INFLUENCE OF COLLECTION SITE AND BASELEVEL HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION ON MOLLUSCAN DIVERSITY AND ORGAN HEALTH

Water plays a critical role in supporting life on Earth, serving numerous purposes such as drinking, irrigation, fish farming, industrial operations, and power generation. However, the rapid industrial growth spurred by the Industrial Revolution has led to the widespread release of harmful chemicals into both aquatic and terrestrial environments. A study conducted on molluscan diversity in Kadegaon district revealed concerning findings, showing significant impacts on the reproductive organs of two common molluscan species from various collection sites. Heavy metal analysis indicated that most sites (Sites II, III, IV, V, and VI) were polluted, with the exception of Site I, which showed fewer alterations.