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Energy dispersive X-Ray microanalysis in conjunction with scanning electron micrography to establish nematodes as bioindicators in marine fish environment

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Abstract

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis has been used as the non-invasive technique on Indian helminthes to explore the role of nematode parasites as bioindicators in the marine ecosystem of Central West coast of India for the first time. The accumulation of sulphur and iron were analysed from a raphidascaridoid roundworm, Rostellascaris spinicaudatum (Malhotra and Anas) parasitizing marine catfish, Arius maculatus from the Central West coast of India at Goa. Quantitatively, the cuticle on oral armature comprised as much as ten times more sulphur than iron content in the roundworm under study. However, only carbon and oxygen were detected over caudal papillae, where no metals or other elements were recorded. The utility of a raphidascaridoid nematode to act as a bioindicator, that had the potential of a bioaccumulator effector, is highlighted.

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Acknowledgements

AY and NK are thankful to the Head, Department of Zoology, CMP P.G. College, (A ConstituentCollege of the University of Allahabad), and AA is grateful to Aligarh Muslim University for facilities.The assistance from Mr. Abul Maz Sr. Tech. Asstt., USIF, Aligarh is thankfully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, CMP P.G. College (A Constituent College of the University of Allahabad), Prayagraj, 211 002, U.P., India

    Anita Yadav & Neerja Kapoor

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, U.P., India

    Amin Arif

  3. Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, 16-A/1, Church Lane, Prayagraj, 211 002, U.P., India

    Sandeep K. Malhotra

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  1. Anita Yadav
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  4. Sandeep K. Malhotra
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Correspondence to Sandeep K. Malhotra.

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Yadav, A., Kapoor, N., Arif, A. et al. Energy dispersive X-Ray microanalysis in conjunction with scanning electron micrography to establish nematodes as bioindicators in marine fish environment. J Parasit Dis 46, 664–671 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-022-01480-8

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