Bioindicators in Heavy Metal Detection

Volume: 10 Issue: 02 | Feb 2023 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Bioindicators in Heavy Metal Detection
Somdutta Pal1, Joshua Steven Sequeira1, Darshan Manojkumar Joshi1, S. Darshni1, Aishwarya
Jaiswal1
1Student, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology,
Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
----------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Heavy metals pose a threat to plant and
human life, because of their toxicity, bioaccumulation, and
non-biodegradability. Metal contaminants have two
significant effects: pollution of the environment and health
concerns. The use of bioindicators as observation devices
to monitor natural pollution with hazardous metals has
grown in popularity. To measure the build-up of heavy
metals, bioindicators, such as flora and animals, are
collected and evaluated. To screen dangerous metals from
air, water, soil, and other sources, different living
creatures from the five kingdoms – Monera, Protista,
Fungi, Plantae, Animalia – are used. They should be able to
concentrate the pollutant in their tissues to a level that is
higher than the permissible limit for the surrounding
environment. Here, we are surveying bioindicators and
biological impacts of 11 heavy metals-Copper (Cu),
Mercury (Hg), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium
(Cd), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Arsenic (As), Cobalt
(Co) and Nickel (Ni).
Key Words: Heavy metal detection, bio accumulation
bioindicators, pollution, environment, heavy metal
toxicity, harmful effects, bioremediation, biological
impact.
1.INTRODUCTION
Living creatures such as plants, planktons, animals, and
bacteria are used as bioindicators to monitor the health
of the natural ecosystem in the environment [1]. The
worldwide increase in environmental pollutants
requires new and optimized methods of detection and
control. Heavy metals are one form of hazardous
industrial contaminant that can have long-term
consequences for ecosystems and species.
Detecting environmental contamination with biological
material as indicators is a low-cost, dependable, and
straightforward alternative to traditional sampling
approaches. Several organisms such as green algae,
arthropods, lichens, and hydrophytes have been
successfully used to detect heavy metals from industries.
Effective and reliable bioindicators of heavy metal
pollution should react with the contaminant in a
quantitative manner such that the measured strength of
the biomarker response is proportionate to the amount
of pollutant present. They should be easy to test and
should accumulate the contaminant in their tissues to a
much greater concentration than the surrounding
environment. Lastly, they should be able to distinguish
between excess synthetic compounds and natural
ecological stresses and also measure potentially toxic
substances [1].
The advantages associated with the use of bioindicators
are that they are useful in quickly ascertaining biological
impacts, both on the environment and on specific
organisms, abundantly prevalent and easy to utilise as
well as much cheaper alternative to specialized
measuring systems [2].
This review classifies bioindicators based on the heavy
metals they accumulate and detect. Each metal contains
examples of bioindicator organisms belonging to
different kingdoms and ecosystems from around the
world. Many of them can detect multiple heavy metals.
Finally, these bioindicators have been compared to
ascertain their suitability under different conditions.
Thus, this review covers a wide variety of bioindicators
and mentions the bioindication processes taking place in
these organisms under varied environmental conditions.
2.BIOINDICATORS OF COMMON HEAVY METAL
POLLUTANTS
2.1 Bioindicators of Copper
Compounds containing copper (Cu) metal have been
widely used in the agricultural fields and systems in the
form of ingredients of fertilizers and fungicides [3] and
has thus resulted in the accumulation of the metal in
soils. This accumulation of copper results in the
generation of various types of stresses posing on the
environment which leads to display of specific injury
symptoms or shifts in the community composition in
various communities of organisms [4]. Research has
found that certain organisms can be used as a
bioindicator to detect the levels of copper in the
environment in which they are found.
In a metal smelting plant in the Plateau state of Bukuru,
study have found that mango plant can be efficiently
used as a bioindicator for detecting copper metal
(27µg/g) [5]. The study at Usmanu Danfodiyo University,
Sokoto revealed that the concentration of copper metal
(30.41 µg/g) was higher close to the road than away
from the road edges in Acacia nilotica [6]. Arthropods
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

such as spider and Rambur’s forktail found in Legnica,
Western Poland and Hawr Al Azim wetlands,
respectively, confirmed that the smelters present in their
areas indicated high air pollution and high copper
(112.45 µg/g) and lead concentrations in the
environment [7] respectively. In Cairo, Egypt, it was
observed that the fungi Aspergillus flavus, in the presence
of copper metal (32.1 µg/g) could decolourize the textile
wastewater [8]. In the Point Lomo kelp forest, San Diego,
studies have found that giant kelp by bioaccumulating
copper (100 µg/g) and zinc from the water column can
respond to heavy rainfall and storm events resulting to
which the tissue concentration of these metals increases
[9].
Table 1 denotes the commonly used bioindicators found
in the different parts of the world for the detection of
copper metal. From the bioaccumulation values for
various bioindicators as seen in table 2, it can be
concluded that among animals, arthropods are good
bioindicators of copper while among plants giant kelp
can be very useful to detect surrounding copper
concentration in µg/g.
Table-1: Commonly used bioindicators for copper
detection
Category Bioindicator
Location of
Study
References
Plants
Mango
(Mangifera
indica)
Plateau
state
[5]
Gum Arabic Tree
(Acacia nitolica)
UDU,
Sokota
[19]
Spider
(Agelena
labyrinthica)
Legnica,
western
Poland
[20]
Rambur’s
forktail
(Ischnura
ramburii)
Hawr Al
Azim
wetlands.
