Animals as True Environmental Pollution Detector Instruments

Bonnie Duke^*
*Correspondence: Bonnie Duke, Department of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Wildlife Ecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Email:

Introduction

Environmental pollution is a pervasive and increasingly pressing global problem. It poses significant threats to human health, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of our planet. Detecting and monitoring pollution is essential for identifying its sources, mitigating its effects, and preventing further damage. While modern technology and scientific instruments have played a vital role in pollution detection, there is a remarkable, often underappreciated, natural ally in this battle: animals. Animals have unique capabilities that make them true environmental pollution detector instruments. This article explores how various species of animals, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, can serve as invaluable sentinels for detecting environmental pollution.

Description

Dogs are renowned for their acute sense of smell which has been harnessed for various purposes, including detecting explosives and drugs. However dogs also excel at detecting environmental pollutants, such as chemicals, heavy metals and even specific diseases. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can identify certain types of cancer by sniffing urine samples, demonstrating their extraordinary olfactory capabilities. Similarly canines have been employed in pollution detection efforts. For example, researchers have trained dogs to locate oil spills by recognizing the unique scent of hydrocarbons in contaminated water [1]. These four-legged detectives have proven to be highly efficient in identifying oil pollution, which can be challenging to detect using conventional methods.

Birds, particularly aquatic species like ducks, geese, and swans, are sensitive to changes in water quality. Their behavior and health can provide valuable insights into the presence of water pollution. For instance, when water bodies are contaminated with heavy metals or toxins, waterfowl may exhibit abnormal behavior, such as reduced breeding success, altered feeding patterns, or physical deformities.

Scientists have conducted studies on the use of birds as bio indicators of water pollution. By monitoring the populations and behaviors of these birds in specific regions, researchers can gain valuable information about the state of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the analysis of bird tissues, such as feathers and eggs, can reveal the presence and concentration of pollutants, aiding in pollution assessment and management. Aquatic ecosystems are highly vulnerable to pollution, and monitoring water quality is essential for their preservation. Aquatic invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, are excellent bio indicators due to their sensitivity to water pollution. One widely used group of aquatic invertebrate bio indicators is macro invertebrates.

Macro invertebrates are often found in freshwater environments and can serve as reliable indicators of water quality. Their presence, abundance, and diversity can reveal the health of aquatic ecosystems. Some species are highly sensitive to pollution and will disappear from contaminated areas, while others are more tolerant but may still exhibit changes in behavior or morphology when exposed to pollutants. The use of macro invertebrates in water quality assessment has become a standard practice in environmental monitoring programs worldwide. By collecting and analyzing these tiny creatures, researchers and conservationists can identify pollution sources, assess the effectiveness of pollution control measures, and prioritize areas for conservation efforts.

Pollinators, such as honeybees, are crucial for global food production. However, these insects are also highly vulnerable to environmental pollution, particularly agricultural pesticides. The widespread use of pesticides has raised concerns about their impact on bee populations and, consequently, the pollination of crops. Honeybees can serve as bio indicators for pesticide pollution. Researchers have conducted studies where they exposed bee colonies to controlled doses of pesticides, observing the bees' behavior, mortality rates and overall health. These experiments have provided valuable data on the toxicity of pesticides and their effects on bee populations.

Additionally, honeybee colonies in agricultural landscapes have been used to assess pesticide exposure in real-world settings. By analyzing the bees' honey, pollen, and beeswax, researchers can detect the presence of pesticides and their accumulation within the hive. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about pesticide use and implementing measures to protect pollinators. Microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and algae play a vital role in detecting and responding to environmental pollution. These microscopic organisms are incredibly adaptable and can quickly respond to changes in their environment making them valuable indicators of pollution [2].

