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Heavy Metals Accumulation in Dragonflies (Odonata) and Their Habitats in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Assessing Dragonfly Bionomics in the Region

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Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the bionomics of dragonflies and heavy metal accumulation in their bodies and environment (sediments and water) from district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 1683 dragonflies were collected from May to September, 2018 in 4 tehsils (administrative subdivisions) of district. Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum was the most abundant species followed by O. anceps and O. chrysostigma luzonicum. Highest abundance was observed in July and August corresponding to maximum temperature and rainfall. Dragonflies displayed preferable abundance within agricultural lands and on elevation ranging from 206 to 506 m. Heavy metal analysis of sediments and water samples from 4 tehsils showed significant differences in mean concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Abundance among districts was negatively associated with Fe levels in water while the species diversity had a significant positive relationship with Fe in sediments. Accumulation of metals in each body part significantly varied among species. N. tullia tullia and O. anceps specifically demonstrated their tolerance to high concentrations of heavy metals.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Hirad Ali for his assistance and cooperation that made the collection in district Swabi possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    Hajra Noor-Ul-Islam, Khurshaid Khan & Waqas Ahmad Shams

  2. Institute of Plant and Environmental Protection, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Syed Ahmed Zia

  3. Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    Muhammad Naeem

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  1. Hajra Noor-Ul-Islam
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Correspondence to Khurshaid Khan.

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Noor-Ul-Islam, H., Khan, K., Zia, S.A. et al. Heavy Metals Accumulation in Dragonflies (Odonata) and Their Habitats in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Assessing Dragonfly Bionomics in the Region. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 107, 838–847 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03338-w

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