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Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are critical for supporting biodiversity, drinking water supplies, and agricultural activities. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from various pollutants, among which heavy metals are a major concern. The presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu) in aquatic environments poses significant risks to aquatic organisms and, by extension, the entire ecosystem. This paper investigates the toxicological impacts of heavy metals on freshwater ecosystems through a case study approach, emphasizing the effects on both aquatic organisms and ecological processes. By examining the influence of these pollutants on species at various trophic levels, the study highlights how they disrupt physiological functions, alter species composition, and affect ecosystem services. The paper draws on several case studies from different geographic regions to provide a global perspective on the issue and discusses the factors influencing metal bioaccumulation, toxicity thresholds, and ecosystem resilience. The findings underscore the need for effective pollution control measures and sustainable management practices to mitigate the toxicological impacts of heavy metals in freshwater environments.