Ekbal Fadel*1 and Samar Saleh1

1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Latakia University, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Samar Saleh, Email: ekbalahmadfadel@latakia-univ.edu.sy phone: +963 944327942)

Received: 31/01 / 2026                  Accepted: 12/07 / 2026

Abstract: 

In this research, concentrations of heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Iron, and Nickel) were estimated in waters of Al- Romaila river and in the mollusk Theodoxus fluviatilis. Therefore, we studied three age stages of this species from March 2023 to February 2024.  The results showed that concentrations average of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel were higher in organisms than they were in water, and this is due to their accumulation in living tissues. However, concentrations of Iron were similar in both organisms and water and this is due to using Iron in biological processes. It was showed essential differences between age groups for averages of Cadmium and Lead while no differences were found between age groups for averages of Iron and Nickel. It was also mentioned seasonal differences in concentrations of heavy metals; concentrations of Lead and Nickel were higher in organisms than they were in water in spring, summer, and autumn. However, concentration of Iron was higher in organisms than it was in water inspring and autumn (breeding season), and less organisms than it was in water in winter and summers.

Keywords: Mollusks, Theodoxus fluviatilis, heavy metals, Al-Rumila river.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF