Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements and Bioindicator Potential of Necrophagous Flies in Exposed Municipal Wastes

TL;DR

This study examines how necrophagous flies accumulate toxic elements from waste in Thailand and identifies certain species as potential bioindicators of pollution.

Contribution

The study identifies specific necrophagous fly species as potential bioindicators for cadmium and zinc in polluted environments.

Findings

Musca sorbens accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd and Zn in Pha De.

Cadmium and zinc showed high enrichment in PTEs across study locations.

Atherigona spp. and Musca sorbens were highly correlated with several PTEs in specific areas.

Abstract

To assess fly diversity, abundance, and accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in tissue, necrophagous fly communities were collected from open waste bins and landfills in western Thailand. Highest species richness was recorded in Mae Pa and Panlan, each with 11 species; however, Mae Pa exhibited a higher Margalef’s richness index and significantly greater abundance (4,874 individuals) compared to Panlan (314 individuals). Khaothong showed lowest richness with 5 species and a moderate abundance of 944 individuals. Several fly species accumulated considerable PTEs from municipal wastes. Cadmium and zinc were among the most enriched of the PTEs, showing high CF values in the study locations ࣧ 15.25 at Ban Makluea, 15.82 at Pha De and 30.43 at Khaothong, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated that Atherigona spp. and Musca sorbens were highly correlated with cadmium, aluminum, iron, lead and chromium, particularly in Pha De and Mae Pa, respectively. Musca sorbens accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd (278 mg kg−1) and Zn (101 g kg−1) in Pha De. This study suggests that Musca species of necrophagous flies, despite the need of further research for confirmation, are effective as potential bioindicators of Cd and Zn, especially in polluted environments.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00244-026-01186-5.

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