Bioindicators Of Heavy Metal Pollution Research Articles

Macrophytes as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Pollution in Belarusian Rivers

ABSTRACTMacrophytes are well‐known for accumulating a large number of various substances, including metals, and they may consequently serve as biogeochemical indicators of aquatic system pollution. In general, the sequence of analyzed metal accumulation in river macrophytes is as follows (mg/kg): Mn (141) > Cu (2.53) > V (0.89) > Cr (0.70) > Pb (0.68) > Ni (0.23). Submersed species are conspicuous for their increased metal accumulation capacity, with statistically significant differences compared to other ecological groups. Among the aquatic plant genera examined (Potamogéton, Ceratophýllum, Elodea, Núphar, Butomus, Glycéria, and Spargánium), an increased capacity to accumulate Mn, Cu, and Pb is observed in all submersed macrophytes, while Cr, V, and Ni are particularly accumulated by Ceratophýllum and Elodea. Potamogéton has the largest range of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Cu variations. The overall bioaccumulation capability evaluated by the metal accumulation index was ordered as follows: Núphar (6.94) > Potamogéton (5.53) > Butomus (3.48) > Glycéria (2.86) > Spargánium (2.62) > Elodea (2.33) > Ceratophýllum (1.98). Bio‐accumulation factors (BAFs) (macrophytes/sediment) vary depending on the metal and macrophyte ecological groups. For submersed macrophytes, the sequence of BAFs is Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > V. In the submersed plants of watercourses taken at the anthropogenic impact sites, the accumulation of Ni, V, Mn, Pb, and Cu is statistically significantly higher compared to those in natural conditions. Compositional data analysis has revealed such biogeochemical signatures of the anthropogenic impact as the formation of the anthropogenic Cr–Ni association, which is associated with the identified multivariate anomalies, as well as an increase in Cu variability and a decrease in Mn.

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Toxicity in Freshwater Canals in Egypt Using Creeping Water Bugs (Ilyocoris cimicoides): Oxidative Stress, Histopathological, and Ultrastructural Investigations.

The abundance of metal pollutants in freshwater habitats poses serious threats to the survival and biodiversity of aquatic organisms and human beings. This study intends for the first time to assess the pernicious influences of heavy metals in Al Marioteya canal freshwater in Egypt, compared to Al Mansoureya canal as a reference site utilizing the creeping water bug (Ilyocoris cimicoides) as an ecotoxicological model. The elemental analysis of the water showed a significantly higher incidence of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), in addition to the calcium (Ca) element than the World Health Organization's (WHO) permitted levels. The Ca element was measured in the water samples to determine whether exposure to heavy metals-induced oxidative stress engendered Ca deregulation in the midgut tissues of the creeping water bug. Remarkably, increased levels of these heavy metals were linked to an increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the polluted site. Notably, the accumulation of these heavy metals in the midgut tissues resulted in a substantial reduction in antioxidant parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), along with a marked rise in malondialdehyde (MDA), cytochrome P450, and protein carbonyl levels. These results clearly indicate a noticeable disturbance in the antioxidant defense system due to uncontrollable reactive oxygen species (ROS). Notably, the results demonstrated that oxidative stress caused disturbances in Ca levels in the midgut tissue of I. cimicoides from polluted sites. Furthermore, the comet and flow cytometry analyses showed considerable proliferations of comet cells and apoptotic cells in midgut tissues, respectively, exhibiting prominent correlations, with pathophysiological deregulation. Interestingly, histopathological and ultrastructural examinations exposed noticeable anomalies in the midgut, Malpighian tubules, and ovarioles of I. cimicoides, emphasizing our findings. Overall, our findings emphasize the potential use of I. cimicoides as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in freshwater to improve sustainable water management in Egypt.

Honey Bee Products as Bio Indicator of Heavy Metals Pollution and Health Risk Assessment Through the Consumption of Multifloral Honey Collected in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

