Heavy metals in mosquito larval habitats in selected urban hotspot areas / Mohd Pirdaus Ahmad

Introduction: Heavy metal pollution has a devastating effect on the ecological balance in aquatic environment. There are indication that the level of pollution in water may directly influence the diversity and abundance of larval stage mosquito species. Objective: The aim of the study is to establish a baseline of the existing level of heavy metals concentration in potential mosquito larval habitat in the selected hotspot area. Methodology: Aedes survey was conducted in Subang Jaya Municipality to assess the concentration and distribution of heavy metals (cd, er, cu, fe, pb, mn and zn) in mosquito larval habitat. The
water samples (n=141) collected were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and other standard laboratory protocols. Then, by using microscope, Aedes larvae species was determined and the weight of pupae and length of 3rd instars larvae was measured. Result: Assessment of heavy metal on mosquito larval habitat noted that the concentration of heavy metal in hotspot area was found to be relatively higher than corresponding level on the non-hotspot area at all breeding site investigated. Consistent with other finding, the present study proves that the heavy metal concentration is varies between container material and its concentration. The correlation coefficient calculated indicated that copper was associated with length of 3rd instars larvae (r =0.447, p-value < 0.05) and weight of pupae(r =0.430, p-value < 0.05). Unfortunately, there is no significant correlation detected between other metals with length of 3rd instars larvae and weight of pupae. Conclusion: Overall, the key dengue vectors are preferential adapted with the heavy metal concentration and thus effect the development and its lifecycle