Review of Heavy Metal Toxicity Assessment Through the Use of Ciliates as Cellular Bioindicators

Abstract

The assessment of heavy metal toxicity through the utilization of ciliates as cellular bioindicators has gained significant attention in recent years. This abstract provides a concise overview of the key findings and implications of this research field.Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, pose a substantial threat to both aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their persistence and potential for bioaccumulation. The use of ciliates, a diverse group of single-celled protozoans, as bioindicators offers several advantages for assessing heavy metal contamination. Ciliates are highly responsive to environmental changes, and their rapid reproduction and short lifespan make them sensitive indicators of toxicological effects.Studies have demonstrated that ciliates can be employed to assess heavy metal toxicity through various biological endpoints, including growth inhibition, cellular damage, and alterations in behavioral patterns