/inability of certain snails and fungi species to commensalism with pesticide concentrations. Continuous pesticide monitoring is essential for life below water and aligns with SDG14. © The Author(s) 2025.
The influence of the global warming resulting from climate change (CC) together with the presence of freshwater toxins has led to many risks for different water uses and human health. The present chapter discussed the potential risks associated with the effect of global warming on the diffusion of freshwater toxins into the production of drinking water and its impact on the transmission of waterborne diseases affecting human health and other aquatic organisms. Freshwater toxins were classified into algal toxins (cyanotoxins) and fungal toxins (mycotoxins). Cyanotoxins were classified into cyclic peptides (microcystins (MCs)) having different chemical compounds. These are attributed to the variability of their characteristic function. Cyanobacterial toxins may lead to instability of the health of aquatic ecosystems and should not be ignored with their specific harmful effects. Fungal toxins (mycotoxins) were also considered natural toxins coinciding with the prediction of climate change scenarios, which may affect human health and the ecosystem. The adverse effects of freshwater toxins on human health and the aquatic environment were illustrated. The harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins have acute and chronic health consequences in mammals (including humans) and aquatic organisms. Mycotoxins negatively affect aquatic organisms and animal and human health. Regarding the detection methods of freshwater toxins, various traditional analytical methods were reported for the detection of cyanotoxins, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It is important to realize the natural toxins in an engagement in climate policy plans, planning, and action. Mitigation and adaptation efforts should be focused on surveillance schedules, more laws, and comprehension of the toxicity of the toxic substances. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.
Continuous efforts are made to explore alternative methods for reducing Schistosomiasis. So, this study evaluated the effectiveness of Chlorella vulgaris and Pediastrum boryanum extracts carried on their nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as immunostimulants for Biomphalaria alexandrina snails against Schistosoma mansoni infection. The results showed that the lowest cercarial shedding/snail was 340 and 330 with 400 mg/L of C. vulgaris extract and NCC + C. vulgaris extract, respectively. Meanwhile, it was decreased with 200 mg/L of P. boryanum extract and 400 mg/L of NCC + P. boryanum extract, with high survival rates for all treatments. In addition, snails treated with 400 mg/L of C. vulgaris extract and 200 and 400 mg/L of NCC + C. vulgaris extract showed a significant decrease in the contents of hydrogen peroxide (0.639, 0.426, and 0.564 mM/L), respectively, compared to the control group (0.695 mM/L). Furthermore, C. vulgaris extracts induced numerous hemocytes around immature cercariae and sporocysts. P. boryanum extracts showed degenerated sporocysts surrounded by plenty of hemocytes. Nanocellulose carriers improved the delivery of microalgal components within B. alexandrina snails, causing the cercariae to lose their ideal shape. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that C. vulgaris and P. boryanum extracts contained oleic acid, which improved the immunological response of snails, and glutamic acid and flavonoids acted as immune modulators and antioxidants. Ultimately, the toxicity assay indicated that NCC + C. vulgaris extract and NCC + P. boryanum extract were the safest for Artemia salina as a non-target aquatic organism. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Gut microbiota imbalance and alterations in the chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions are pivotal in the initiation and advancement of ulcerative colitis (UC). The current UC treatments are prolonged, exhibit high recurrence rates, and may lead to colorectal cancer. So, this study explores the efficacy of Helix pomatia (H. pomatia) mucin in preventing DSS-induced UC. This research focuses on investigating the underlying mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and alterations in gut microbiota and chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions, to understand the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of the mucin. Using 4 % DSS in drinking water, UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice. For seven days, mice were given oral doses of either H. pomatia mucin or sulfasalazine. The study assessed changes in oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and histopathology, along with expression of IL-6, CXCR4, CCR7, CXCL9, and CXCL10. The H. pomatia mucin exhibited unique contents, including high glycolic acid (200 ± 2.08 mg/L), collagen (88 ± 2.52 mg/L), allantoin (20 ± 2 mg/L), and concentrated vitamins and minerals. Treatment with H. pomatia mucin in high dose demonstrated reduction in DAI, an increase in fecal Firmicutes, and elevated expression of colonic CCR7, CXCL9, and CXCL10, accompanied by enhanced CXCR4 (75 %) and diminished IL-6 (1.33 %) immunostaining. It also alleviated oxidative stress, reduced fecal Bacteroidetes, and mitigated inflammation, indicating its potential efficacy against DSS-induced UC. In conclusion, H. pomatia mucin is a promising candidate that could be an effective adjuvant in the management and prophylaxis of UC. © 2024 The Authors
