Facts of the main rigorous heavy metals affecting Waterfowls health, genetics, and migration habits

Swans, geese, and ducklings falling under the Anatedae group are important waterfowls to water systems. In this study, migratory birds that cover long distances are affected by some environmental stressors, especially heavy metal contamination. Al, Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni, and other similar metals are received by water structures and are natural in water, but these metals in high concentrations negatively affect the quality of water. Birds drink the polluted water and feed on polluted food, which results in the bioaccumulation of these metals in their body tissues. It leads to several diseases in body organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain, respiratory disorders, oxidative stress, and alterations in metabolism activities. Some heavy metals known include lead and mercury, which poison the enzymes, which are crucial in the energy metabolism, hence survival. Effects of long-term exposure are DNA change, hereditary disorders, and reproductive problems such as eggshell hardness and fertility. Birds and waterfowl in particular, which may act as bioassays of the ecosystem, have experienced falls in their population because of contamination from heavy metals, which affects food chains through migration. This can only be done through concerted efforts among nations, constant monitoring of the quality of water in these habitats, and controlling water pollution with a view to preserving these birds and their habitats.