ABSTRACT

Heavy metals are known for their toxic effects on organisms. The toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury are continuously released into the aquatic environment from different sources. The relationship between parasitism and environmental pollution has been of interest during recent years. Different helminth species, especially Acanthocephala, have been investigated in respect to heavy metal accumulation in their bodies. The importance of parasites for monitoring of environmental pollution was discussed in the present article.

Keywords: Heavy metals, parasite, accumulation