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Tornabene BJ, Smalling KL, Hossack BR. Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on Amphibians and Reptiles are Under-Reported and Under-Represented. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38967263 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a persistent and increasing problem globally, yet we still have limited knowledge about how they affect wildlife. Although semi-aquatic and aquatic amphibians and reptiles have experienced large declines and occupy environments where HABs are increasingly problematic, their vulnerability to HABs remains unclear. To inform monitoring, management, and future research, we conducted a literature review, synthesized the studies, and report on the mortality events describing effects of cyanotoxins from HABs on freshwater herpetofauna. Our review identified 37 unique studies and 71 endpoints (no-observed-effect and lowest-observed-effect concentrations) involving 11 amphibian and 3 reptile species worldwide. Responses varied widely among studies, species, and exposure concentrations used in experiments. Concentrations causing lethal and sublethal effects in laboratory experiments were generally 1 to 100 µg/L, which contains the mean value of reported HAB events but is 70 times less than the maximum cyanotoxin concentrations reported in the environment. However, one species of amphibian was tolerant to concentrations of 10,000 µg/L, demonstrating potentially immense differences in sensitivities. Most studies focused on microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which can increase systemic inflammation and harm the digestive system, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, and development. The few studies on other cyanotoxins illustrated that effects resembled those of MC-LR at similar concentrations, but more research is needed to describe effects of other cyanotoxins and mixtures of cyanotoxins that commonly occur in the environment. All experimental studies were on larval and adult amphibians; there were no such studies on reptiles. Experimental work with reptiles and adult amphibians is needed to clarify thresholds of tolerance. Only nine mortality events were reported, mostly for reptiles. Given that amphibians likely decay faster than reptiles, which have tissues that resist decomposition, mass amphibian mortality events from HABs have likely been under-reported. We propose that future efforts should be focused on seven major areas, to enhance our understanding of effects and monitoring of HABs on herpetofauna that fill important roles in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-14. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Tornabene
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, US Geological Survey, Missoula, Montana
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- New Jersey Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
| | - Blake R Hossack
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, US Geological Survey, Missoula, Montana
- Wildlife Biology Program, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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2
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Werner CS, Chapman M, Skaggs J, Rhodes OE, DeVault TL. Trace metal transfer to passerines inhabiting wastewater treatment wetlands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172373. [PMID: 38604356 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172373] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment wetlands are cost-effective strategies for remediating trace metals in industrial effluent. However, biogeochemical exchange between wastewater treatment wetlands and adjacent environments provides opportunities for trace metals to cycle in surrounding ecosystems. The transfer of trace metals to wildlife inhabiting treatment wetlands must be considered when evaluating wetland success. Using passerine birds as bioindicators, we conducted a multi-tissue analysis to investigate the mobilization of zinc, copper, and lead derived from wastewater to terrestrial wildlife in treatment wetlands and surrounding habitat. In addition, we evaluate the strength of relationships between metal concentrations in non-lethal (blood and feathers) and lethal (muscle and liver) sample types for estimation of toxicity risk. From July 2020 to August 2021, 177 passerines of seven species were captured at two wetlands constructed to treat industrial wastewater and two reference wetlands in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Feather, blood, liver, and muscle samples from each bird were analyzed for fourteen metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and direct mercury analysis. Passerines inhabiting wastewater treatment wetlands accumulated higher concentrations of zinc in liver, copper in blood, and lead in feathers than passerines in reference wetlands, but neither blood nor feather concentrations were correlated with internal tissue concentrations. Of all the detected metals, only mercury in the blood showed a strong predictive relationship with mercury in internal tissues. This study indicates that trace metals derived from wastewater are bioavailable and exported to terrestrial wildlife and that passerine biomonitoring is a valuable tool for assessing metal transfer from treatment wetlands. Regular blood sampling can reveal proximate trace metal exposure but cannot predict internal body burdens for most metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S Werner