The study assessed the health risks associated with heavy metal ingestion and explored the use of honey bee products as a bio-indicator for heavy metal pollution. All honey bee products tested showed heavy metals, but some honey samples had concentrations exceeding permissible limits for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr. The mean concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the honey, propolis, bee wax, and bee pollen were Fe (1.32) > Zn (1.31) > Pb (0.46) > Ni (0.18) > Cr (0.16) > Cu (0.14) > Co (0.12) > Mn (0.05) > Cd (0.03), Fe (8) > Zn (1.13) > Mn (0.59) > Pb (0.13) > Ni (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Co (0.05) > Cr (0.03) > Cd (0.02), Fe (1.31) > Pb (0.41) > Ni (0.407) > Zn(0.25) > Mn (0.12) > Co(0.10) > Cu (0.07) > Cr (0.05) > Cd (0.002), and Fe (2.2) > Zn (0.75) > Ni (0.25) > Pb (0.16) > Cu (0.05) > Mn (0.045) > Co (0.04) > Cr (0.01) > Cd(0.002), respectively. Similarly, the mean concentration of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the soil, flowers and pine pollen was Fe (539.08) > Zn (89.53) > Mn (66.91) > Ni (58.5) > Co (19.2) > Cr (11.42) > Pb (6.58) > Cu (5.71) > Cd (0.19), Fe (3.12) > Zn (0.95) > Mn (0.72) > Ni (0.29) > Cu (0.16) > Cr (0.14) > Pb (0.059) > Co (0.057) > Cd (0.003) and Fe (2.59) > Zn (1.75) > Mn (0.43) > Pb (0.34) > Co (0.1) > Cr (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Cd (0.039) > Ni (0.03), respectively. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry procedure was validated through a recovery study and achieved accuracy through the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The mean Bio concentration factor (BCF) indicated that the transfer from soil to honey was higher than from soil to flower. The metal pollution index (MPI) of the selected indicators was in descending order: soil > honey > flowers > propolis > pine pollen > beeswax > bee pollen. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were below one, showing no chronic health risk. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of Cd, Cr, and Ni in honey for children, male and female adults for the consumers exceeds the acceptable level, making Cd, Cr, and Ni the most concerning heavy metals in honey. The study suggests that regular monitoring of heavy metal pollution is essential.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Cetaceans and Fish from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

The accumulation of heavy metals in animal tissues is an important factor in monitoring the health of any marine ecosystem, and the Black Sea is no exception. The use of aquatic organisms as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution is common in studies, and molluscs and fish are some of the most used indicators, unlike cetaceans, which are not common. The objective of the present study is to determine the accumulation of five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni) in the living tissues of three cetacean species, six fish species part of the cetacean diet, and seawater of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and the results were used to calculate the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and the biomagnification factor (BMF). The results are analyzed in a comparative plan between the northern and southern part of the Bulgarian coast. In all biota samples, the concentration of Zn was the highest. No statistical differences were found between fish and cetacean samples from the two study areas. Cetaceans have a higher BCF for Cd, while fish for Pb, and the BMF for cetaceans was confirmed for the elements Cd and Zn.

Enzymatic Modifications, as Biomarker for Heavy Metal Toxicity in Catla catla a Fresh Water Fish

Over the last couple of decades, pollution of the environment has grown to be a significant problem, attracting the curiosity of countless experts from developed as well as underdeveloped countries. Sewage dumping into waterways has a detrimental effect on the aquatic ecosystem and biota since it is the principal sink. As a result of their ability to bioaccumulate and intensify as they ascend food chains, toxic metals are not completely eliminated from the environment. For instance, heavy metals have a tendency to accumulate in the muscular tissues of aquatic species; hence, tissues with elevated levels of toxic metals may be detrimental to the well-being of humans and other animals. Fish have been used as indicator organisms to track contamination in aquatic environments. The fish known as catla catla, an Indian Major carp, is edible and extremely susceptible to even the slightest amount of stress. Fish biomarkers are now often employed to assess the internal and exterior health conditions brought on by toxins.
 The purpose of our investigation was to clarify how biomarkers may be used to track and assess the levels of toxic heavy metals in freshwater Catla catla fish.
 Results: SOD can be used as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution, according to the current study's findings. These investigations ultimately aim to quantify pollution concentrations that can cause aquatic environments to undergo permanent biological alterations. Though still mild, the amount of toxicity was approaching to danger. To preserve a healthy and pristine environment, public and government-sponsored initiatives can be undertaken to restrict those activities that discharge contaminants into the ecosystem in an unscientific way.
 Conclusion: The study comes to the conclusion that in order to evaluate and track the biological state of the aquatic environment, a multiparameter assessment is required.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations and bioaccumulation in the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and associated risks to human health

