1
|
Victorel C, Miglioranza KSB, Cavalli M, Quadri-Adrogué A, Bó MS, Baladrón AV. Agricultural pesticides in feathers of the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and its relationship to land-use in the argentinean pampas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120097. [PMID: 39362456 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The pampas of South America represent one of the most productive lands for agriculture in the world, and consequently this activity has expanded throughout the region, especially in Argentina. In this context, native fauna faces various risks associated with agriculture, with exposure to pesticides being one of the most dangerous and deadly. Assessing the impact of pesticides on wildlife becomes fundamental and the use of sentinel species emerges as an important tool to monitor environmental health. In this study, we determined pesticide levels in the burrowing owl Athene cunicularia nesting in both rural and urban areas of the argentinean pampas. We used a multiple scale approach to evaluate the influence of land-uses (urban, crops, and grazing fields) at the nesting site on the contaminant load of A. cunicularia individuals, and assessed the potential use of this owl as a sentinel species. From March 2018 to January 2020, A. cunicularia feathers were collected at their nest sites in one urban and two rural areas. These samples were analyzed for the presence of contaminants, including chlorpyrifos and 18 organochlorine pesticides. All the compounds analyzed were detected in A. cunicularia samples. The chlorpyrifos showed the highest frequency of occurrence and concentration, thus denoting the exposure of owls to current-use pesticides. ∑DDTs showed the highest occurrence among organochlorines, followed by ∑HCHs > ∑Endosulfans > ∑Heptachlors > ∑Drins = ∑Chlordanes > methoxychlor. Principal Component Analysis showed that most of the compounds found in A. cunicularia samples showed a positive association with grazing fields, suggesting that exposure to contaminants does not depend on specific habitat use at the local scale, but probably the regional scale. Our results evidenced the exposure of A. cunicularia individuals to past and current-use pesticides in the pampas of Argentina, and indicate that this owl would be useful as a sentinel species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candela Victorel
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Karina S B Miglioranza
- Grupo Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Matilde Cavalli
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Agustina Quadri-Adrogué
- Grupo Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María S Bó
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Alejandro V Baladrón
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Funes 3350, B7602AYJ, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen F, Jiang F, Ma J, Alghamdi MA, Zhu Y, Yong JWH. Intersecting planetary health: Exploring the impacts of environmental stressors on wildlife and human health. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116848. [PMID: 39116691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116848] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review articulates critical insights into the nexus of environmental stressors and their health impacts across diverse species, underscoring significant findings that reveal profound effects on both wildlife and human health systems. Central to our examination is the role of pollutants, climate variables, and pathogens in contributing to complex disease dynamics and physiological disruptions, with particular emphasis on immune and endocrine functions. This research brings to light emerging evidence on the severe implications of environmental pressures on a variety of taxa, including predatory mammals, raptorial birds, seabirds, fish, and humans, which are pivotal as indicators of broader ecosystem health and stability. We delve into the nuanced interplay between environmental degradation and zoonotic diseases, highlighting novel intersections that pose significant risks to biodiversity and human populations. The review critically evaluates current methodologies and advances in understanding the morphological, histopathological, and biochemical responses of these organisms to environmental stressors. We discuss the implications of our findings for conservation strategies, advocating for a more integrated approach that incorporates the dynamics of zoonoses and pollution control. This synthesis not only contributes to the academic discourse but also aims to influence policy by aligning with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable interactions between humans and their environments, which are critical for preserving biodiversity and ensuring global health security. By presenting a detailed analysis of the interdependencies between environmental stressors and biological health, this review highlights significant gaps in current research and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at mitigating these pressing issues. Our study is significant as it proposes integrative and actionable strategies to address the challenges at the intersection of environmental change and public health, marking a crucial step forward in planetary health science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chen
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Feifei Jiang
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Jing Ma
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Mohammed A Alghamdi
- Department of Laboratory & Blood Bank, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yanfeng Zhu
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China.
