Long-Term Ecological Impacts of Heavy Metal Contamination on Terrestrial Mammals in Mining Regions

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination from mining activities poses a significant threat to the health and stability of terrestrial ecosystems. The persistence and bioaccumulation of metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in mining regions lead to detrimental effects on the mammals inhabiting these areas. Chronic exposure to heavy metals results in a range of physiological, reproductive, and behavioral alterations, which in turn affect population dynamics and ecological relationships. This paper explores the long-term ecological impacts of heavy metal contamination on terrestrial mammals, focusing on the effects at individual, population, and ecosystem levels. Key impacts include organ toxicity, hormonal disruption, immunosuppression, and alterations in predator-prey interactions. These outcomes not only threaten the survival of affected species but also compromise the integrity of entire ecosystems. Furthermore, this paper discusses how heavy metal exposure can drive evolutionary changes in mammal populations and alter species distributions, leading to long-term shifts in ecosystem structure. The findings emphasize the need for stringent environmental regulations, effective remediation techniques, and sustained monitoring efforts in mining regions to mitigate the ongoing damage caused by heavy metal pollution.