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive species that can be used as a raw material in the food industry and also as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in the environment. In this study, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, and Pb were determined in water, bottom sediment, muscle, liver, gills, and gonads of round goby from Dąbie Lake, Szczecin Lagoon, and Puck Bay (all in southern Baltic Sea) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Fulton’s condition factor, gonadal and hepatosomatic indices (GSI, HSI) were calculated. Based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR), we assessed the human health risk related to the consumption of heavy metals in the round goby. The fish had length and weight ranges of 15.0–16.7 cm and 55.3–80.9 g, respectively. Fulton’s condition factor ranged from 1.26 to 2.48 and was highest (p < 0.05) for fish from Dąbie Lake. The range of metal concentrations (in μg kg−1) ranged from 2.92 (Cd in muscles of fish from Szczecin Lagoon) to 106.4 (Ni in muscles of fish from Dąbie Lake). The highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb were found in livers, Ni in muscles and gonads, and Cr in gills. The calculated EDIs were below the reference oral dose (RfD) and maximum for Cd (1.6% RfD) and Pb (15.1% RfD). The hazard quotient was less than 1. In conclusion, the round goby has a higher potential to accumulate metals from water than from bottom sediments. Consumption of its muscle should not pose a health risk (cancer risk can be considered acceptable). Due to Pb accumulation, moderate consumption should be recommended for pregnant women and children. Finally, our results indicate that the round goby (especially its liver) can be used as a bioindicator to monitor metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems.

Akumulacija olova u Sideritis montana

Lead (Pb) contamination remains a global environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystems and human health. Sideritis montana has gained attention as a potential bioindicator of heavy metal pollution. The research explores the levels of lead in S. montana and assesses the risk for safe use of this potentially medicinal plant. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Pb accumulation in S. montana from three different locations. The obtained results indicate variations in the accumulation of Pb by the plant species S. montana, which reflects the influence of environmental factors on the accumulation of toxic metals by plants. ICP-OES determined concentrations of Pb for Kravlje (control site), Gornje Polje (near landfil), and Rgoštanska Čuka (burned habitat) locations were 0.33, 20.62 and 0.35 ppm, respectively. This study underscores the multifaceted role of Sideritis montana as a bioindicator. It highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring of Pb contamination in ecosystems where S. montana grows.

Environmental monitoring: Tobara fish as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in a coastal ecosystem

This study aims to evaluate the liver, gill, and muscle tissue heavy metal accumulation of the thin lip mullet (Chelon ramada) from Ain Ziana Lagoon, Benghazi. The heavy metals included zinc, copper, lead, and manganese. Between September 2021 and August 2022, specimens were collected on a monthly basis. They were identified using DNA barcoding, namely the CO1 gene, which is associated with the sequence that is BankIt in the NCBI gene bank (accession number OR533708). The research tracked the lagoon's physicochemical characteristics, finding that heavy metal concentrations spiked in the summer and that water temperature, pH, and salinity varied throughout the year. Except for copper in the winter, lead, manganese, and copper levels were all above acceptable limits, according to a comparison with EPA (2005) regulations. On the other hand, zinc levels were under these limitations. The amounts of all metals in the sediment regularly exceeded the limits set by the EPA. Zinc and manganese levels in fish tissues were within the approved ranges according to WHO and FAO standards but lead and manganese levels were far higher than allowed, indicating possible pollution from sewage or industrial sources. There were noticeable seasonal patterns in bioaccumulation, especially during the warmer months, but manganese did not exhibit a distinct pattern. Also noted that the thin lip mullet's mineral absorption and release capacities varied with the different seasons and tissues. Lastly, the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) showed that there was a larger possibility for bioaccumulation in the liver, gill, and muscle during the study period.

Seagrass as a Bioindicator for Heavy Metal Pollution in Semi-Enclosed Marine Ecosystems

This study delves into utilizing Seagrass as a bioindicator for heavy metal detection in semi-enclosed marine ecosystems, with a specific focus on the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. The research evaluates the relationship between human activities and the responses of marine organisms, employing the seagrass species Halophila stipulacea as a key subject. This research examines the ability of seagrass to sense and respond to environmental changes, particularly in terms of trace metal accumulation. These accumulations serve as indicators of the marine environment's health and the extent of human impact. Observations revealed differences in trace metal concentrations across three distinct habitats. Notably, varying levels of Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) were found in seagrass leaves, while Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) were more prevalent in roots. Increased concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of environmental stress as indicated by lipid peroxidation (LPO), point to a potential link between human activities, such as boating, and the health of seagrass. These findings underscore the complex interactions between marine biology, environmental management, and the innate abilities of organisms to perceive and adapt to changes in their environment. The study bridges the gap in understanding organismal responses to environmental changes and emphasizes the need for ongoing research. Such research is crucial to comprehend the broader effects of environmental shifts on marine life. By continuously monitoring trace metal levels and understanding the responses of seagrass over time, this study lays the groundwork for innovative conservation and management strategies. These strategies are aimed at protecting vital marine environments from the growing impacts of human disturbances.