| | - Jean Wan Hong Yong
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp 23456, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Quero AAM, Pedrosa A, Gorla NBM. Liver and kidney damage in quail embryos hatched from eggs sprayed once with chlorpyrifos during artificial incubation. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1285-1291. [PMID: 38206562 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10298-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Birds have enough conditions to be used as bioindicators for the presence of environmental contaminants. Notably, chlorpyrifos (CPF) remains extensively employed in Argentina, particularly in fruit plantations and livestock settings This study aimed to assess the potential impacts of CPF on common quail (Coturnix coturnix) embryos through external eggshell application during key embryonic stages (days 1, 4, and 14). Concentrations equivalent to those used in fruit applications, 5× and 10 × (38.4, 192, and 384 µg/egg), were employed. A 48% commercial formulation of CPF (Pirfos - Icona®) was utilized. An increase in embryonic deaths, as well as a statistical association between the degree of liver or kidney lesions and CPF concentrations was observed. The results suggest that CPF can induce embryotoxic effects with a single exposure to quail embryos and compromise the viability of the organisms. The study suggests a potential exposure risk for embryos through contact with the insecticide on the eggshell's exterior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnoldo A M Quero
- Laboratorio de Genética, Ambiente y Reproducción, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza (UMaza), Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Analía Pedrosa
- Laboratorio de Genética, Ambiente y Reproducción, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza (UMaza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Nora B M Gorla
- Laboratorio de Genética, Ambiente y Reproducción, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza (UMaza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Valverde I, Defosseux I, Le Bot T, Jouvion G, Le Barzic C, Arné P, Gasparini J. Effect of urbanization on the trace element concentrations in the kidney, liver and spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169944. [PMID: 38199357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169944] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration. We analyzed the kidney, liver and spines of 50 European hedgehogs. Moreover, we carried out geographic information system (GIS) with 31 individuals to examine the effects of human pressure (human density and urbanization) on TE concentrations in tissues. We detected the 7 TEs in all tissues. Trace elements, especially Pb and Zn, in the liver, kidney and spines seem to be influenced by human density and urbanization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valverde
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Isabelle Defosseux
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tanguy Le Bot
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Histology and Pathology Unit, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Le Barzic
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Arné
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julien Gasparini
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martín-Cruz B, Cecchetti M, Simbaña-Rivera K, Rial-Berriel C, Acosta-Dacal A, Zumbado-Peña M, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Gallo-Barneto R, Cabrera-Pérez MÁ, Melián-Melián A, Suárez-Pérez A, Luzardo OP. Potential exposure of native wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): Evidence from residue analysis of the invasive California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168761. [PMID: 37996022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), particularly second-generation compounds (SGARs), are extensively used in pest management, impacting non-target wildlife. The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), an invasive species in Gran Canaria, is under a control plan involving capture and euthanasia. This research aimed to detect 10 different ARs in these snakes, explore geographical and biometrical factors influencing AR exposure, and assess their potential as sentinel species for raptors, sharing similar foraging habits. Liver samples from 360 snakes, euthanized between 2021 and 2022, were analysed for ARs using LC-MS/MS. Results showed all detected rodenticides were SGARs, except for one instance of diphacinone. Remarkably, 90 % of the snakes tested positive for ARs, with over half exposed to multiple compounds. Brodifacoum was predominant, found in over 90 % of AR-positive snakes, while bromadiolone and difenacoum were also frequently detected but at lower levels. The study revealed that larger snakes and those in certain geographic areas had higher AR concentrations. Snakes in less central or more peripheral areas showed lower levels of these compounds. This suggests a correlation between the snakes' size and distribution with the concentration of ARs in their bodies. The findings indicate that the types and prevalence of ARs in California kingsnakes on Gran Canaria mirror those in the island's raptors. This similarity suggests that the kingsnake could serve as a potential sentinel species for monitoring ARs in the ecosystem. However, further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness in this role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martín-Cruz
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Martina Cecchetti
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter. Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Simbaña-Rivera
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado-Peña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Ramón Gallo-Barneto
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Cabrera-Pérez
- General Directorate to Combat Climate Change and the Environment, Biodiversity Service, Canary Islands Government, Plaza de los Derechos Humanos, 22, 35071 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ayose Melián-Melián
