Detection of heavy metals in various stages of development for wild mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus sourced from artificial aquatic niches in arbovirus endemic areas

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals was observed in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both species are recognized as primary vectors of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in an endemic arbovirus region of Iguala and Tomatal, Guerrero, Mexico; where specimens were collected from contaminated artificial aquatic niches. A total of nine heavy metals, including nickel, Cadmium, copper, and lead, were detected in the artificial aquatic niches and at various stages of mosquito development (larvae, pupae, and adults). The findings indicated that nickel and cadmium are the predominant metals in these environments. Furthermore, substantial bioaccumulation of heavy metals was evident in mosquitoes throughout their life cycle, particularly in larvae and pupae, with cadmium as the most prevalent metal. Adult females of Ae. aegypti exhibited higher concentrations of heavy metals than males, suggesting potential implications for reproduction and disease transmission capacity. The investigation underscores the significance of monitoring heavy metals accumulation and pollution in these niches, as it may influence mosquito ecology and potentially enhance their resistance to insecticides and susceptibility to viral infections.