Data of bioaccumulation and biomagnification from soil in biota nettle-snail (Urtica dioica, L and Helix pomatia,L) of heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Ni) pollution of mining activity in Mitrovica.

ABSTRACT&#x0D; In this research project, we measured the impact and distribution of the activity of minning Trepça Complex in Mitrovica on the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni) in soil, plant (Urtica dioica,L) and shell of snail (Helix pomatia).&#x0D; Introdiction: Large quantities of these metals come from natural and anthropogenic sources including mining activity, agriculture, pesticide use, industrialization, and inadequate disposal of mineral waste and artificial fertilizers. These inorganic pollutants are deposited in the soil, water, and atmosphere in various forms of complexes and are thus transmitted from plants, animals to humans. Climatic factors such as winds, rains, and temperatures are believed to be major contributors to the spread over time and space of heavy metals in the environment.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Soil samples, nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L), and snail (Helix pomatia, L), were collected from the selected pollution source of mine Trepça complex at distances of 1km, 2km, and 5km in the radius circles divided into four geographical areas. Also the control samples are collected in unpolluted site Opoja-Dragash municipalty. The samples were digested in microwave at 2000C for 45 min and have been read in flame absorber Analyticjena Contra AAA.&#x0D; Results: Higher concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Ni were recorded in the southern parts of the country compared to that control with significant differences (p&lt;0.01). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification levels of these heavy metals have also been recorded in the roots, stalks, and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L) as well as in snail shells (Helix pomatia, L.).&#x0D; Conclusions: The results show that the stinging nettle plant has translocated larger amounts of these heavy metals especially Pb along with the vegetative organs wherefrom these they are carried in the snail shell, which is fed on the stinging nettle plant.&#x0D; Also, results shown that the nettle plant Urtica dioica can be used in phytoremediation process whereas snail Helix pomatia can be used like bioindicator of heavy metal pollution.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Seasonal Variation and Association of Heavy Metals in the Vital Organs of Edible Fishes from the River Jhelum in Punjab, Pakistan.

The toxic effects of heavy metals are drastic, including accumulation. Fish species are important bio-indicators of heavy metal pollution in aquatic bodies. The current study aimed to assess the seasonal variation of heavy metals in the vital organs of mostly consumed fishes in River Jhelum, Pakistan. Samples of fish, including Wallago attu (Malhi), Rita rita (Khagga), and Mystus seenghala (Singhari), were collected from four different sites, i.e., Khushab, Muhammad Wala (M. Wala), 8.R.D and Rasool barrage during summer and winter seasons. Heavy metals such as iron (Fe), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co) and Cadmium (Cd) were estimated through acid digestion and spectrometric analysis. Results showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) amount of these metals in the liver, followed by the kidneys of fish species. There were seasonal variations in the absorption of these metals as well. Cr (11.71) and Fe (58.66) were detected in higher amounts in Khagga which showed the greatest affinity for certain metals in some cases. In contrast, Singhari showed the greatest affinity to other metals in other cases. Comparative analysis revealed that there was a highly significant (P < 0.05) difference for the accumulation of almost all metals in both seasons and summer had the highest concentration of Cd, Pb, Co, Cr and Fe as compared to winter in all four sampling stations in the case of kidney and liver of all the three fishes. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in the summer due to increased temperature. Heavy metals found in the River Jhelum may demonstrate that metals can significantly affect the fish species.