[21]
Mediterranean
green crab
(Carcinus
aestuari)
Narta
Lagoon,
Albania
[22]
Fungi Aspergillus flavus
Cairo,
Egypt
[8]
Algae
Giant Kelp
(Macrocystis
pyrifera)
Point Loma
kelp forest
[23]
Parasite
Spiny headed
worm
(Acanthocephala
ns)
Antarctica [24]
Fish
Nile tilapia
(Oreochromis
niloticus)
Nakivubo
wetland,
Uganda
[25]
Huaiquil
(Micropogonias
manni)
Lake Budi,
Chile
[26]
Table-2: Bioaccumulation levels of copper in different
organisms
Species
Bioaccumulation
(µg/g)
References
Mangifera indica 27 [5]
Acacia nitolica 30.41 [6]
Agalena labyrinthica 112.45 [7]
Ischnura ramburii 26 [7]
Aspergillus flavus 32.1 [8]
Macrocystis pyrifera 100 [9]
Acanthocephalans 50 [24]
2.2. Bioindicators of Mercury
Mercury (Hg) metal was found from the natural sources
which include emissions from the geothermal and
volcanic activity. It is also formed due to anthropogenic
sources wherein the largest source is the combustion of
coal and other fossil fuels including forest fires, waste
disposal, metal, and cement production etc. [10]. MeHg
poisoning have been observed in humans in various
parts of the world [11]. Thus, mercury and its
compounds can lead to harmful effects and present
potential hazards to the environment even at very low
concentrations.
Arthropod Ligia italica, found in the supralittoral zones
of the Sicilian ecotones is observed to be a good
bioindicator for detection of mercury pollution [12]. It
was carried out in one of the most industrialized and
affected region in Poland (Upper Silesia), which was a
continuation of an investigation already going on the
metal accumulation in the native and transplanted moss
Pleurozium schreberi [13,14]. Waterbirds were useful as
bioindicators of wetland heavy metal pollution,
especially mercury since their presence in the
environment influenced the survival and reproduction
rate in them [15]. Selectivity of the heavy metal cations
by algae Cladophora sp. was observed in various
competitive adsorption studies. In the Acid Mine
Drainage (AMD) waters, algae were found to be capable
of being a good bioindicator of the mercury metal as well
as it is suitable for its removal [16]. Trace metal
concentration of mercury in Patella caerulea was
investigated to provide information on the pollution of
the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea- Italy) [17]. According
Arthropoda

to various research studies, it is concluded that the
carnivorous (piscivorous) fishes are the most common
bioindicator for the detection of mercury metal
accumulation in the environment. Earthworms can also
be used as a viable alternative bioindicator for the
detection of mercury due to its ability to accumulate
heavy metals from the polluted salts and other media
[18].
Table 3 denotes the commonly used bioindicators found
in the different parts of the world for the detection of
mercury metal.
Table-3: Commonly used bioindicators for mercury
detection
Category Bioindicator Location of Study References
Arthropod
a
Rock Lice
(Ligia italica)
Sicilian
ecotone [12]
Moss
Red stemmed
feather moss
(Pleurozium
schreberi)
Poland
(Upper
Silesia)
[28]
Birds
Waterbirds Wetlands [29]
Penguin
(Spheniscidae
sp)
Kerguelen
Islands,
southern
Indian Ocean
[30]
Algae
Green algae
(Cladophora sp)
Acid Mine
Drainage
(AMD)
waters, South
Africa
[31]
Mollusca
Mediterranean
Limpet
(Patella
caerulea)
Mediterranea
n area
[17]
Annelids
Manure Worm
(Eisenia foetida)
Cachoeira do
piriá, Brazil
[18]
Fish
Red-eyed
piranha
(Serrasalmus
rhombeus)
Tapajós River
European perch
(Perca
fluviatilis)
Common roach
(Rutilus rutilus)
Pluszne Lake,
Poland
[32]
Reptiles
Watersnakes
(Nerodia
taxispilota)
Savannah
River,United
States
[33]
2.3 Bioindicators of Cadmium
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is becoming
increasingly prevalent in our environment as a result of
industrial production and usage [34]. The findings of
research on marine bivalve (Ruditapes decussates)
specimens show that metallothionein (MT) synthesis
responds to modest changes in metal concentrations
[35].
Another study carried out in Cerastoderma glaucum
showed significant fluctuations in the MTLP
concentrations [36]. Among 12 common species of
hydrophytes chosen, roots and shoots of Mentha
aquatica was found to be the most promising single
indicator of the pollution of heavy metals like Ni, Cd and
Cr.
This study carried out in water-scarce and budget-
limited countries like Lebanon has various
ethnobotanical uses [37]. Medicago sativa cultivated in
various heavy metal concentrations displayed reductions
in chlorophyll content, increased liquid peroxidation,
increased glutathione reductase activity. The plant
development slowed dramatically as the metal
concentrations grew [38].
Due to their high cation exchange capacity and long
deciduous periods, mosses are useful plants for scanning
heavy metal deposition according to a study conducted
in Serbia [39].