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alejandro Suárez-Pérez
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrera A, Navas I, María-Mojica P, García-Fernández AJ. Greater predisposition to second generation anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) weakened by suspected infectious disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167780. [PMID: 37865245 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167780] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure in wild carnivores is a current and global concern due to continuous and widespread use worldwide. We studied the prevalence of ARs in liver samples of 25 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 3 European badgers (Meles meles) and 2 genets (Genneta genneta) from Alicante (Spanish Levante region) obtained in 2021 and 2022. In addition to trauma, poisoning by pesticides is the most frequent cause of death in wild carnivores in this region. The present research aims to explain a possible association between the fact of suffering from an infectious disease and the increase in ARs concentrations in the affected animals. Both first- and second-generation ARs were analysed by HPLC/MS/TOF in liver samples. Apart from the cause of death, the influence of other variables such as age, sex and body weight were also assessed on AR liver concentrations. Potential health risks for individuals and populations in the study area have also been studied. Our research detected higher AR concentrations in the group of red foxes clinically diagnosed with infectious disease compared to the group of apparently healthy red foxes, mostly killed by trauma. Furthermore, our results lead us to suggest that red fox could be considered a good sentinel species for the risk of exposure to ARs in other wild mammals. All the livers analysed contained ARs and the most detected compounds in red fox were difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, present in all the samples analysed, and flocoumafen (in 96 %). Additionally, 53 % of the animals had at least one second generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) above the threshold value reported as triggering adverse health effects (200 ng/g). Regarding this, the level of risk in red fox in this area might be classified as high and worrying. Moreover, we suggest that individuals and populations with weakened health due to other diseases (for example, infectious or parasitic diseases) might be more prone to high exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides and, very probably, would be more sensitive to suffering serious effects at lower doses of ARs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Carrera
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud El Palmar, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Santa Faz (Alicante), VAERSA-Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud El Palmar, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Imagawa M, Rushing M, Carter A, Schott R, Berman JD. Using blood lead concentrations of wildlife sentinels to identify environmental risk factors of lead exposure for public health and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:357-369. [PMID: 36964298 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning remains a persistent health issue for both humans and wildlife, despite strides to reduce lead contamination in the environment. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study explores the associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) in wildlife sentinels and possible built environment lead exposure risk factors in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota urban area. Results show a high-level of heterogeneity in animal BLLs (n = 472) across our urban environment and suggest that each kilometer increase in road density is associated with a 17.07% (95% CI: 1.48%, 35.05%) increase in BLL in our study species of Virginia opossums and Eastern gray squirrels, and a 14.28% (95% CI: 1.16%, 29.09%) increase in BLL of rock pigeons. For squirrels and opossums, we see an additional 5.72% (95% CI: 0.59%, 10.85%) increased risk of BLL for every 1000 people per square-mile. The relationship between animal sentinels and environmental hazards can give us an insight into the potential lead exposure risks for humans. The use of wildlife sentinel data to explore environmental risk factors supports a One Health approach to better address public health questions and aid in wildlife rehabilitation related to residual lead poisoning from ambient environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mito Imagawa
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marcus Rushing
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Renee Schott
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Roseville, MN, USA
| | - Jesse D Berman
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gkotsis G, Nika MC, Nikolopoulou V, Alygizakis N, Bizani E, Aalizadeh R, Badry A, Chadwick E, Cincinelli A, Claßen D, Danielsson S, Dekker R, Duke G, Drost W, Glowacka N, Göckener B, Jansman HAH, Juergens M, Knopf B, Koschorreck J, Krone O, Martellini T, Movalli P, Persson S, Potter ED, Rohner S, Roos A, O' Rourke E, Siebert U, Treu G, van den Brink NW, Walker LA, Williams R, Slobodnik J, Thomaidis NS. Assessment of contaminants of emerging concern in European apex predators and their prey by LC-QToF MS wide-scope target analysis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107623. [PMID: 36379200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Apex predators are good indicators of environmental pollution since they are relatively long-lived and their high trophic position and spatiotemporal exposure to chemicals provides insights into the persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) properties of chemicals. Although monitoring data from apex predators can considerably support chemicals' management, there is a lack of pan-European studies, and