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Mary Chapman
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Jonathon Skaggs
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Travis L DeVault
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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3
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Di Liberto JF, Griffith SC, Hall CJ, Mendelsohn AS, Swaddle JP. Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Lead (Pb) Affects Ecologically Relevant Behaviors in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 86:199-216. [PMID: 38598146 PMCID: PMC11032286 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Global contamination of environments with lead (Pb) poses threats to many ecosystems and populations. While exposure to Pb is toxic at high concentrations, recent literature has shown that lower concentrations can also cause sublethal, deleterious effects. However, there remains relatively little causal investigation of how exposure to lower concentrations of environmental Pb affects ecologically important behaviors. Behaviors often represent first-line responses of an organism and its internal physiological, molecular, and genetic responses to a changing environment. Hence, better understanding how behaviors are influenced by pollutants such as Pb generates crucial information on how species are coping with the effects of pollution more broadly. To better understand the effects of sublethal Pb on behavior, we chronically exposed adult wild-caught, captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to Pb-exposed drinking water and quantified a suite of behavioral outcomes: takeoff flight performance, activity in a novel environment, and in-hand struggling and breathing rate while being handled by an experimenter. Compared to controls (un-exposed drinking water), sparrows exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb exhibited decreases in takeoff flight performance and reduced movements in a novel environment following 9-10 weeks of exposure. We interpret this suite of results to be consistent with Pb influencing fundamental neuro-muscular abilities, making it more difficult for exposed birds to mount faster movements and activities. It is likely that suppression of takeoff flight and reduced movements would increase the predation risk of similar birds in the wild; hence, we also conclude that the effects we observed could influence fitness outcomes for individuals and populations altering ecological interactions within more naturalistic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Di Liberto
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA.
| | - Simon C Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cara J Hall
- Department of Biology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | | | - John P Swaddle
- Department of Biology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Institute for Integrative Conservation, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
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Lehel J, Grúz A, Bartha A, Menyhárt L, Szabó R, Tibor K, Budai P. Potentially toxic elements in different tissues of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) at a wetland area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:120540-120551. [PMID: 37943439 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30791-3] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of 4 potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) were investigated in the feather, liver, kidney, and bone of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). The tissue samples were taken at the Central Tisza - Jászság Nature Conservation Area in Hungary. They were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The goal of the investigation was to analyse the metal burden of the above-mentioned elements in the various tissues of these wild birds and to provide important information for monitoring the environmental pollution.Amongst the examined potentially toxic elements no statistical gender difference was observed, so the data were not separated based on them during the statistical analysis. The concentration of mercury was the highest in the feather, followed by the liver, kidney, and bone. The lead was detected in the feather with the highest level followed by the kidney, liver, and bone. The cadmium was determined in all investigated tissues with the next descending order: kidney > bone > liver > feather. Highest arsenic concentration was measured in the feather, followed by liver, kidney, and bone with the same concentration.The detected concentrations of the investigated potentially toxic elements in different tissues of great cormorants (feathers, liver, kidney, bone) means that the living area of this birds is not highly contaminated to induce health problems or toxic signs, or even other undesirable effect in the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Lehel
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Grúz
- Medpace Hungary Kft., Csörsz u. 49-51, Budapest, H-1124, Hungary
| | - András Bartha
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - László Menyhárt
- Institute of Mathematics and Basic Science, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - Rita Szabó
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - Kocsner Tibor
- Digital Food Chain Education, Research, Development and Innovation Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - Péter Budai
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary.
