The use of aquatic dipteran insect larvae to monitor heavy metal pollution

Aquatic Dipterans are a diverse assemblage of insects that make up important components of aquatic ecosystems. Because of their importance in these systems, aquatic dipterans are ideal candidates to monitor water heavy metal pollution. This review summarizes the species diversity of these insects and their potential use for monitoring heavy metal pollution. We describe the influence of heavy metal pollution on the morphological and internal structural changes of aquatic Dipteral insects. Finally, we highlight research into the biochemical and molecular markers that provide sensitive information necessary to detect the very early stages of heavy metal pollution.