Although certain pollutants can be biologically degraded by microorganisms, rendering their impact short-term, others can not be impaired, such that their effect persists. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of using a field-collected aphid, , as a bio-indicator for heavy metals in tomato farms in Riyadh and Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Heavy metals were selected (Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb) and measured for comparative screening in field-collected plants, soil, and aphids using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has been known to breed in both animal and human carcasses in different geographical regions and is considered an important post-mortem indicator in forensic entomology. Determining the age of its larvae is an essential tool for the accurate determination of post-mortem intervals (PMI). This study adopted a molecular-based approach for age determination of the immature stages of the blowfly, C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAspiculuris tetraptera a pinworm of mice, is an important parasite in institutions with mice colonies for both research and teaching purposes. Infection with this parasite has impact on biomedical research. This is likely due to the availability of the parasite's eggs in the environment, therefore can easily be transmitted and infection is generally asymptomatic.
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