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Katzner TE, Pain DJ, McTee M, Brown L, Cuadros S, Pokras M, Slabe VA, Watson RT, Wiemeyer G, Bedrosian B, Hampton JO, Parish CN, Pay JM, Saito K, Schulz JH. Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross-discipline mitigation options for a global problem. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1672-1699. [PMID: 38693847 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 230 North Collins Road, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | - Deborah J Pain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael McTee
- MPG Ranch, 19400 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence, MT, 59833, USA
| | - Leland Brown
- Oregon Zoo, North American Non-lead Partnership, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, USA
| | - Sandra Cuadros
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Rd, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Pokras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Vincent A Slabe
- Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Richard T Watson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- CONICET- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Calle 5 esq. 116 MO L6360, Gral. Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
| | | | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | | | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA
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Gillings MM, Ton R, Harris T, Taylor MP, Griffith SC. Blood lead increases and haemoglobin decreases in urban birds along a soil contamination gradient in a mining city. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119236. [PMID: 38810819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Lead contaminated soil is a persistent global threat to the health of animal populations. Nevertheless, links between soil lead and its adverse effects on exposed wildlife remain poorly understood. Here, we explore local geographic patterns of exposure in urban birds along a gradient of lead contamination in Broken Hill, an Australian mining city. Soil lead concentrations are linked to co-located blood lead measurements in rock pigeons (Columba livia), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), crested pigeons (Ocyphaps lophotes) and white-plumed honeyeaters (Lichenostomus ornatus). Median blood lead levels were highest in crested pigeons (59.6 μg/dL), followed by house sparrows (35.2 μg/dL), rock pigeons (35.1 μg/dL), and white-plumed honeyeaters (27.4 μg/dL). Blood lead levels in all species declined away from mining areas, the primary source of lead contamination in Broken Hill. Blood lead increased significantly and at the greatest rate relative to soil lead in the three ground foraging species (crested pigeons, house sparrows, rock pigeons). For these species, soil lead concentrations below 200 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg were needed to maintain a median blood lead concentration under the lower threshold of the subtoxic (20-50 μg/dL) and toxic (≥50 μg/dL) effect ranges previously identified for some bird species. We also investigated the effects of lead exposure on blood haemoglobin levels as a general measure of physiological condition in birds exposed to different levels of soil lead contamination. Overall, for every 1 μg/dL increase in blood lead, haemoglobin decreased by 0.11 g/L. The rate of this decrease was not significantly different between species, which supports the measurement of haemoglobin as a consistent though insensitive measure of physiological condition in chronically lead exposed birds. Our findings reflect the importance of lead contaminated soil as a widespread source of elevated blood lead and supressed haemoglobin levels in birds inhabiting urbanised and mining impacted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
| | - Riccardo Ton
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Tiarne Harris
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, 3085, Australia
| | - Simon C Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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Herring G, Eagles-Smith CA, Goodell J, Buck JA, Willacker JJ. Small-Mammal Shooting as a Conduit for Lead Exposure in Avian Scavengers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12272-12280. [PMID: 34473489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure is a widespread wildlife conservation threat. Although commonly associated with Pb-based ammunition from big-game hunting, small mammals (e.g., ground squirrels) shot for recreational or pest-management purposes represent a potentially important Pb vector in agricultural regions. We measured the responses of avian scavengers to pest-shooting events and examined their Pb exposure through consumption of shot mammals. There were 3.4-fold more avian scavengers at shooting fields relative to those at fields with no recent shooting, and avian scavengers spent 1.8-fold more time feeding after recent shooting events. We isotopically labeled shot ground squirrels in the field with an enriched 15N isotope tracer; 6% of avian scavengers sampled within a 39 km radius reflected this tracer in their blood. However, 33% of the avian scavengers within the average foraging dispersal distance of nests (0.6-3.7 km) were labeled, demonstrating the importance of these shooting fields as a source of food for birds nesting in close proximity. Additionally, Pb concentrations in 48% of avian scavengers exceeded subclinical poisoning benchmarks for sensitive species (0.03-0.20 μg/g w/w), and those birds exhibited reduced δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, indicating a biochemical effect of Pb. The use of shooting to manage small mammal pests is a common practice globally. Efforts that can reduce the use of Pb-based ammunition may lessen the negative physiological effects of Pb exposure on avian scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Herring
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - John Goodell
- High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Jeremy A Buck
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 2600 SE 98th Avenue Suite 100, Portland, Oregon 97702, United States
| | - James J Willacker