longer-term monitoring of chemicals in organisms from higher trophic levels. The present study investigated the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in 67 freshwater, marine and terrestrial apex predators and in freshwater and marine prey, gathered from four European countries. Generic sample preparation protocols for the extraction of CECs with a broad range of physicochemical properties and the purification of the extracts were used. The analysis was performed utilizing liquid (LC) chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), while the acquired chromatograms were screened for the presence of more than 2,200 CECs through wide-scope target analysis. In total, 145 CECs were determined in the apex predator and their prey samples belonging in different categories, such as pharmaceuticals, plant protection products, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, their metabolites and transformation products. Higher concentration levels were measured in predators compared to prey, suggesting that biomagnification of chemicals through the food chain occurs. The compounds were prioritized for further regulatory risk assessment based on their frequency of detection and their concentration levels. The majority of the prioritized CECs were lipophilic, although the presence of more polar contaminants should not be neglected. This indicates that holistic analytical approaches are required to fully characterize the chemical universe of biota samples. Therefore, the present survey is an attempt to systematically investigate the presence of thousands of chemicals at a European level, aiming to use these data for better chemicals management and contribute to EU Zero Pollution Ambition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Gkotsis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Christina Nika
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
| | - Varvara Nikolopoulou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikiforos Alygizakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; Environmental Institute, s.r.o., Okružná 784/42, 972 41 Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Erasmia Bizani
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Reza Aalizadeh
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander Badry
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Pl. 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Chadwick
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Postal Code: CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- University of Florence, Department of Chemistry, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Daniela Claßen
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Pl. 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Sara Danielsson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - René Dekker
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Guy Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, University of Oxford, 3 S Parks Rd, OX1 3QY Oxford, United Kingdom; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Drost
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Pl. 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Natalia Glowacka
- Environmental Institute, s.r.o., Okružná 784/42, 972 41 Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Hugh A H Jansman
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Environmental Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monika Juergens
- Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Library Ave, Bailrigg, LA1 4AP Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Burkhard Knopf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Pl. 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Martellini
- University of Florence, Department of Chemistry, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sara Persson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elaine D Potter
- Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Library Ave, Bailrigg, LA1 4AP Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Rohner
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Roos
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily O' Rourke
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Postal Code: CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ursula Siebert
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabriele Treu
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Pl. 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Nico W van den Brink
- Wageningen University & Research, Division of Toxicology, Stippeneng 4, 6700EA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lee A Walker
- Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Library Ave, Bailrigg, LA1 4AP Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Rosie Williams
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, NW1 4RY London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaroslav Slobodnik
- Environmental Institute, s.r.o., Okružná 784/42, 972 41 Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Quadri-Adrogué A, Gómez-Ramírez P, García-Fernández AJ, García GO, Seco-Pon JP, Miglioranza KSB. Feather mercury levels in beached Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in northern Argentina during the non-breeding season. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:24793-24801. [PMID: 34826079 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17539-7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a great concern for marine environments. Bird feathers have been widely used to assess Hg pollution. In this study, we determine mercury concentrations in body feathers of juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southeastern sector of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, during a non-breeding season, considering both sexes. Hg levels, considering both females and males together, ranged between 265.5 and 1515.52 ng/g. These levels are well below the concentrations in feathers suggested for taking actions focused on the protection of seabirds. Non-significant differences between sexes regarding Hg levels were found, probably because juveniles were sexually immature and females did not excrete Hg by egg laying yet. Hg concentrations found in this study were an order of magnitude higher than those reported 10 years ago for the species in breeding areas on the Argentine coast. Thus, the present study provides relevant information indicating a possible increase of Hg pollution in the southwestern region of the Atlantic Ocean and thus trigger for the development of monitoring programs and regional strategies to improve the conservation status of this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Quadri-Adrogué
