The present study used Pimelia latreillei as a biomonitoring insect for heavy metals soil pollution in a populated industrial area at Zawya Abd El-Qader, Alexandria, Egypt. Comet assay and histological analysis were applied to evaluate the potential risk of heavy metals. X-ray analysis of the soil samples collected from the polluted site revealed significantly increased metal percentages compared with the reference site. Moreover, a significant increase in metal percentages was detected by the X-ray analysis in insect ovaries collected from the polluted site. The Tail DNA length was significantly greater in the insects collected from the polluted site-47.6% compared with 11.4% at the reference site. Pronounced disruptions in oogenesis were observed through histological and ultrastructure investigations in insects collected from the polluted site. The study summarized the potential utility of insect biomonitors in predicting the effect of heavy metals soil pollution on occupational health.
Keywords: DNA damage; Industrial pollution; comet assay; ecological model; heavy metal toxicity; oogenesis anomalies.