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Ma F, Ma X, Yang F, Liao J, Qiao N, Yu W, Han Q, Li Y, Pan J, Hu L, Guo J, Tang Z. Exposure to copper induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis in chicken (Gallus gallus) myocardium. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2027-2040. [PMID: 37405676 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10166-2] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu), an omnipresent environmental pollutant, can cause potential harm to the public and ecosystems. In order to study the cardiotoxicity caused by Cu, molecular biology techniques were used to analyze the effect of Cu on ER stress-mediated cardiac apoptosis. In vivo investigation, 240 1-day-old chickens were fed with Cu (11, 110, 220, and 330 mg/kg) diet for 7 weeks. The consequence showed that high-Cu can induce ER stress and apoptosis in heart tissue. The vitro experiments, the Cu treatment for 24 h could provoke ultrastructural damage and upregulate the apoptosis rate. Meanwhile, GRP78, GRP94, eIF2α, ATF6, XBP1, CHOP, Bax, Bak1, Bcl2, Caspase-12 and Caspase-3 genes levels, and GRP78, GRP94 and Caspase-3 proteins levels were increased, which indicated that ER stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. But the mRNA level of Bcl2 were decreased after Cu exposure. Conversely, Cu-induced ER stress-mediated apoptosis can be alleviated by treatment with 4-PBA. These findings generally showed that Cu exposure can contribute to ER stress-mediated apoptosis in chicken myocardium, which clarifies the important mechanism link between ER stress and apoptosis, and provides a new perspective for Cu toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyan Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianzhao Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlan Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyue Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaqiang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianmei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianying Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
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Hurtado TC, de Medeiros Costa G, de Carvalho GS, Brum BR, Ignácio ÁRA. Mercury and methylmercury concentration in the feathers of two species of Kingfishers Megaceryle torquata and Chloroceryle amazona in the Upper Paraguay Basin and Amazon Basin. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1084-1095. [PMID: 37349507 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02680-5] [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: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination remains a significant environmental concern. In aquatic ecosystems, Hg can undergo methylation, forming its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), which bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in the food chain, ultimately reaching the top predators, including waterfowl. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution and levels of Hg in wing feathers, with a specific focus on evaluating heterogeneity in the primary feathers of two kingfisher species (Megaceryle torquata and Chloroceryle amazona). The concentrations of total Hg (THg) in the primary feathers of C. amazona individuals from the Juruena, Teles Pires, and Paraguay rivers were 4.724 ± 1.600, 4.003 ± 1.532, and 2.800 ± 1.475 µg/kg, respectively. The THg concentrations in the secondary feathers were 4.624 ± 1.718, 3.531 ± 1.361, and 2.779 ± 1.699 µg/kg, respectively. For M. torquata, the THg concentrations in the primary feathers from the Juruena, Teles Pires, and Paraguay rivers were 7.937 ± 3.830, 6.081 ± 2.598, and 4.697 ± 2.585 µg/kg, respectively. The THg concentrations in the secondary feathers were 7.891 ± 3.869, 5.124 ± 2.420, and 4.201 ± 2.176 µg/kg, respectively. The percentage of MeHg in the samples increased during THg recovery, with an average of 95% in primary feathers and 80% in secondary feathers. It is crucial to comprehend the current Hg concentrations in Neotropical birds to mitigate potential toxic effects on these species. Exposure to Hg can lead to reduced reproductive rates and behavioral changes, such as motor incoordination and impaired flight ability, ultimately resulting in population decline among bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaysa Costa Hurtado
- Center for the Study of Limnology, Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE) - Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of the State of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil.