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Germán Oscar García
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Seco-Pon
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Karina Silvia Beatriz Miglioranza
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Natterson-Horowitz B, Desmarchelier M, Winkler AS, Carabin H. Beyond Zoonoses in One Health: Non-communicable Diseases Across the Animal Kingdom. Front Public Health 2022; 9:807186. [PMID: 35178374 PMCID: PMC8846287 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.807186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B. Natterson-Horowitz
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: B. Natterson-Horowitz
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, École de Santé Publique (ESPUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dulsat-Masvidal M, Lourenço R, Lacorte S, D'Amico M, Albayrak T, Andevski J, Aradis A, Baltag E, Berger-Tal O, Berny P, Choresh Y, Duke G, Espín S, García-Fernández AJ, Gómez-Ramírez P, Hallgrimsson GT, Jaspers V, Johansson U, Kovacs A, Krone O, Leivits M, Martínez-López E, Mateo R, Movalli P, Sánchez-Virosta P, Shore RF, Valkama J, Vrezec A, Xirouchakis S, Walker LA, Wernham C. A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148599. [PMID: 34328978 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COST Action 'European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility' (ERBFacility) aims to develop pan-European raptor biomonitoring in support of better chemicals management in Europe, using raptors as sentinel species. This presents a significant challenge involving a range of constraints that must be identified and addressed. The aims of this study were to: (1) carry out a comprehensive review of the constraints that may limit the gathering in the field of raptor samples and contextual data, and assess their relative importance across Europe; and (2) identify and discuss possible solutions to the key constraints that were identified. We applied a participatory approach to identify constraints and to discuss feasible solutions. Thirty-one constraints were identified, which were divided into four categories: legal, methodological, spatial coverage, and skills constraints. To assess the importance of the constraints and their possible solutions, we collected information through scientific workshops and by distributing a questionnaire to stakeholders in all the countries involved in ERBFacility. We obtained 74 answers to the questionnaire, from 24 of the 39 COST participating countries. The most important constraints identified were related to the collection of complex contextual data about sources of contamination, and the low number of existing raptor population national/regional monitoring schemes and ecological studies that could provide raptor samples. Legal constraints, such as permits to allow the collection of invasive samples, and skills constraints, such as the lack of expertise to practice necropsies, were also highlighted. Here, we present solutions for all the constraints identified, thus suggesting the feasibility of establishing a long-term European Raptor Sampling Programme as a key element of the planned European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dulsat-Masvidal
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rui Lourenço
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, LabOr - Laboratory of Ornithology, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marcello D'Amico
- CIBIO-InBIO (University of Porto and University of Lisbon), Tapada da Ajuda Campus, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Tamer Albayrak
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Lab of Ornithology, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Jovan Andevski
- Vulture Conservation Foundation, Wuhrstrasse 12, 8003 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Arianna Aradis
- Area Avifauna Migratrice - Avian Migration Team, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00144 Roma, Italy.
| | - Emanuel Baltag
- Marine Biological Station "Prof. Dr. Ioan Borcea" Agigea, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Romania.
| | - Oded Berger-Tal
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
| | | | - Yael Choresh
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Israel.
| | - Guy Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK.
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Gunnar T Hallgrimsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Veerle Jaspers
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ulf Johansson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Zoology, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andras Kovacs
- University of Debrecen, Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Egyetem Sq. 1., Hungary.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Madis Leivits
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC, UCLMJCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Richard F Shore
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Jari Valkama
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Al Vrezec
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Prešernova 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Stavros Xirouchakis
- University of Crete, School of Sciences & Engineering. Natural History Museum, University Campus (Knosos), Heraklion, P.C. 71409, Crete, Greece.