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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Blood Toxic Elements and Effects on Plasma Vitamins and Carotenoids in Two Wild Bird Species: Turdus merula and Columba livia. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9090219. [PMID: 34564370 PMCID: PMC8473200 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Birds have historically suffered adverse effects by toxic elements, such as As, Pb, Hg, and Cd. However, reports on exposure to a wide range of elements, including rare earth elements and other minor elements of emerging concern, and the potential consequences for wildlife are still scarce. This study evaluates blood concentrations of 50 elements and their related effects on lutein and vitamin levels in the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and wild rock pigeon (Columba livia), inhabiting different scenarios of contaminant exposure. Blood concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb (and Mn in T. merula) were increased in both species captured in the mining area, compared to the control site. T. merula also showed increased As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in blood in the agricultural–urban area, as compared to the control area, together with the highest Hg levels, which could be related to agricultural practices and industrial activities. Decreases of 33 and 38% in the plasma retinol levels in T. merula inhabiting the mining and the agricultural–urban areas, respectively, as compared to the control site, were associated with increased Pb, As, and Cd exposure. This could be due to a metal-driven suppressive effect in retinol metabolism and/or its over-use for coping with metal-related oxidative stress.
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Gil-Jiménez E, de Lucas M, Ferrer M. Metalliferous Mining Pollution and Its Impact on Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial Vertebrates: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 256:1-69. [PMID: 34724574 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metalliferous mining, a major source of metals and metalloids, has severe potential environmental impacts. However, the number of papers published in international peer-reviewed journals seems to be low regarding its effects in terrestrial wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, our review is the first on this topic. We used 186 studies published in scientific journals concerning metalliferous mining or mining spill pollution and their effects on terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. We identified the working status of the mine complexes studied, the different biomarkers of exposure and effect used, and the studied taxa. Most studies (128) were developed in former mine sites and 46 in active mining areas. Additionally, although several mining accidents have occurred throughout the world, all papers about effects on terrestrial vertebrates from mining spillages were from Aznalcóllar (Spain). We also observed a lack of studies in some countries with a prominent mining industry. Despite >50% of the studies used some biomarker of effect, 42% of them only assessed exposure by measuring metal content in internal tissues or by non-invasive sampling, without considering the effect in their populations. Most studied species were birds and small mammals, with a negligible representation of reptiles and amphibians. The information gathered in this review could be helpful for future studies and protocols on the topic and it facilitates a database with valuable information on risk assessment of metalliferous mining pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela de Lucas
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Frank JJ, Poulakos AG, Tornero-Velez R, Xue J. Systematic review and meta-analyses of lead (Pb) concentrations in environmental media (soil, dust, water, food, and air) reported in the United States from 1996 to 2016. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133489. [PMID: 31756826 PMCID: PMC6918466 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental lead (Pb) contamination is a persistent public health issue that prominently impacts communities across the United States. Multimedia Pb exposure assessments are utilized to provide a holistic evaluation of Pb exposure and inform the development of programs and regulations that are protective of human health. To conduct multimedia exposure assessments, robust, media-specific environmental Pb concentration data are necessary. To support this effort, systematic review and meta-analysis methods were used to conduct a comprehensive synthesis of research measuring Pb in multiple environmental media (soil, dust, water, food, and air) over a 20-year period within the United States. The breadth of the resulting database allowed for the evaluation of sample characteristics that can serve as indicators of environmental Pb contamination. Random effects models run on literature and national survey datasets generated overall mean estimates of Pb concentrations that can be used for multimedia Pb exposure modeling for general and high-exposure-risk populations. Results from our study highlighted several important trends: 1) The mean estimate of Pb in residential soils is three times higher for urbanized areas than non-urbanized areas; 2) The mean estimate of Pb in produce reported in the literature is approximately three orders of magnitude greater than commercially-sourced raw produce monitored in national surveys; 3) The mean estimate of Pb in soils from shooting ranges is two times greater than non-residential Pb contaminated Superfund sites reported in the literature; 4) Research reporting environmental Pb concentrations for school and daycare sites is very limited; 5) Inconsistent sample collection and reporting of results limited synthesis efforts; and 6) The U.S. EPA's Air Quality System was the most robust, publicly available national survey resource. Results from these analyses will inform future multimedia Pb exposure assessments and be useful in prioritizing future research and program development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Frank
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States of America; National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States of America.
