Introduction: Metals are universal constituents of ecosystems and play a significant biologically essential function. Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that is not required for any physiological function in the body, and it is a severe threat to the nervous system. Nevertheless, the processes through which Lead influences neurotoxicity and neuronal sensitivity, especially for senses, are not fully understood.

Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to establish Drosophila as a potential model organism to study the toxic effects of heavy metals on humans. The larvae of Drosophila melanogaster allowed us to examine how acute Lead exposure induced disruption in the olfactory response.

Methods: The early third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of Lead, with a control set of larvae not being t treated with Lead. After the exposure, their olfactory response towards ethyl acetate was measured using larval plate assay.

Results and Conclusion: This study showed that Lead treatment led to a dose-dependent reduction in olfactory sensitivity to ethyl acetate odor. More importantly, the response index of the larvae that were exposed to higher concentrations of Lead before was significantly lower than those of the control specimens that had not been exposed to Lead. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of Lead on the olfactory circuitry, indicating potential disruptions in sensory processing pathways. By unraveling the details of the Lead-mediated deficits in olfaction in Drosophila, our study contributes to a better understanding of the neurotoxic effects of heavy metal exposure on sensory function and behaviour across species. Lastly, this study underlines the significance of inquiring into how contaminants in the environment affect sensory processing to ensure that no adverse effects associated with heavy metal pollution extend to humans and wildlife.