| | - Lee A Walker
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Chris Wernham
- British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland), Unit 15 Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, FK9 4NF, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P. A review of metal-induced effects on vitamins A, E and D3 in birds. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:1-16. [PMID: 33151447 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Birds have been historically affected by metals and are considered powerful sentinels of environmental pollution. Some toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) have been broadly studied in avian species and are well known for their accumulation capacity and deleterious effects, including alterations in vitamin levels. Vitamins A, E and D3 are fat-soluble nutrients involved in multiple physiological functions (e.g., immune function, vision, reproduction, growth and development). Publications reporting metal-induced effects on vitamins in birds are growing and, in some cases, results seem contradictory, making them difficult to interpret. Therefore, a clear view of the overall picture is needed. This mini-review article aims to compile relevant data and describe current knowledge on the effects of the most toxic elements (i.e., Pb, Cd, Hg, As) on vitamins A, E and D3 in birds. Although vitamins are diet dependent, they are strongly regulated and transformed in the organism, and metal-related disruption in their homeostasis may provoke alterations in different directions. Moreover, vitamin status and form in vivo is the result of complex interacting processes in the organism and metal exposure may produce cascade effects. Different factors that may contribute to the variable response of vitamins to metals in birds are discussed. Some final remarks and recommendations are provided for future studies. This mini-review shows an overview of the current knowledge in metal-induced alterations in vitamins of special concern for avian ecotoxicology, a research discipline facing important challenges in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Albertos S, Berenguer NI, Sánchez-Virosta P, Gómez-Ramírez P, Jiménez P, Torres-Chaparro MY, Valverde I, Navas I, María-Mojica P, García-Fernández AJ, Espín S. Mercury Exposure in Birds Linked to Marine Ecosystems in the Western Mediterranean. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:435-453. [PMID: 33106911 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), particularly as methylmercury (MeHg), is a nonessential, persistent, and bioaccumulative toxic element with high biomagnification capacity and is considered a threat to marine environments. We evaluated total Hg concentrations in liver, kidney, and brain in 62 individuals of 9 bird species linked to marine ecosystems from western Mediterranean admitted in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) (Alicante, Spain, 2005-2020). Age- and sex-related differences in Hg levels, as well as the cause of admission to the WRC, were also evaluated in certain species. The species studied were: northern gannet (Morus bassanus), European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), razorbill (Alca torda), common tern (Sterna hirundo), and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). Concentrations in feathers of 27 individuals, and concentrations in internal tissues in 7 other individuals of 7 different species were also reported but not statistically evaluated due to the limited number of samples. Results suggest that individuals were chronically exposed to Hg through diet. The differences in Hg concentrations among species may be explained by their diet habits. Mercury concentrations strongly correlated between tissues (r = 0.78-0.94, p < 0.001, n = 61-62). Some individuals of certain species (i.e., European shag, northern gannet, and great cormorant) showed Hg concentrations close to or above those described in the literature as causing reproductive alterations in other avian species. Consequently, certain individuals inhabiting western Mediterranean could be at risk of suffering long-term, Hg-related effects. Some of the species evaluated are listed within different categories of threat according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are endangered at a national level, so this study will provide valuable information for assessors and authorities in charge of the management of the environment and pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Albertos
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Neus I Berenguer
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Y Torres-Chaparro
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Irene Valverde
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- "Santa Faz" Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Consellería de Agricultura, Medio Ambiente, Cambio Climático y Desarrollo Rural, Alicante, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Silvia Espín
- Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Badry A, Krone O, Jaspers VLB, Mateo R, García-Fernández A, Leivits M, Shore RF. Towards harmonisation of chemical monitoring using avian apex predators: Identification of key species for pan-European biomonitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 731:139198. [PMID: 32422436 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring in raptors can be used to study long-term and large-scale changes in environmental pollution. In Europe, such monitoring is needed to assess environmental risks and outcomes of chemicals regulation, which is harmonised across the European Union. To be effective, the most appropriate sentinels need to be monitored. Our aim was to identify which European raptor species are the likely most appropriate biomonitors when pollutant quantification is based on analysing tissues. Our current study was restricted to terrestrial exposure pathways and considered four priority pollutant groups: toxic metals (lead and mercury), anticoagulant rodenticides, pesticides and medicinal products. We evaluated information on the distribution and key ecological traits (food web, foraging trait, diet, preferred habitat, and migratory behaviour) of European raptors to identify the most appropriate sentinel