| | - Gerlane de Medeiros Costa
- Center for the Study of Limnology, Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE) - Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of the State of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Giovani Spínola de Carvalho
- Center for the Study of Limnology, Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE) - Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of the State of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ramos Brum
- Center for the Study of Limnology, Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE) - Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of the State of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Áurea Regina Alves Ignácio
- Center for the Study of Limnology, Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE) - Ecotoxicology Laboratory, University of the State of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
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7
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Gómez-Ramírez P, Bustnes JO, Eulaers I, Johnsen TV, Lepoint G, Pérez-García JM, García-Fernández AJ, Espín S, Jaspers VLB. Mercury Exposure in Birds of Prey from Norway: Relation to Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Signatures in Body Feathers. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 110:100. [PMID: 37266735 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were analysed in body feathers from nestlings of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) (WTE; n = 13) and Northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) (NG; n = 8) and in red blood cells (RBC) from NG (n = 11) from Norway. According to linear mixed model, species factor was significant in explaining the Hg concentration in feathers (LMM; p < 0.001, estimate (WTE) = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.26, 3.76), with concentrations higher in WTE (3.01 ± 1.34 µg g-1 dry weight) than in NG (0.51 ± 0.34 µg g-1 dry weight). This difference and the isotopic patterns for each species, likely reflect their diet, as WTE predominantly feed on a marine and higher trophic-chain diet compared to the terrestrial NG. In addition, Hg concentrations in RBCs of NG nestlings were positively correlated with feather Hg concentrations (Rho = 0.77, p = 0.03), supporting the potential usefulness of nestling body feathers to biomonitor and estimate Hg exposure. Hg levels in both species were generally below the commonly applied toxicity threshold of 5 µg g-1 in feathers, although exceeded in two WTE (6.08 and 5.19 µg g-1 dry weight).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Giles Lepoint
- Laboratory of Oceanology, UR FOCUS, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Toxicology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Espín
- Toxicology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Veerle Leontina Bernard Jaspers
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024, Trondheim, Norway.
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García-Cegarra AM, Martínez-López E. Metal concentrations in feathers of red-legged cormorants (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) and sources of plastic in a nesting colony from northern Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114817. [PMID: 36931167 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114817] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mining industry is increasing the concentrations of heavy metals in coastal ecosystems of northern Chile. The presence of plastic in the nests of red-legged cormorants could be acting as a vector of metal presence in their organism. Here we analyze the source of plastic in the nests of cormorants by characterizing the abundance and type of marine debris in beaches and sea surface and the concentrations of eight metals in their feathers. Plastic was present in overall sampled nests and floating and beach debris are not the main sources of plastic to the nests. Overall analyzed metals were present in the cormorants in the following order: Zn > Cu > Se > Pb > Cd > As > Hg > Cr and Se, Cd and Pb concentrations were above the toxic limit. Further studies should investigate the potential adverse effects that plastics and metals presence may cause in this nesting colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M García-Cegarra
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile; Centro de Investigación de Fauna Marina y Avistamiento de Cetáceos, CIFAMAC, Mejillones, Chile.
| | - 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.
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9
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Pessôa ARL, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Trace elements in migratory species arriving to Antarctica according to their migration range. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114693. [PMID: 36773589 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The levels of eighteen trace elements (TEs) were evaluated in association with stable isotopes (δ15N, δ34S, and δ13C) in feathers and eggs of five migratory species breeding on the Antarctic Peninsula to test the factors that influence their exposure to contaminants. The feathers of seabirds migrating to the Northern Hemisphere (South polar skua) have concentrations (mean ± SD, μg. g-1) of Li (1.71 ± 2.08) and Mg (1169.5 ± 366.8) one order of magnitude higher than southern migrants, such as Snowy sheathbill Li (0.01 ± 0.005) and Mg (499.6 ± 111.9). Feathers had significantly higher concentrations for 11 of a total of 18 metals measured compared to eggs. South polar skua have higher concentrations of all TEs in eggs compared to antarctic tern. Therefore, the present study showed that migration and trophic ecology (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) influence Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se concentrations in feathers of Antarctic seabirds. The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Rb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr are higher than previously reported, which may be due to increased local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Soils and Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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10
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Espejo W, Chiang G, Kitamura D, Kashiwada S, O'Driscoll NJ, Celis JE. Occurrence of rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements (TEs) in feathers of adult and young Gentoo penguins from King George Island, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114575. [PMID: 36640502 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114575] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Penguins are sentinel species for marine pollution, but their role as potential biovectors of REEs or TEs to ecosystems has been poorly studied. The present study analyzed (ICP-MS) feathers of young and adult Gentoo penguins from Fildes Bay, for 63 elements (including 15 REEs). Most of the REEs were present at very low levels, ranging from 0.002 (Lu) to 0.452 (Sm) μg g-1 d.w., several orders of magnitude lower than TEs. The content of TEs varied widely, with Al, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, Ti and Mn as the seven having the highest concentrations in the feathers of both age groups. The results show that P. papua deposits REEs and TEs through the feathers on the penguin rockery, whose potential actual impacts and long-term fate in remote regions need deeper research. This work presents essential baseline data that will be useful for further studies on Antarctic penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred Espejo
- Soils and Natural Resources Department, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Gustavo Chiang
- Sustainability Research Centre-Ecology & Biodiversity Department, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daiki Kitamura
- Research Center for Life and Environmental Sciences, Toyo University, Oura 374-0193, Japan
| | - Shosaku Kashiwada
- Research Center for Life and Environmental Sciences, Toyo University, Oura 374-0193, Japan
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile.