Gastropods as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in the Banyuasin estuary shrimp pond area, South Sumatra, Indonesia

The supply of shrimp ponds water sources in this research utilizes water input from the waters of the Banyuasin River Estuary, which brings in heavy metal pollutant particles due to anthropogenic pressure. The potential for accumulation of heavy metals can occur in gastropods which are bioindicators of the pond environment. In this study, we present data on gastropods abundance and community structure concerning environmental physicochemical factors and heavy metal accumulation. Sampling was carried out in November 2021 at five observation stations spread over three shrimp ponds. The collection of gastropod samples used two methods based on achievement targets. The gastropod ecology index calculated the abundance, diversity (H′) values of heavy metals analyzed, namely Pb, Hg, Cu, and Cd. Wet digestion with an acid solution of HNO3 and HClO was performed before measuring the concentration on the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA-7000). Furthermore, all data on environmental variables were analyzed by principal components analysis (PCA) to determine the leading variable group for each station. A cluster was formed based on the Bray-Curtis similarity analysis. The results of the gastropod ecology index as a bioindicator showed moderate and low diversity (H′) and evenness (J) values, while dominance (D) was high and moderate. From two species analyzed for heavy metals, Nerita violacea and Telescopium telescopium contained Pb, Hg, and Cu concentrations, but no Cd levels were detected, including in water and sediment. Accumulation of heavy metals in shrimp ponds is not only due to the mass movement of tidal water, some of which contribute, namely the location of the inlet and outlet waterways and the position of the land to the main canal source. In general, these results indicate that the environmental conditions of the pond have accumulated heavy metal pollutants, but its whereabouts cannot be ascertained all the time. These results are sufficient to describe the current situation but need further study its impact on aquaculture production.

Plants as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution

This research was designed to assess metal deposition (Zn, Cr, As, Cd, Hg and Pb) and modifications in photosynthetic pigments, total nitrogen, protein in six plant species (Brachiaria eruciformis, polypogon monspeliensis, Phragmites australis, Cynodon ductylon, Prosopis farcta and Typha domingensis) &nbsp;near Turaq region which was designated as polluted site and comparing it to control site. The results indicated a significantly increased concentration of studied metals in the contaminated area. Phragmites australis shows maximum accumulation of Cr, As, and Hg. The accumulation of Zn, Pb and Cd were highest in Prosopis farcta, Cynodon ductylon and polypogon monspeliensis, respectively. Pigments and proteins were found in lower amounts in plants grown on polluted soil. Metals were negatively correlated with pigments, total nitrogen and proteins in all of the studied plants. The data demonstrated the existence of metals in the plant body in both regions, indicating that there is a variation in metal absorption capacities.

DNA barcoding of marine macroalgae as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution

Metal pollution in the marine coastal environment is an important topical issue. In this study, the water quality in five locations along the Alexandria coast (Eastern Harbor, El-Tabia pumping station, El Mex Bay, Sidi Bishir, and Abu Talat) was assessed by measuring physicochemical parameters from water samples. Depending on the morphological classification of macroalgae, the collected morphotypes were related to Ulva fasciata, Ulva compressa, Corallina officinalis, Corallina elongata, and Petrocladia capillaceae. Corallina officinalis and Corallina elongata demonstrated a high capacity for Cd, Pb, and Ni accumulation, and the highest values of Fe, Cu, and Mn were reported in Ulva fasciata and Ulva compressa. Two standard markers were applied, and results showed that the morphological classification matched the molecular data. Moreover, the analysis of algae can only reflect the accumulation of metals. The conclusion is that Ulva compressa and Corallina officinalis are potentially suitable indicators of localized short-term heavy metal pollution.

Bagarius bagarius, and Eichhornia crassipes are suitable bioindicators of heavy metal pollution, toxicity, and risk assessment

Water quality index (WQI) of Narora channel and health of endemic fish Bagarius bagarius and plant Eichhornia crassipes, district Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, India were studied. Among the physicochemical properties of water, pH, D.O, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cd were above the recommended standards. These factors lead to high WQI (4124.83), indicating poor quality and not suitable for drinking and domestic usage. In fish tissues, the highest metal load was reported in the liver (58.29) and the lowest in the kidney (33.73). Heavy metals also cause a lowering of condition indices. As expected, decreased serum protein (− 63.41%) and liver glycogen (− 79.10%) were recorded in the exposed fish. However, blood glucose (47.22%) and serum glycogen (74.69%) showed elevation. In the plant, roots (21.50) contained the highest, and leaves (16.87) had the lowest heavy metal load. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) > 1, indicates hyperaccumulation of all metals. E. crassipes roots showed the highest translocation factor (TF) > 1 for Ni (1.57) and Zn (1.30). The high mobility factor (MF) reflected the suitability of E. crassipes for phytoextraction of Mn, Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Cu. Moreover, Bagarius sp. consumption could not pose any non-cancer risk. Although, lower cancer risk can be expected from Ni and Cr.