species. Common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and/or tawny owl (Strix aluco) proved the most suitable candidates for many of the pollutants considered. Moreover, they are abundant in Europe, enhancing the likelihood that samples can be collected. However, other species may be better sentinels for certain pollutants, such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) for lead, the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) for mercury across areas including Northern Europe, and vultures (where they occur in Europe) are likely best suited for monitoring non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Overall, however, we argue the selection of candidate species for widescale monitoring of a range of pollutants can be reduced to very few raptor species. We recommend that the common buzzard and tawny owl should be the initial focus of any pan-European raptor monitoring. The lack of previous widespread monitoring using these species suggests that their utility as sentinels for environmnetal pollution has not been widely recognised. Finally, although the current study focussed on Europe, our trait-based approach for identifying raptor biomonitors can be applied to other continents and contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Badry
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Murcia, Espinardo Campus, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Madis Leivits
- Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Richard F Shore
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg LA1 4AP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Di Marzio A, Lambertucci SA, García-Fernández AJ, Martínez-López E. Temporal changes in metal concentrations in Andean condor feathers: a potential influence of volcanic activity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:25600-25611. [PMID: 32356051 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Geothermal activities (e.g., volcanic eruptions) represent one of the most important natural sources of metal emissions (heavy metals and metalloids). They can be one of the main risks for the ecosystems in regions like North of Argentiniean Patagonia, a sparsely populated area, close to an extensive network of active volcanoes on the Andes Range. The 2011 eruption of the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex (PCCVC) has been the largest volcanic event of the last decades. The effects of exposure to ashes on wildlife and humans have been sparsely studied, and only one biomonitoring study has used higher trophic species. The exposure to metals of the species in Patagonia has been poorly studied. The main objectives of our study were to assess metal screening and to evaluate a possible relation between the levels of metals in the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) population and the volcanic activity of the area. We investigated the effects of the eruption of the PCCVC in 2011, using samples of molt primary feathers of the Andean condor, collected in nine roosts around Bariloche, Argentina (maximum distance 85 km). Data available suggest the molt of the primary feathers of the Andean condor has a duration of 6 years. We carried out sampling before (2007, 2009) and after (2017) the volcanic eruption (2011). The feathers sampled in 2017 should have been developed in 2011-2012, reflecting the environmental situation of the period immediately following the eruption of the PCCVC. For the first time, we have screened metals in 48 molted primary feathers of Andean condor, showing the levels of 9 metals and metalloids (Si, Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb, Hg). Si, Zn, As, and Cd showed higher levels in the feathers sampled after the eruption. The levels of Cr and Pb (although apparently not related to the volcanic eruption) in some samples are compatible with potential adverse effects in living organisms. The screening results represent an important database (the first for this species) that can be used in in future studies for comparative purposes. HIGHLIGHTS: •We present the first database of metals in condor feathers, which may be useful for future studies. •Volcanic eruptions might represent an important source of metal and metalloid emissions in this area. •The Andean condor from Argentine Patagonia could be affected by volcanic activity in the area. •Andean condor feathers may be good biomonitoring units of this contamination. •Pb pollution does not seem to be related to the volcano's eruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Marzio
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergio Agustín Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones de Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gómez-Ramírez P, Espín S, Navas I, Martínez-López E, Jiménez P, María-Mojica P, Peñalver J, García-Fernández AJ. Mercury and Organochlorine Pesticides in Tissues of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) Stranded Along the Southwestern Mediterranean Coastline (Andalusia, Spain). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 104:559-567. [PMID: 32185428 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nineteen loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the southwestern Mediterranean coastline (Andalusia) were used in this study. A total of 68 samples of fat (n = 18), liver (n = 15), kidney (n = 13), pectoral muscle (n = 19), and brain (n = 3) were analysed for total mercury (Hg) and organochlorine pesticides [OC: ∑Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDT), ∑Hexachlorocyclohexane (∑HCH), ∑Heptachlor, ∑Drins and ∑Endosulfan]. These loggerhead sea turtles showed tissue Hg and OC concentrations similar to or lower than those reported in other studies. Few growth-related variations in Hg or OC levels in relation to straight carapace length were found, probably because the specimens were mostly juveniles. This study will help to fill the gap on spatio-temporal exposure data and ascertain the real world-wide picture of the contamination levels in loggerhead sea turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Espín
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Navas
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Peñalver
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|