| | - Antonios G Poulakos
- ASRC Federal ASMS Contractor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Boston, MA 02109, United States of America
| | - Rogelio Tornero-Velez
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States of America
| | - Jianping Xue
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States of America
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Sample BE, Beyer WN, Wentsel R. Revisiting the Avian Eco-SSL for Lead: Recommendations for Revision. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:739-749. [PMID: 30963677 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The avian ecological soil screening level (Eco-SSL) for Pb (11 mg/kg) is within soil background concentrations for >90% of the United States. Consequently, its utility as a soil screening level is limited. Site-specific ecological risk-based remedial goals for Pb are frequently many times greater. Toxicity reference values (TRVs) play a major role in defining Eco-SSLs. The Pb Eco-SSL TRV is driven by reduced egg production in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), which displays effects at doses both substantially lower and greater than other tested species. High variability in egg production in Japanese quail has also been observed for other contaminants. Japanese quail egg production may therefore be too variable and unreliable an effect endpoint upon which to base regulatory screening criteria. Toxicity data supporting the Eco-SSL were reevaluated and only studies reporting both no and lowest observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs and LOAELs) for reproduction, growth, or survival were considered. Dose-response data were extracted from 10 studies both as concentrations and doses. Dose-response relationships were developed using the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Benchmark Dose Software for dietary concentrations and doses for egg production in Japanese quail and chickens. Effect levels (of 10%, 20%, and 50%) were extracted from the dose-response analyses. Species sensitivity distributions and dose-response data indicated reproduction was most sensitive to Pb and survival was least sensitive, with growth intermediate. Limited data for ringed turtle doves (Streptopelia risoria) and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) suggest lower sensitivity than chickens to Pb. The ED10 and ED20 thresholds for chickens were 4.4 and 9.8 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 , respectively. Avian Pb Eco-SSLs were recalculated based on the chicken ED10 and ED20, with and without a bioavailability adjustment. Revised avian Pb Eco-SSLs for the most highly exposed species (American woodcock), based on the ED10 and assuming 100% and 50% bioavailability, were 36.3 mg/kg and 43.7 mg/kg, respectively. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:739-749. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - W Nelson Beyer
- US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland
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Beyer WN, Sample BE. An evaluation of inorganic toxicity reference values for use in assessing hazards to American robins (Turdus migratorius). INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:352-359. [PMID: 27155981 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
When performing screening-level and baseline risk assessments, assessors usually compare estimated exposures of wildlife receptor species with toxicity reference values (TRVs). We modeled the exposure of American robins (Turdus migratorius) to 10 elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, Zn, and V) in spring and early summer, a time when earthworms are the preferred prey. We calculated soil benchmarks associated with possible toxic effects to these robins from 6 sets of published TRVs. Several of the resulting soil screening-level benchmarks were inconsistent with each other and less than soil background concentrations. Accordingly, we examined the derivations of the TRVs as a possible source of error. In the case of V, a particularly toxic chemical compound (ammonium vanadate) containing V, not normally present in soil, had been used to estimate a TRV. In the cases of Zn and Cu, use of uncertainty values of 10 in estimating TRVs led to implausibly low soil screening values. In the case of Pb, a TRV was calculated from studies demonstrating reductions in egg production in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to Pb concentrations well below than those causing toxic effects in other species of birds. The results on quail, which were replicated in additional trials, are probably not applicable to other, unrelated species, although we acknowledge that only a small fraction of all species of birds has been tested. These examples underscore the importance of understanding the derivation and relevance of TRVs before selecting them for use in screening or in ecological risk assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:352-359. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Nelson Beyer
- US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland
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Herring G, Eagles-Smith CA, Wagner MT. Ground Squirrel Shooting and Potential Lead Exposure in Breeding Avian Scavengers. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167926. [PMID: 27942006 PMCID: PMC5152858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational ground squirrel shooting is a popular activity throughout the western United States and serves as a tool for managing ground squirrel populations in agricultural regions. Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) are routinely shot in California, Nevada, and Oregon across habitats that overlap with breeding avian scavengers. Ground squirrels shot with lead (Pb)-based bullets may pose a risk to avian scavengers if they consume carcasses containing Pb fragments. To assess the potential risk to breeding avian scavengers we developed a model to estimate the number, mass, and distribution of Pb fragments in shot ground squirrels using radiographic images. Eighty percent of shot carcasses contained detectible Pb fragments with an average of 38.6 mg of Pb fragments. Seven percent of all carcasses contained Pb fragment masses exceeding a lethal dose for a model raptor nestling (e.g. American kestrel Falco sparverius). Bullet type did not influence the number of fragments in shot ground squirrels, but did influence the mass of fragments retained. Belding's ground squirrels shot with .17 Super Mag and unknown ammunition types contained over 28 and 17 times more mass of Pb fragments than those shot with .22 solid and .22 hollow point bullets, respectively. Ground squirrel body mass was positively correlated with both the number and mass of Pb fragments in carcasses, increasing on average by 76% and 56% respectively across the range of carcass masses. Although the mass of Pb retained in ground squirrel carcasses was small relative to the original bullet mass, avian scavenger nestlings that frequently consume shot ground squirrels may be at risk for Pb-induced effects (e.g., physiology, growth, or survival). Using modeling efforts we found that if nestling golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), and Swainson's hawks (B. swainsoni) consumed shot ground squirrels proportionately to the nestling's mass, energy needs, and diet, 100% of the nestling period would exceed a 50% reduction in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase production threshold, the last 13-27% of the nestling stage would exceed a reduced growth rate threshold, but no nestlings would be expected to exceed a level of Pb ingestion that would be lethal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Herring
- United States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- United States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Mason T. Wagner
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
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Golden NH, Warner SE, Coffey MJ. A Review and Assessment of Spent Lead Ammunition and Its Exposure and Effects to Scavenging Birds in the United States. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 237:123-191. [PMID: 26613991 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-23573-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H Golden
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22041, USA.
| | - Sarah E Warner
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 505 Science Drive, Madison, WI, 53717, USA
| | - Michael J Coffey
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, 4503 West DeYoung, Suite 102, Marion, IL, 62959, USA
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Lassiter MG, Owens EO, Patel MM, Kirrane E, Madden M, Richmond-Bryant J, Hines EP, Davis JA, Vinikoor-Imler L, Dubois JJ. Cross-species coherence in effects and modes of action in support of causality determinations in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Science Assessment for Lead. Toxicology 2015; 330:19-40. [PMID: 25637851 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The peer-reviewed literature on the health and ecological effects of lead (Pb) indicates common effects and underlying modes of action across multiple organisms for several endpoints. Based on such observations, the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applied a cross-species approach in the 2013 Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Lead for evaluating the causality of relationships between Pb exposure and specific endpoints that are shared by humans, laboratory animals, and ecological receptors (i.e., hematological effects, reproductive and developmental effects, and nervous system effects). Other effects of Pb (i.e., cardiovascular, renal, and inflammatory responses) are less commonly assessed in aquatic and terrestrial wildlife limiting the application of cross-species comparisons. Determinations of causality in ISAs are guided by a framework for classifying the weight of evidence across scientific disciplines and across related effects by considering aspects such as biological plausibility and coherence. As illustrated for effects of Pb where evidence across species exists, the integration of coherent effects and common underlying modes of action can serve as a means to substantiate conclusions regarding the causal nature of the health and ecological effects of environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Gooding Lassiter
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Oesterling Owens
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Molini M Patel
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Ellen Kirrane
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Meagan Madden
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Jennifer Richmond-Bryant
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Erin Pias Hines
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - J Allen Davis
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Lisa Vinikoor-Imler
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Jean-Jacques Dubois
- Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center, North Carolina State University, 1730 Varsity Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Abstract
Abstract
In 2012, we examined lead exposure in 58 bald eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus found dead in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We determined lead concentrations in livers, examined differences in exposure among ages and between sexes, and recorded clinical signs consistent with lead poisoning. Most (60%) of the bald eagles had detectable lead concentrations, and 38% of the 58 had concentrations within the lethal range for lead poisoning. We found no differences in exposure based on sex or age, but we did find an inverse relationship between body and liver mass and liver lead concentration. The high percentage of lead-exposed bald eagles encouraged us to further examine potential sources of lead in our local environment. We initiated a study on the Fish and Wildlife Service's Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to investigate if discarded offal piles from hunter-killed deer were a potential source of lead exposure to scavenging wildlife such as the bald eagle. Radiographs showed that 36% of offal piles in our sample area contained lead fragments ranging from 1 to 107 particles per pile. Our study indicated that 1) lead exposure rates for bald eagles found dead in our Upper Midwest study area were high, 2) more than one-third of the bald eagles found dead in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin had liver lead concentrations consistent with lead poisoning, and 3) discarded offal piles from deer shot with lead ammunition can be a potential source of lead exposure for bald eagles.
