Thermal tolerance and critical maxima examined in marine gastropods inhabiting around Karachi Nuclear Power Plant

Bensthic communities along the coastal basins are an indication of ecosystem health but highly susceptible owing to manmade activities. This study envisages thermal tolerance in sea snails Monodonta canalifera , Nerita albicilla and Tylothais savignyi inhabiting around outfall intake structures Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP). To test adaptability vulnerability, a lethality protocol under controlled temperature was applied laboratory where they were exposed at 25, 30, 35, 40°C, which raised 45°C after acclimation period 1 week. The critical maximum (CT max ) for three species found be between 39 42°C, whereas lethal (LT 50 tests revealed that utmost M. . correlation LT CT maxima ( R = 0.47, p 0.00) body sizes reveals N. T. 0.65, relatively higher than given laboratory. In addition, microscopic changes due temperature, appeared foot (adhesive part) each species, deduced from histological examination. outcomes this would help underline KANUPP highlight precautionary measures required newly established K2/K3 power units safeguard habitat.