Ants as Bio-Indicators of Heavy-Metals: A Rev...

Ants as Bio-Indicators of Heavy-Metals: A Review Paper

Author Name : Anangh M K, Dr. Abdul Jaleel, K T Manjula, Dr. Vijaya M B

ABSTRACT: The terrestrial ecology can be described as sensitive, as minor changes in its composition can cause detrimental aftereffects in the long term. It includes all that is above sea level, from the amphibious wetlands to the 8850-meter-high snow-capped peaks. Ants, which belong to the family Formicidae and were believed to have evolved from wasps, have a great ecological advantage and significance as they alone can change environmental habitats and shape natural resources. When ants consume food, they inculcate materials other than organic materials into their diet. This could include heavy-metals. The bioaccumulation of heavy-metals has deleterious effects on the environment. Heavy metals account for certain micrograms of dense metals or metalloids, which could bio-accumulate and cause serious disadvantages in all life forms. In such cases, ants are capable of being efficient bio-indicators that indicate ecological, genetic, and even molecular changes. This comparative review revisits the majority of recent advancements in research based on heavy metals and ants as study material. We focus on conveying information regarding recent advancements in the mentioned study. This review encompasses an explanation of the ideas and perspectives of researchers useful for environmentalists, researchers, and all future advancements in safeguarding terrestrial eco-balance. In this review, we refer to published papers from 1983 until 2023 and comprehend data for using ants as bio-indicators of heavy metals.