An overview of the impact of heavy metal accumulation on marine molluscs

Seafood, particularly bivalves, is an excellent source of balanced food. However, due to the rising concentration of heavy metals in the aquatic environment, it can have a negative effect on public health. Heavy metals are common inorganic pollutants in the environment, and their presence poses a significant threat to human beings due to their toxic effect on the biotic system. Various biological and geochemical factors influence the uptake and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in marine organisms. As a result of the contamination from industrial wastage and domestic discharges from urbanized areas, marine organisms, including molluscs, reflect the rising level of environmental pollution. This study aimed to gather information on environmental contamination in different aquatic organisms and molluscs. Despite their potential as bioindicators for heavy metal pollution in aquatic organisms, there needs to be more research on nutritional composition and bioaccumulation in molluscs.

EVALUATION OF SPIROGYRA SP. AS A BIOINDICATOR OF HEAVYMETAL POLLUTION IN A TROPICAL AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

Due to the wide occurrence of environmental pollution, heavy metals need to be closely monitored in the aquatic environment because of its ecotoxicological effects on biota. In this regard, biomonitoring as a tool for the assessment of metal pollution in aquatic ecosystem is quite appealing. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate algae as a potential bio indicator ofheavy metal pollution in an aquatic environment in Fiji. Spirogyra sp. was sampled from a mining impacted water resource and analysed for heavy metals (manganese, copper, chromium, lead and zinc) using atomic absorption spectrometry. The order of metal accumulation in Spirogyra sp. wasfound as Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Zn. The results show that Spirogyra sp. is capable of accumulating heavy metals from polluted water and may be used a bioindicator species in environmentalmonitoring. Finally, the elevated heavy metal levels in the VGR aquatic environment could posean ecological risk and appropriate remediation strategies are recommended to minimise adverse impacts to aquatic life.

Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms as a Natural Bio-Indicator for Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution

Environmental changes and heavy metal pollution are some of the consequences of anthropogenic activities. Many ecosystems, including edaphic ecosystems, suffer from the effects of pollution. The accurate assessment of soil heavy metal contamination leads to better approaches for remediating soils. The exploration of different ways, including biological methods, to conduct environmental monitoring is still ongoing. Here, we focus on reviewing the potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi as a natural indicator of soil heavy metal pollution. Mycorrhizal fungi fulfill basic criteria required as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal contamination. These fungi use different mechanisms such as avoidance and tolerance to survive in metalliferous soils. Thus, we promote ectomycorrhizal fungi as natural indicators. This review also synthesizes existing research on ectomycorrhizal mushrooms as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal pollution and the elaboration of mechanisms, by which ectomycorrhizal fungi meet the criteria required for a successful bio-indicator.

Honeybees as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban and Rural Areas in the South of Italy

The honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) has been used in several studies for monitoring the environmental health status in terms of pollution, due to its wide-ranging foraging flights. Based on this consideration, this study aimed to analyze heavy metal pollution in Molise Region (Italy), by investigating five sites characterized by different levels of contamination. Furthermore, the authors carried out a sampling activity for a long period, in order to obtain a complete dataset. In this way, detailed information about the status of the environments was able to be obtained. The main purpose of this work was to assess the health status of Molise Region and to confirm the suitability of honeybees as environmental bioindicators of heavy metal pollution, by analyzing their variability over time and space. Furthermore, the study compared the health status associated with contamination in terms of heavy metals with that in two different areas of Italy, using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, to evaluate the correlation existing among the three different areas of Italy. Following the findings, the authors suggest the use of honeybees as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution in air quality studies.

The use of green mussel as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in Indonesia: a review.

Asian green mussel is a marine animal that is used as food by most Indonesians. The mussels are widely cultivated in tropical countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Asian countries. The mussel, known as perna viridis, is marine biota that is a filter feeder in the waters. Therefore, the quality of its meat is greatly influenced by the quality of the sea in its habitat. It is a food that is quite popular with the community but can endanger public health due to the accumulation of heavy metals. This study used a literature review by collecting data related to heavy metal concentrations in green mussel tissue in Indonesia. The results showed that the mussels from several sampling locations still exceeded the maximum acceptable limits of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentration according to the standards of the food and drug administration of the Republic of Indonesia. Consumption of green mussels can increase health risks if you frequently consume them from cultivating or catching locations that have been contaminated with heavy metals.