Barley seeds grown in varying levels of cadmium
displayed a lower root growth at higher levels of metal
concentration [40]. The sea urchin embryo
(Paracentrotus lividus) is a major invertebrate that has
been used as a bioindicator of heavy metal
contamination and a model organism in developmental
biology through altered levels of HSP70. Another species
of sea urchin, (Anthocidaris crassispina), is also an
important model to study cadmium induced stress.
Reduced sperm motility and fertilization and increased
egg size can be observed at high cadmium levels [41].
Flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) can also serve as
potential bioindicators for environmental metal
exposure through tissue, urine, and fur samples.
Specimen samples collected from the Sydney basin,
Australia, were used to determine cadmium, arsenic, and
various other trace metals [42].
Table 4 showcases the findings from research aimed at
examining the correlation between the bioaccumulation
of cadmium in organisms and the levels of cadmium in
their surroundings.
Table-4: Commonly used bioindicators for cadmium
detection
Category Bioindicators Location of Study References
Mollusc
Grooved carpet
shell (Ruditapes
decussatus)
Tunisia [35]

Lagoon cockle
(Cerastoderma
glaucum)
Gulf of Gabès,
Tunisia
[50, 36]
Fish
Acanthocephala
ns
Baía and
Paraná rivers,
Brazil
[51]
Lamiaceae
Water mint
(Mentha
aquatica)
Lebanon [37]
Fabaceae
Alfalfa
(Medicago
sativa)
Not
Mentioned
[38]
Bryophyta
Brachythecium
sp., Hypnum
moss (Hypnum
cupressiforme),
Obrenovac
(Serbia)
[39]
Echinoder
mata
Common Sea
Urchin
(Paracentrotus
lividus)
Mediterranea
n Sea and
eastern
Atlantic
Ocean.
[41]
Purple Sea
Urchin
(Anthocidaris
crassispina)
Tropical and
subtropical
coastal
waters
[41]
Arthropod
a
Antlion
(Myrmeleontidae
)
Near Local
Steel
Factories
[52]
Chordata
Grey headed
flying fox
(Pteropus
poliocephalus)
and Black
headed flying fox
(Pteropus alecto)
Sydney basin,
Australia
[42]
Magnolio
phyta
Seedlings of
Barley (Hordeum
vulgare)
In Laboratory
Experiment
[40]
Nematoda
Parasitic
Roundworm
Larvae
(Hysterothylaciu
m sp.)
Sea of Oman [53]
2.4 Bioindicators of Arsenic
Arsenic (As) is recognised to be toxic to both plants and
mammals due to its affinity for protein, lipids, and other
biological components. Specimens of testate lobose
amoeba collected from 59 lakes in Canada displayed
various assemblages. The specific spatial pattern
obtained suggests the presence of industrially derived
arsenic [43].
Because they are at low trophic levels and act as the
trophic web's entrance doorway, molluscs have been
regularly used to predict environmental risk. The
freshwater snail (Pomacea canaliculate) selectively
accumulates metal contaminants at high levels in the
kidney, and symbiotic corpuscles. In arsenic-exposed
apple snails, preferential accumulations in the digestive
gland were 9 and 276 times larger than in nonexposed
snails [44]. Ant colonies belonging to different
microhabitats may have diverse responses to
environmental effects because they are exposed to
different habitat conditions and resource availability
[45].
Aquatic bryophytes have also been used to study the
heavy metal contamination of certain areas. The amount
of arsenic in the biotope is reflected in the amount of
arsenic in the investigated aquatic bryophytes. Water
analyses are less reliable than these plants in
determining the presence of arsenic [46]. Some plants
can act as bioindicators with respect to their absorption
spectrum. A study on Vallisneria gigantean and Azolla
filiculoides showed an increase in absorption in the 400
to 500 nm region. There was an additional increase in
the 530 nm region for Azolla filiculoides. As a protective
reaction to arsenic activity, this shows an increase in
flavonoid production [47]. The basis of another study
was the nodule bacteria of the genus Trifolium L. genus
as bioindicators. Lower clover nodule bacteria colonies
were formed in soil that had a higher metal
concentration [48].
Blood and excrement samples from birds are used to
detect internal metal concentrations. Clear relationships
between As, Cd, and Pb were observed in liver and blood.
This proved that blood can be used as a beneficial tool to
determine heavy metal concentrations [49]. The findings
of investigations that sought to establish the connection
between the bioaccumulation of arsenic in various
organisms and the arsenic concentrations in their
environment are demonstrated in Table 5.
Table-5: Commonly used bioindicators for arsenic
detection
Category Bioindicators Location of Study References
Amoeba
Testate lobose
amoebae
(Lacustrine
arcellinina)
Yellowknife,
Northwest
Territories,
Canada
[43]
Arthropoda
Arboreal and
epigaeic ants
Nova Lima,
Minas Gerais,
Brasil
[45]
Bryophyta
Aquatic bryophyte-
like
Pale Liverwort
(Chiloscyphus
pallescens)
Sudetes Mts.,
Poland; and
east Sudetic
Rychlebske
Mts. and
Jesenik Mts.
(Czech
Republic).
