Effects of Lead Pollution at Industrial Contaminated Sites on Sentinel Juvenile Achatina achatina

Abstract

We investigated juvenile Achatina achatina snails exposed as sentinels in plastic cages for 12 weeks to compare lead pollution at dump sites of abandoned battery factory (Niger Delta, Nigeria). Results indicated 0.56, 20.37, 200.42 and 1200.30 microg/g soil lead at control, storage, dried effluent and waste dump sites, respectively. There were significant (p < 0.05) depression in snail growth with increasing level of lead pollution. Snails were tolerant of all levels of lead pollution with no mortalities. This novel approach provides a basis for use of snail data in environmental pollution assessment of industrial sites.

Effects of Lead Pollution Against Juvenile Achatina achatina Fed on Contaminated Artificial Diet

“…The analyzed Pb doses in Table 2 correspond to environmentally realistic soil Pb of previous field study of Ebenso and Ologhobo (2008a). Snails in the present study did not die, this compares with previous field studies of Ebenso and Ologhobo (2008a, b).…”

“…Samples of snails and diets were analyzed for Pb, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) as outlined by Ebenso and Ologhobo (2008a).…”

Effects of Lead Pollution from Vehicular Exhaust Fumes Against Sentinel Juvenile Achatina achatina

“…The microcosms were plastic snaileries 0.24 9 0.24 9 0.12 m 3 , with mosquito netting on the lid to allow for light, air and protect snails against predators. Floor of snailery had uncontaminated soil (dried at 80°C for 4 days) up to 3 cm, from previous study (Ebenso and Ologhobo 2008b). The snails, as sentinels to detect atmospheric Pb pollution were transferred to microcosms placed on plastic tables away from sunshine and rain, positioned 2 m from the road margin at each site.…”

“…No other source of pollutants was noted during study. During the experimental period of 12 weeks (AprilJune, rainy season), fresh Raphanus sativus harvested from unpolluted site of previous study (Ebenso and Ologhobo 2008b), were fed ad libitum to snails. Weekly feed intake was estimated according to Coeurdassier et al (2003).…”

“…Weekly feed intake was estimated according to Coeurdassier et al (2003). Weekly shell thickness was measured according to previous study (Ebenso and Ologhobo 2008b).…”