Role of Telescopium telescopium as a bioindicator of Heavy Metal Pollution in Punnakayal Mangroves

Abstract

The present study investigates the heavy metal accumulation in Telescopium telescopium collected from the Punnakayal mangrove ecosystem. The analysis focused on three major heavy metals, namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg), over a period from January 2018 to December 2018.Specimens were collected periodically, and the concentration of heavy metals in the tissues was analyzed using standard analytical techniques. The results revealed the presence of all three heavy metals in varying concentrations, indicating bioaccumulation in Telescopium telescopium. Among the metals studied, Lead showed comparatively higher accumulation, followed by Cadmium and Mercury.The variation in metal concentration may be attributed to seasonal changes and environmental factors in the mangrove ecosystem. The findings suggest that Telescopium telescopium can serve as a potential bioindicator for monitoring heavy metal pollution in mangrove habitats.This study provides baseline data on heavy metal contamination and highlights the ecological significance of gastropods in environmental assessment.