[46]

Brachythecium sp.,
Hypnum moss
(Hypnum
cupressiforme),
Silvergreen Bryum
moss (Bryum
argenteum)
Obrenovac
(Serbia)
[54]
Pteridophyta
Eelgrass
(Vallisneria
gigantean) and
Water Fern (Azolla
filiculoides)
Latin America [47]
Mollusc
Channeled apple
snail or golden
apple snail
(Pomacea
canaliculata)
Laboratory [44]
Birds
Migratory birds
like European pied
flycatcher
(Ficedula
hypoleuca)
Saharan Africa
or UK
[49]
Fabaceae
Nodule bacteria of
red clover
(Trifolium
praténse), Alsike
clover (Trifolium
hibridum),
North
Caucasus
Research
Institute of
the
Vladikavkaz
Scientific
Center of the
Russian
Academy of
Sciences.
[48]
2.5 Bioindicators of Zinc
Metal compounds are researched in green algae (Ulva
rigida), mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and molluscs
(Tapes philippinarum), three species found in marine
biological systems. The elements under consideration
are Hg, Cu, Pb, As, Zn, Ni, and Cr. Zinc exhibits a standard
deviation of 6% [55]. Concentrations of persistent
organochlorines (OCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCBs), dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDTs),
chlordanes (CHLs), and HCHs found in the liver of bluefin
fish (Thunnus thynnus) are gathered. The amounts of
PCBs, DDT, and CHL in bluefin fish increased
considerably with body length (30–190 cm).
There was a significance of dietary intake of PCBs, DDTs,
and CHLs in comparison to gill entry. The straight
relapse condition obtained from the plot of fixations and
body length was used to determine the Body-Length
Standardized Qualities (BLNV) of PCBs, DDTs, and CHLs
fixations in bluefin fish.
The BLNV demonstrated the current condition of PCB,
DDT, and CHL contamination in water. These findings
suggest that bluefin tuna is a suitable bioindicator for
assessing OC pollution in the wild ocean biological
system [56].
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass
Spectrometry) was used to analyse heavy metal fixations
in ocean water and accumulation in the tissues of
Haliclona tenuiramosa. Sponges living near the shore
amassed more concentrations of heavy metals ranging
from 2 to multiple times higher fixation than that
observed further away from the shore.
The fixation levels in water and bioaccumulation in
tissues was observed in certain fish. The current findings
suggested that a more complete examination of the
concentration of heavy metals in Haliclona tenuiramosa
from the surroundings is required to aid in a better
resolution of the problem [57].
Algae, bivalves, Cnidaria, Nematoda, amphipoda, and fish
are some of the bioindicators used to detect zinc (Zn) as
denoted in table 6.
Table-6: Commonly used bioindicators for zinc
detection
Category Environment Bioindicator References
Algae Tropical waters
Green Algae, Sea
lettuce (Ulva
lactuca), Brown
algae (Lobophora
variegate)
[61,62]
Bivalves
Coast of
Arabian Gulf
of Mauritania
Venus verrucos,
Blue mussel
(Mytilus edulis),
Crassostrea gigas,
Crassostrea
virginica,
Crassostrea
corteziensis,
[55]
Cnidaria
Water Column
Sessile
Estuarine
Sediments
Jelly fish (Aurelia
aurita),
Snakeslocks,
Anemone (Anemona
viridis), Starlet sea
anemone
(Nematostella
vectensis).
[63]
Nematoda Sea Water
Turbot
(Scophthalmus
maximus), Gilt-head
(sea) bream (Sparus
aurata), Trachus
trachus, American
alligator (Alligator
mississippiensis).
[61]

Amphipoda
Mediterranean
coast, marine
and estuarine
sediments
Corophium
volutator,
Echinogammarus
pirloti, Gammarus
salinus, Artemia
salina, Ostracoda
cypris sp., Cyprideis
torosa, Leptocythere
psammophila,
[56]
Fish Mediterranean
Nile tilapia
(Oreochromis
niloticus), Red
Mullet (Mullus
barbatus), Brown
Comber (Serranus
hepatus),
[57]
2.6 Bioindicators for Lead
Sunflowers, lichens, trees, birds, honeybees, aquatic
animals, insects, and annelids are some of the
bioindicators utilised in lead (Pb) detection as
mentioned in table 7. Insects can be used as natural
bioindicators of contamination. One of the most
adaptable and effective bioindicators is honeybees.
Deformations in hatchlings from a few genera in the
Chironomidae family (e.g., Procladius, Chironomus, and
Cryptochironomus) have been seen in numerous studies,
and the results show that the anomalies are strongly
linked to dirty silt. Honeybees, on the whole, have a
better lattice for detecting metal contamination than
honey. The higher amounts of each of the three metals in
honeybees in rural areas may indicate that these metals
are diffused in the air and do not seep into or store on
the natural parts visited by honeybees, implying that
they are not ingested. Thus, it was concluded that
honeybees can be used to detect metal pollution. Live
honeybees are better than dead honeybees at detecting
[58]. Gerridae are used to find varied iron and
manganese concentrations, however it appears that it is
less appropriate for nickel and lead collection [59].
Wasps are used for lead biomonitoring since their bulk
larval excrement can accumulate to many times the size
of the adult body.
Metal accumulation in plants can also be influenced by
soil particles. Ficus leaves have the potential to screen
for heavy metal contamination in urban areas. Lead
fixations in Ficus leaves remained fundamentally higher
across the polluted areas. Vehicles are the principal
source of lead pollution in plants, as seen by the positive
link between lead fixation and thickness [60].
Chart 1 denotes the bioaccumulation levels of Lead and
Zinc in different organisms measured in µg/g. The graph
shows a comparative analysis using the same
bioindicator for both the metals Lead and Zinc. It is
inferred that the bioaccumulation has been the greater
for Zinc in all the 5 cases It is seen that the maximum
bioaccumulation happened in Corallina
officinalis/tafsout with a highest in Zinc. A minimum has
occurred in Ulva lactuca/Ouled saleh for lead.
Chart-1: Comparison of bioaccumulation levels in Lead
and Zinc in various species. [68]
Table-7: Commonly used bioindicators for lead
detection
Category Environment Bioindicator References
Flowers Land terrain
Sunflower
(Helianthus)
[64]
Lichens Fog Belts
Script lichen
(Graphis scripta)
[65]
Trees Landy terrain
Sacred fig
(Ficus religiosa)
[60]
Birds Urban Terrain
House sparrows
(Passer domesticus)
[66]
Honeybees
Mediterranean
area
Western honeybee
(Apis mellifera L),
Italian bee
(Apis mellifera
ligustica spinola),
[58]
Aquatic
Animals
Marine
Starfish
(Asteroidea)
[67]
Insects Forest terrain
Warps
(Polistes)
[59]
Annelida
Sediments,
Coasts
Arenicola Marina
(Hediste
diversicolor)
Hediste
diversicolor
[61]
2.7 Bioindicators of Chromium
Chromium (Cr) is the seventh most prevalent element on
the planet. Chromium is a toxic heavy metal which
usually occurs as either of two ionic forms - Cr (VI) and

Cr (III). Chromium interferes with several metabolic
processes, modifies the activities of antioxidants and
enzymes like ribonuclease and causes oxidative damage
to biomolecules. It is also toxic to plants and results in
reduced growth, foliar chlorosis, stunting, and plant
mortality [69,70]. Exposure to Cr (VI) has been related to
nasal mucosa damage, allergic contact dermatitis, renal,
gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects,
haematological effects, and liver necrosis. The Cr (III)
valence states are also reactive and soluble, causing
damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids [71].
The usual practice of bioindication is to test the collected
samples of biomass for chromium ions. In an early
statistical evaluation, a dozen common hydrophytes
were compared from two different locations in the Bekaa
valley, Lebanon. The concept of bioconcentration factor
(BCF) served as a numerical bioindicator. After a period
of 21 days, 9 out of 12 plants showed a chromium
accumulation suitable for use as bioindicators [37]. A
recent experiment was carried out by Perillo et al. [72] to
determine the amounts of chromium and other heavy
metals in the hair of Holstein dairy cows. The main
advantage of this method is that it is bloodless and
simple to obtain hair samples and analyse them. All six
examined herds showed a similar concentration of
chromium except one which had almost double. This
revealed that excess fertilizers were being used in the
province of Ragusa, Italy which may have been
subsequently reduced [72].
The hydrophytes in table 8 were also found to be
suitable bioindicators for chromium. Leaf or stem
samples were extracted and tested for chromium ions.
These hydrophytes exhibited all required properties of
bioindicators and some also displayed linear
relationships between the for the presence of chromium
ions with high positive correlation coefficients between
chromium accumulation and the amount present in the
soils and environment.
Table-8: Commonly used bioindicators for Chromium
detection
Category Bioindicator Environment Reference
Cyano-
bacteria
Oscillatoria tenuis
Tannery effluent
[75]
Phormedium bohneri [76]
Plant
Common water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes)
Coal mine
effluent
[75]
Water Butterfly Wing
(Salvinia natans)
Electroplating
effluent
[77]
Eastern Mosquito Fern
(Azolla caroliniana)
Fly ash effluent [78]
2.8 Bioindicators of Manganese
Manganese (Mn) is an essential micromineral for both
plants and animals. It has various functions such as being
an important part of the enzymatic systems while also
being involved in the synthesis of vitamin B1 and insulin.
It is also a critical electron transporter in photosystem II.
Exposure to Mn (II), Mn (III), or Mn (IV) ions has been
shown in animals and people to have negative
neurological consequences. Manganese poisoning can
cause manganism, a long-term neurological condition
characterised by tremors, difficulty walking, and facial
muscle spasms. It has also been associated with
Parkinson’s disease and other cognitive disorders [73].
In a study which observed the seasonal variations of
manganese in the environment, Catsiki et al. [56] made
use of Mytilus galloprovincialis, as an estuarine
bioindicator near the Thermaikos gulf in Greece.
Seasonal variations in Manganese were lowest during
the summer season and highest at the start of spring. It
was concluded that mussels bioaccumulate less during
warm periods than during the winter based on their
reproductive cycles [56]. In another study by Demirezen
et al. [74] five aquatic hydrophytic species Phragmites
australis, Ranunculus sphaerosphermus, Typha
angustifolia, Potamogeton pectinatus, and Groenlandia
densa were found to be suitable indicators of manganese
contamination after being tested for relations between
their indicator value and actual degree of contamination.
