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<p>Heavy metal contamination represents a significant environmental challenge due to the persistent, non-biodegradable nature of these pollutants and their propensity for bioaccumulation within ecological systems. This investigation assessed the biomonitoring efficacy of carpenter ants (Genus <i>Camponotus</i>) as bioindicators for heavy metal contamination assessment in Kerala, India. Ant specimens and corresponding soil samples were systematically collected from two industrial sites (Eloor and Edayar) and one reference site (North Paravur) during the sampling period of January–May 2025. Heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following standardized acid digestion protocols. Statistical analysis revealed significantly elevated metal concentrations at both industrial sites compared to the reference site. Strong positive correlations (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) were observed between soil contamination levels and corresponding ant tissue metal concentrations, validating the bioaccumulation hypothesis and confirming the utility of <i>Camponotus</i> species as reliable bioindicators. One-way ANOVA and independent t-tests demonstrated significant spatial variations in metal accumulation patterns, with Eloor identified as the most severely contaminated site among those examined. Complementary soil nutrient analysis revealed concurrent elevations in chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations, indicating complex, multifactorial anthropogenic pollution sources beyond heavy metal contamination alone. These findings underscore the substantial environmental risks associated with industrial activities in the region and demonstrate the practical application of ant species as sentinel organisms for comprehensive environmental monitoring programs in tropical ecosystems. The results establish <i>Camponotus</i> species as effective, cost-efficient bioindicators for heavy metal pollution assessment, providing a valuable tool for environmental health monitoring and ecosystem management in industrially impacted regions.</p>

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Comparative assessment of heavy metal bioaccumulation in soil and ants from industrial and non-industrial sites of Cochin, Kerala

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月10日

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  • Meera Kum Kum,
  • Ann Mary Jacob,
  • Maheen Hayarnnisa

摘要

Heavy metal contamination represents a significant environmental challenge due to the persistent, non-biodegradable nature of these pollutants and their propensity for bioaccumulation within ecological systems. This investigation assessed the biomonitoring efficacy of carpenter ants (Genus Camponotus) as bioindicators for heavy metal contamination assessment in Kerala, India. Ant specimens and corresponding soil samples were systematically collected from two industrial sites (Eloor and Edayar) and one reference site (North Paravur) during the sampling period of January–May 2025. Heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following standardized acid digestion protocols. Statistical analysis revealed significantly elevated metal concentrations at both industrial sites compared to the reference site. Strong positive correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between soil contamination levels and corresponding ant tissue metal concentrations, validating the bioaccumulation hypothesis and confirming the utility of Camponotus species as reliable bioindicators. One-way ANOVA and independent t-tests demonstrated significant spatial variations in metal accumulation patterns, with Eloor identified as the most severely contaminated site among those examined. Complementary soil nutrient analysis revealed concurrent elevations in chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations, indicating complex, multifactorial anthropogenic pollution sources beyond heavy metal contamination alone. These findings underscore the substantial environmental risks associated with industrial activities in the region and demonstrate the practical application of ant species as sentinel organisms for comprehensive environmental monitoring programs in tropical ecosystems. The results establish Camponotus species as effective, cost-efficient bioindicators for heavy metal pollution assessment, providing a valuable tool for environmental health monitoring and ecosystem management in industrially impacted regions.