Dissecting biochemical mechanisms that mediate tolerance to military chemical stressors in diverse malacological systems

Abstract

The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine has severely contaminated freshwater ecosystems with heavy metal pollutants including lead from ammunition and explosives. This study investigates the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of resistance in the freshwater mollusks. This study examines how freshwater mollusks, specifically Planorbarius corneus and Viviparus viviparus, resist lead compounds. Lead pollution from military activities poses a significant threat to aquatic life due to its toxicity and bioaccumulation. The research investigated species-specific responses to lead exposure, revealing differences in adaptations. Both mollusk species showed increased levels of carotenoids and proteins when exposed to higher lead concentrations, indicating a compensatory response to oxidative stress. These findings enhance our understanding of adaptive mechanisms against lead toxicity in aquatic environments affected by military pollution.