Table 9 illustrates the results of studies to determine the
relation between the bioaccumulation of manganese in a
variety of organisms and the actual concentrations of
manganese in their environment. The dual properties of
high bioaccumulation along with a linear relation
between metal concentration in the plant and the soil as
illustrated in chart 2. These make Typha angustifolia the
most suitable bioindicator while Groenlandia densa can
also be used due to its linear bioaccumulation.
Table-9: Commonly used bioindicators for Manganese
detection
Category Bioindicator Environment Reference
Algae
Antithamnion
cruciatum
Black Sea
coast of
Samsun in
Turkey
[79]
Corallina
panizzoi
Insects
Waterstriders
(Gerris
argentatus) Iron and steel
factory
[52]
Dragonfly larvae
(Odonata)
Plants
Paper flower
(Bougainvillea
glabra)
Industrial
Zone [80]
Residential
Zone

Chart-2: Comparison of bioaccumulation levels in
Manganese in various species. [74]
2.9 Bioindicators of Iron
Iron (Fe) is a heavy metal which is necessary for the
proper growth of those organisms. In certain regions due
to the presence of factories, especially steel factories and
coal mines the iron content in the soil and surroundings
increase above safety levels which becomes detrimental
for organisms living in such environments. The iron
content in the environment needs to be detected and
certain organisms which live in such environment can be
used as bioindicators. Experiments conducted in
different places across the globe has led to discovery of
many such bioindicators.
In a Brazil pelletizing factory two plants Surinam cherry
(Eugenia uniflora) and Clusia hilariana showed necrosis,
chlorosis, purple spots on leaves [81]. In the Thermaikos
Gulf, Greece, neptune grass (Cymodocea nodosa) iron
content in leaves was analysed by Malea and Haritonidis
[82]. In Africa, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) show
suppressed growth, high concentration of
malondialdehyde in liver [83]. In Australia, mussels
show reduction in responsiveness to ambient iron
concentration changes [84,85]. In Malaysia, clams show
hemochromatosis as an indication of iron accumulation
[86]. In RSA and CI channel, Argentina Chinese Hat Snail
(Bostrycapulus odites) show thicker shells with
microstructure malformations due to excess iron
accumulation [87]. In Iran, reaction of honeybees to
changes in environmental iron content is depicted in the
iron levels in their bodies [88].
Table 10 shows the bioaccumulation values in different
organisms under study in a tabular form. From this table
we can infer which bioindicator is most effective. Since
Clarius gariepinus shows a maximum of 6000 µg/g it is
the most effective bioindicator out of the lot. The
effectiveness of the bioindicator is proportional to its
bioaccumulation capability. Finally, the bioaccumulation
levels also give a brief idea about the iron content in the
environment cross different parts of the world where
these potential bioindicators are found as shown in table
11.
Table-10: Commonly used bioindicators for Iron
detection
Category Bioindicator Environment References
Plants
Surinam Cherry
(Eugenia
uniflora)
Brazil- pelletizing
factory
[81]
Clusia hilariana
Brazil- pelletizing
factory
Neptune Grass
(Cymodocea
nodosa)
Seawater and in
sediment from
the Thermaikos
Gulf (Greece)
[82]
Fishes
African catfish
(Clarias
gariepinus)
Aquatic
ecosystems of
Africa and Middle
East.
[83]
Bivalves
(Oysters,
molluscs)
Flood plain
Mussel (Velesunio
ambiguous)
River Murray,
South Australia
[85]
Sydney Rock
Oyster
(Saccostrea
glomerata)
Sea Ports of New
South-Wales
(NSW), Australia
[84]
Mangrove clam
(Polymesoda
expansa)
Aquatic habitat of
Kuala Kemaman,
Terengganu,
Malaysia
[86]
Chinese hat snail
(Bostrycapulus
odites)
Ría San Antonio
channel (RSA)
and Canal del
Indio channel
(CI), Argentina
[87]
Insects
Honeybee
(Apis mellifera)
Markazi
Province, Iran:
varying degrees
of anthropogenic
impact
[88]
Table-11: Bioaccumulation levels of iron in different
organisms
Species Bioaccumulation (µg/g) References
Eugenia uniflora 895
[81]
Clusia hilariana 596
Cymodocea nodosa 2466 [82]
Clarias gariepinus 6000 [83]
Velesunio
ambiguous
5574 [85]

Saccostrea
glomerata
790 [84]
Polymesoda
expansa
7
[86]
Anadara granosa 3
Apis mellifera 1695 [88]
2.10 Bioindicators of Cobalt and Nickel
Cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) are trace elements that are
required in trace amounts by plants and animals to grow
normally. The MPA (Maximal Permissible Addition) of
cobalt in soil is 24 µg/g while that of nickel is 2.6 µg/g
[89]. Mosses (Bryum argenteum, Bryum capillare) are
employed in Serbia as cobalt bioindicators using atomic
absorbance spectrophotometer principle [39]. In Nigeria
earthworms (Hyperiodrilus africanus) are used as
bioindicators as they show changes in alimentary tract
[90]. Plants like Gum Arabic tree (Acacia nilotica) are
also used in Nigeria for bioindication where tree barks
are analysed by AAS [19].