Water pollution with pesticides is one of the most important environmental problems. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) reach water bodies via agricultural discharge. The aim of this study was to determine the contamination of different water bodies with PCB congeners, and detect the correlation between water quality parameters and seasonal distribution of these PCBs. The results indicated that water canals of AlGharbiah showed the highest ranges of temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) in spring, and dissolved oxygen (DO) in autumn, while AlQaliobiah water bodies witnessed the highest pH and electrical conductivity (EC) ranges in summer. The highest range of a PCB congener was that of PCB44 (7.96–118.29 µg/g) in sediment samples of Giza, followed by its range (18.01–85.44 µgL−1) in surface water of AlQaliobiah. We found a potential cancer risk from dermal contact with all the investigated PCBs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed positive correlations between most PCBs and each of EC and TDS, and a negative correlation with DO. While the correlation between PCBs and each of temperature and pH varied according to the geographic location of the governorate. In conclusion, the investigated water canals were contaminated with PCBs, which posed a potential cancer risk and deteriorated water quality. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Pollutants and parasites represent stressors for fish at the individual, population, or community levels. The current study outlines the seasonal infestation pattern of Oreochromis niloticus by protozoan and helminths parasites linked to some physicochemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity), and metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn, and Ca), at nine selected sites in River Nile (Greater Cairo area) from summer 2019 till spring 2020. Most of the studied criteria in Nile water samples showed normal levels during all seasons compared to the recommended limits of EPA. The parasitological examinations recorded three protozoan categories: Myxobolus (8 species), hemoflagellates (Trypanosoma mukasi) and Ciliates (Trichodina compacta), and three helminths; Clinostomum sp., Acanthocephala sp. and Euclinostomum ardeola. The highest incidence of infection was determined for Clinostomum sp., followed in descending order by Myxobolus sp., Acanthocephala sp., T. mukasi, E. ardeolathen, and T. compacta. Notably, this study introduces the novel identification of new species of Myxobolus in the blood of Oreochromis niloticus. The histopathological examination of gills, muscles, and kidneys reveals serious changes and the presence of encysted trematodes, metacercariae, and cysts of protozoan parasites. Additionally, the study employs cluster analysis based on site similarity in water variables and canonical correspondence analysis, explaining 98.7 % of the variables and indicating correlations between parasite infestation and environmental factors. These analytical approaches reveal the impact of land use activities on water variables and the influence of adjacent activities on fish parasite infestation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive perspective by considering various factors to enhance our understanding of pollutants and parasites affecting fish in the River Nile. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Algae produce numerous biologically active substances, some of which could be turned into brand-new medications. Thus, the current work utilized Biomphalariaalexandrina snails as a biological model to assess the anesthetic effect of Cladophoraglomeratamethanolic extract. After 24 h of exposure followed by 24 h as a recovery period, the results indicated that C. glomerata extract was safe for snails up to 500 mg/L. The anesthetic effect was seen with snails subjected to 500 mg/l, reaching 100%, while the relaxation effect was observed with snails subjected to 100 and 300 mg/ L, recording 13.3 and 66.6% of the exposed snails, respectively. The total hemocyte count was directly proportional to the concentrations of algal extract after 1 h, however, it returned to normal after 20 h. Exposure of snails to different concentrations of the algal extract led to several rapid changes in the shape and content of hemocytes and stimulated hemocyte division after one hour of exposure. Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels significantly decreased in all treated snails. GC-MS results exhibited that C. glomerata extract contained 16 chemical substances, which might possess anesthetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and stimulate cell proliferation. ©2024 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC)