Fish acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus sp. as globally applicable bioindicators for metal pollution in the aquatic environment?

Intestinal helminths of fish, especially the acanthocephalans, have become increasingly interesting as potential bioindicators for heavy metal contamination in aquatic habitats. Pomphorhynchus laevis from chub and barbel has been investigated frequently for its ability to take up and bioconcentrate metals within its body. This papers summarizes the present knowledge on P. laevis and its metal bioaccumulation properties in order to evaluate the applicability of species of the Pomphorhynchus genus as promising sentinels for heavy metals on a global scale.