Freshwater silver catfish (Chryshchythys nigrogitatus)
are used in Nigeria as cobalt accumulation in liver and
gills can be detected by AAS [91]. In Santos Bay, Brazil,
Madamango sea catfish (Cathorops spixii) show altered
growth rate, reproductive phases, cellular mutations and
even death due to cobalt accumulation [92].
Hydrophytes are used as bioindicators of Nickel in
Mediterranean region by inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry analysis of roots and shoots [37]. In
Baghdad, molluscs (Bellamya bengalensis, Physella acuta)
are used as bioindicators as Ni accumulation affects
growth, feeding, reproduction, physiological activity and
maturity [93]. In estuaries of Australia, microalgae
(Catenella nipae) epiphytes grow on aerial roots of
mangroves as bioindicator of Ni [94]. In Egypt,
Bougainvillea glabra is used since Ni accumulation
causes increase in flavonoid and phenolic content
analysed by AAS [80]. In Serbia, Pygmy iris (Iris pumila)
was found to have a considerable block effect on nickel
concentration in its leaves [95]. Table 12 gives an insight
on the potential indicators of nickel and cobalt found in
different regions of the world.
Table-12: Commonly used bioindicators for Cobalt and
Nickel detection
Category Bioindicator Environment References
Cobalt
Mosses
Silvergreen
byrum moss
(Bryum
argenteum),
Bryum moss
(Bryum
capillare)
County of
Obrenovac
(Serbia)
[39]
Earthworms
Earthorm
(Hyperiodrilus
africanus)
Lafarge, WAPCO
Cement Factory,
Ewekoro,
Nigeria
[90]
Plants
Gum Arabic
Tree(Acacia
nilotica)
Usmanu
Danfodiyo
University,
Sokoto - Nigeria
[19]
Fish
Fresh-water
silver catfish
(Chryshchythys
nigrogitatus)
Cross River,
south-eastern
part of Nigeria
[91]
Madamango sea
catfish
(Cathorops
spixii)
Santos Bay,
Brazil
[92]
Nickel
Hydrophytes
Nasturtium
officinale,
Cardamine
uliginosa,
Mentha
longifolia, M.
aquatica, M.
sylvestris
Aquatic
ecosystem in
Mediterranean
(Lebanon)
[37]
Molluscs
Freshwater snail
(Bellamya
bengalensis),
Bladder snail
(Physella acuta)
Tigris river,
Baghdad
[93]
Algae
Nipae palm
(Catenella nipae)
Estuaries in the
vicinity of
Sydney,
Australia.
[94]
Plants
Paper flower
(Bougainvillea
glabra)
Sadat City,
Western Nile
Delta, Egypt
[80]
Pygmy iris (Iris
pumila)
Belgrade, Serbia [95]
3. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BIOINDICATOR
ORGANISMS
3.1 Plants
Organisms like micro and macroalgae, lichens, mosses,
tree bark, fungi and leaves of higher plants have shown
to detect the accumulation, deposition of metal and
distribution of the metal pollution in water, soil and air.
This accumulation and distribution of metal pollution
depends upon the levels of the metals in the soil, water
and air, the element species and the bioavailability, pH,
vegetation period, cation exchange capacity and multiple
other factors.

Some algae like Macrocystis pyrifera, Cladophora sp., Ulva
lactuca, Lobophora variegate, Antithamnion cruciatum,
Catenella nipae are used as standard bioindicators which
represent the primary producers. For instance, the
presence of algae Fucus vesiculosus is observed to show
heavy metal pollution in marine environment whereas
the presence of Klebsormidium dominated algal mats are
found to be good indicators of high concentration of iron
in water.
Mosses such as Pleurozium schreberi, Bryum argenteum,
Bryum capillare are useful plants for scanning heavy
metal deposition. They can accumulate large amounts of
heavy metals without any significant damage due to their
deciduous periods and their high cation exchange
capacity.
Higher plants have also been used as bioindicators in
areas with significant amount of pollution in the
detection of heavy metals like Cd, Zn, Pb, As, Cu, Hg etc.
In higher plants, distribution of heavy metals is found to
be unequal with the maximum found to be in the tree
bark. After the tree bark, heavy metals are accumulated
in the roots, then leaves and finally in the fruits.
Hydrophytes are used as bioindicators of nickel in
Mediterranean region as nickel gets accumulated in
roots and shoots. They are also very useful for
monitoring environmental pollution at the interface
between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which is
where heavy metals such as chromium from industries
usually ends up.
3.2 Terrestrial Animals
Different categories of animals have been used as
bioindicators based on certain characteristics they show
in response to accumulation of heavy metals in their
systems. Most commonly found bioindicators include
insects, earthworms, birds and even higher animals.
Insects like spiders, bees, ants, wraps and flies are used
for bioindication of different heavy metals like Cu, Hg,
Cd, As, Zn, Pb, Mn and Fe. Heavy metal accumulation in
their systems change their responsiveness and growth
and the bioaccumulation can be analyzed using
analytical methods.
Different types of worms like roundworms and
earthworms are also used as bioindicators as they show
changes in their alimentary tract and responsiveness to
environmental change on accumulation of metals like Hg,
Cd, Zn, and Co.
Birds like sparrows, waterbirds, flycatchers are also used
as bioindicators as they show detrimental effects in
growth and reproduction on accumulation of Hg, As and
Pb.
