Physical impact of heavy metals (cu, fe and zn) concentrations on aedes albopictus (diptera: culitidae) larvae / Zarith Zahrah Mohd Zakaria

INTRODUCTION: Ae. albopictus, an invasive mosquito species originally from Asia is a well known vector for dengue has been adapt to harsh surrounding by adapting in habitat contained with heavy metals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of heavy metals (Cu, Fe and Zn) concentrations on Ae. albopictus larvae in terms of their level of adaptability and physical characteristics in the laboratory setting. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted at Vector Laboratory, Dept. of Environmental Health. Samples consist of 50 samples of three different heavy metals with different concentration. Both wild and lab strain larvae were tested. No. of larvae survived and physical determination (pH, temperature, TDS and conductivity) were evaluated. RESULTS: Wild strain larvae have the ability to adapt to heavy metals much stronger compared to lab stain. Physical characteristics reading taken had indicated its influence in terms of tolerance of larvae in heavy metals. CONCLUSION: Ae. albopictus larvae are proven capable to survive in harsh environment.