One notable example is the use of microbial biosensors. Scientists have engineered microorganisms to produce measurable responses when exposed to specific pollutants. These biosensors can be deployed in contaminated areas to provide real-time data on pollution levels. For instance, biosensors have been developed to detect heavy metals, organic pollutants, and even radioactive substances in soil and water. Microbes also play a critical role in bioremediation, a process where living organisms are used to clean up polluted environments. Certain bacteria and fungi can metabolize and degrade pollutants, such as oil or industrial chemicals, into less harmful substances. Harnessing the natural abilities of these microorganisms can be a sustainable and cost-effective method for pollution clean-up. Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders have long been regarded as indicators of environmental health [3]. Their unique biology and life cycles make them highly sensitive to changes in their habitat including pollution. As a result declines in amphibian populations have been linked to environmental disturbances including pollution.

Amphibians exhibit a phenomenon known as "cutaneous respiration," where they can absorb oxygen and other substances directly through their skin. This makes them particularly vulnerable to contaminants in the environment. Amphibians living in polluted areas may suffer from skin lesions, deformities, or reduced reproductive success. Furthermore amphibians permeable skin makes them excellent candidates for studying pollution levels in aquatic ecosystems. Researchers have collected skin and tissue samples from amphibians to analyze pollutant concentrations, providing insights into the extent of environmental contamination.

Cetaceans which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises are top predators in marine ecosystems and can serve as sentinels of ocean pollution. These majestic marine mammals are long-lived and often accumulate pollutants in their tissues over time, making them indicators of contamination in the marine environment. One of the well-documented cases of cetaceans as pollution detectors is the study of killer whales in the waters off the Pacific Northwest. Researchers discovered that these apex predators have some of the highest concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and other toxins in their bodies [4]. These pollutants originate from industrial activities and have made their way up the marine food chain ultimately affecting killer whales.

By studying the health and pollutant levels in cetacean populations, scientists can gain insights into the overall health of marine ecosystems and the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, plastics and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the monitoring of cetaceans can help identify potential threats to human health as some of the same contaminants can enter the human food chain through seafood consumption. In recent years, citizen science initiatives have empowered people from all walks of life to participate in environmental monitoring efforts. This democratization of science has extended to using animals as pollution detectors, with citizens contributing valuable data and observations. One notable example is the "Frog Watch USA" program, where volunteers monitor frog and toad populations and record their calls. Changes in amphibian populations and breeding activity can signal environmental disturbances, including pollution. Citizen scientists provide crucial data for researchers studying the health of amphibian populations and the ecosystems they inhabit [5].

Conclusion

Animals from the smallest microorganisms to the largest marine mammals play a crucial role as true environmental pollution detector instruments. Their unique abilities to detect changes in their surroundings and accumulate pollutants provide valuable insights into the health of ecosystems and the extent of pollution. As we face ever-increasing environmental challenges, the partnership between humans and animals in monitoring and mitigating pollution is more critical than ever. However, this partnership must be built on a foundation of ethical considerations and a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of these invaluable allies in our quest to protect the planet.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Beck, Andrew C., Erica M. Lash and Jason B. Hack. “Environmental toxic exposures using companion animals as an indicator of human toxicity: A case report and discussion.” J Emerg Med 59 (2020): e1–e7.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Basu, Niladri, Anton M. Scheuhammer, Steven J. Bursian and John Elliott, et al. “Mink as a sentinel species in environmental health.” Environ Res 103 (2007): 130–144.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. D’Angelo, Anna Rita, Gabriella Di Francesco, Gina Rosaria Quaglione and Giuseppe Marruchella, et al. “Sclerosing peritoneal mesothelioma in a dog: Histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations.” Vet Ital 50 (2014): 301–305.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Mott, Frank E. “Mesothelioma: A review.” Ochsner J 12 (2012): 70–79.

Google Scholar, Indexed at

5. Rossini, Marika, Paola Rizzo, IIaria Bononi and Anthony Clementz, et al. “New perspectives on diagnosis and therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma.” Fron Oncol 8 (2018): 91.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at