Chordates like flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus and
Pteropus alecto) are also used for bioindication of
cadmium. Blood proved to be an indispensable test
sample for determination of heavy metal concentration.
Cows were also used for bioindication of Cr and some
other heavy metals based on assessment of hair samples.
3.3 Aquatic animals
In the aquatic environment different varieties fishes like
piranha, mullets, combers, huaiquils, perchs, roaches,
catfishes and acanthocephalans are used for
bioindication as metals like Hg, Cd, Zn, Fe and Co get
accumulated in liver and gills and can be analyzed to
obtain levels of those metals.
Other aquatic animals like water snakes, crabs, snails,
starfishes, limpets, shellfishes, sea urchins, bivalves,
amphipods, oysters, mussels, jelly fish, sea anemones are
also used for bioindication of Hg, Cd, As, Zn, Fe and Ni.
They show changes in their shells, larval development,
growth and other physiological factors which can be
used for indication.
Heavy metal deposition in aquatic creatures around a
gold mining location in Thailand is shown in one case
study. Three different fish species Rasbora torneiri,
Brachydanio albolineata and Systomus rubripinnis
accumulate metals like Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, As etc. This
bioaccumulation level in turn provides for the
bioindication in these fishes [96].
Another case study in the Gulfs of Oman and Persian
demonstrated the use of marine species such as ghost
shrimps, barnacles, polychaetes, and bivalves for the
bioindication of metals such as Pb and Cd. The
bioaccumulation levels in these animals made them
applicable for further monitoring programs that could
help detect the level of these heavy metal pollutions [97].
3.4 Microorganisms
Amoeba is used as a bioindicator for Arsenic as different
concentrations leads to formation of assemblages which
can be studied to determine levels of arsenic in the
environment.
Cyanobacteria like Oscillatoria tenuis and Phormedium
bohneri are used as bioindicators of chromium and the
bioaccumulation levels were determined. Thus, we
observe each category has a wide variety of organisms
which can be used as bioindicators in their natural
habitat.
Responses of certain microorganisms to heavy metal
pollution make them ecologically significant. Certain
bacteria show resistance to heavy metals and this
property is due to resistant genes in their plasmids.
Thus, they can serve as useful bioindicators [98].

4.DISCUSSION
All of the research in the last few decades has been
focused on finding bioindicators such as microbes,
plants, and animals that collect harmful metals.
Bioindicators are useful for defining natural
environment characteristics as well as detecting and
assessing human impacts. Because bioindicators are
particularly sensitive to contaminants in their
environment, if pollution is present, the organism may
change its morphology, physiology, or behavior, or even
perish. Heavy metal bioindicators include a variety of
microorganisms, plant, and animal species. In areas
where mosses are absent, higher plants can be used as
bioindicators to detect air pollution.
The use of flora for heavy metal contamination
bioindication isn't always done. Some higher plant
responses to heavy metals as bioindicators of soil
contamination have that potential. Insects and animals
from the Arthropoda class, such as spiders, honey bees,
ants, worms, and flies, are used to detect Cu, Hg, Cd, As,
An, Pb, Mn, and Fe. On accumulation of metals such as
Hg, Cd, Zn, and Co, many nematodes display alterations
in their alimentary tract and reactivity to environmental
change.
Aves have also been employed as bioindicators because
they have negative impacts on Hg, As, and Pb
accumulation during growth and reproduction.
Chordates such as the flying fox are also utilized for
cadmium bioindication. Hg, Cd, Zn, Fe, and Co are
detected using organisms from the Pisces class because
they accumulate in the liver and gills and may be
examined to determine amounts of those metals.
Microbes also have physiological and structural
reactions. Lichens serve as good pollution bioindicators.
Heavy metals are thus discharged into the air, surface
water, and soil, and consequently into groundwater and
crops; once in the environment, they do not dissipate,
but rather accumulate in soils, sediments, and biomass.
Metal content in bioindicators is influenced not only by
metal concentrations in air, water, soil, and sediment,
but also by environmental factors and biological factors
in the organisms. As a result, the impact of these factors
in this complex ecosystem must be monitored. All of the
research in the last few decades has been focused on
finding bioindicators such as microbes, plants, and
animals that collect harmful metals.
5. CONCLUSION
All heavy metals even though naturally present in the
environment can cause toxicity to organisms if their
concentration rise above safety levels. These metals get
accumulated in the systems of these organisms due to
the lack of metabolism mechanisms. After certain
concentrations they show notable changes in their
physiological characteristics. On proper monitoring,
these characteristics can be analysed to determine the
concentration of these metals in the surrounding
environment.
As a result, species that live natively in those ecosystems
can be employed as bioindicators for heavy metals like
Cu, Cr, Fe, As, Zn, Hg, Cd, Pb, Mn, Co, and Ni. We can take
further actions to lower heavy metal concentrations in
certain places based on the levels determined from these
creatures. This in turn prevents irreversible damage to
the ecosystem and humans which would have occurred
due to excessive contamination by heavy metals. This
also leads to economic growth and social development in
those regions by improving the environment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are extremely grateful to our professor Dr. S. Mythili
along with her research scholar Saheli Sur for their
constant guidance throughout the study.
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