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Beyer WN, Chen Y, Henry P, May T, Mosby D, Rattner BA, Shearn-Bochsler VI, Sprague D, Weber J. Toxicity of Pb-contaminated soil to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and the use of the blood-dietary Pb slope in risk assessment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2014; 10:22-29. [PMID: 23780874 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study relates tissue concentrations and toxic effects of Pb in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to the dietary exposure of soil-borne Pb associated with mining and smelting. From 0% to 12% contaminated soil, by weight, was added to 5 experimental diets (0.12 to 382 mg Pb/kg, dry wt) and fed to the quail for 6 weeks. Benchmark doses associated with a 50% reduction in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity were 0.62 mg Pb/kg in the blood, dry wt, and 27 mg Pb/kg in the diet. Benchmark doses associated with a 20% increase in the concentration of erythrocyte protoporphyrin were 2.7 mg Pb/kg in the blood and 152 mg Pb/kg in the diet. The quail showed no other signs of toxicity (histopathological lesions, alterations in plasma-testosterone concentration, and body and organ weights). The relation of the blood Pb concentration to the soil Pb concentration was linear, with a slope of 0.013 mg Pb/kg of blood (dry wt) divided by mg Pb/kg of diet. We suggest that this slope is potentially useful in ecological risk assessments on birds in the same way that the intake slope factor is an important parameter in risk assessments of children exposed to Pb. The slope may also be used in a tissue-residue approach as an additional line of evidence in ecological risk assessment, supplementary to an estimate of hazard based on dietary toxicity reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Nelson Beyer
- US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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Beyer WN, Franson JC, French JB, May T, Rattner BA, Shearn-Bochsler VI, Warner SE, Weber J, Mosby D. Toxic exposure of songbirds to lead in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 65:598-610. [PMID: 23771631 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Mining and smelting in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District has caused widespread contamination of soils with lead (Pb) and other metals. Soils from three study sites sampled in the district contained from approximately 1,000-3,200 mg Pb/kg. Analyses of earthworms [33-4,600 mg Pb/kg dry weight (dw)] collected in the district showed likely high Pb exposure of songbirds preying on soil organisms. Mean tissue Pb concentrations in songbirds collected from the contaminated sites were greater (p < 0.05) than those in songbirds from reference sites by factors of 8 in blood, 13 in liver, and 23 in kidney. Ranges of Pb concentrations in livers (mg Pb/kg dw) were as follows: northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) = 0.11-3.0 (reference) and 1.3-30 (contaminated) and American robin (Turdus migratorius) = 0.43-8.5 (reference) and 7.6-72 (contaminated). Of 34 adult and juvenile songbirds collected from contaminated sites, 11 (32%) had hepatic Pb concentrations that were consistent with adverse physiological effects, 3 (9%) with systemic toxic effects, and 4 (12%) with life-threatening toxic effects. Acid-fast renal intranuclear inclusion bodies, which are indicative of Pb poisoning, were detected in kidneys of two robins that had the greatest renal Pb concentrations (952 and 1,030 mg/kg dw). Mean activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in red blood cells, a well-established bioindicator of Pb poisoning in birds, was decreased by 58-82% in songbirds from the mining sites. We conclude that habitats within the mining district with soil Pb concentrations of ≥1,000 mg Pb/kg are contaminated to the extent that they are exposing ground-feeding songbirds to toxic concentrations of Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Nelson Beyer
- United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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