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11
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Hillyer KE, Raes E, Bissett A, Beale DJ. Multi-omics eco-surveillance of bacterial community function in legacy contaminated estuary sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120857. [PMID: 36513173 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Complex legacy contamination is a major issue for many estuaries, with toxicity affecting change in bacterial communities, and their provision of associated goods and services. Sequencing surveys of bacterial community composition provide inferred function; however, additional insights may be generated by measurement of realised metabolic phenotypes. We apply multi-omics (genomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics), with traditional sediment quality analyses, to characterise sediment-associated bacterial communities in an estuary subject to legacy metal contamination (Zn, Hg, As, Cd, Cu and Pb). Analyses of bacterial composition and inferred function (genomics) are coupled with measurements of realised bacterial phenotype (metabolomics and lipidomics) at multiple industrialised and reference sites. At sites with the highest sediment metal concentrations (NTB), we also observed increased abundances of hydrocarbon and sulphuric acid metabolites, indicating additional sediment contamination. Bacterial phyla across sampled sites were dominated by Proteobacteria and Desulfobacteria. NTB sites were enriched with metabolically versatile, cooperative and biofilm forming phyla including, Zixibacteria, Spirochaetota, SAR324 clade, Proteobacteria, Latescibacterota, Desulfobacterota, Deferrisomtota and Acidobateriota; with inferred functions characterised by sulphur metabolism, pathways associated with the degradation of complex organic molecules, and fermentation. Reference sites were characterised by enhanced vitamin biosynthesis, cell wall, cofactor and carbohydrate biosynthesis, and CO2 fixation. Measured metabolic phenotypes at NTB sites supported predicted functions, with most consistent change observed to naphthalene and aminobenzoate degradation pathways and carbohydrate metabolism (galactose, amino and nucleotide sugar). Change in NTB metabolite profiles was most highly correlated with sediment Hg concentrations, indicative of toxic exposure and potential for Hg methylation. Lipid profiles generated further insight into potential functional (hydroxy fatty acids) and community level change (ceramide phosphoethanolamines, unsaturated glycerides). Multi-omics outputs provided insights into bacterial community functions, modes of contaminant toxicity and expressed mechanisms of adaptation, necessary to better inform management decisions and predictive models in increasingly human-influenced environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Hillyer
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | - Eric Raes
- Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO, Battery Point, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Flourishing Oceans, Minderoo Foundation, Broadway, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew Bissett
- Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO, Battery Point, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - David J Beale
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia.
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12
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Correia E, Granadeiro JP, Vale C, Catry T. Trace elements in relation to trophic ecology of long-distance migratory shorebirds and seabirds in West Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120674. [PMID: 36403880 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120674] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Shorebirds and seabirds are abundant predators in coastal habitats worldwide, relying upon a high diversity of benthic invertebrates and fish, respectively. While occupying different trophic guilds, they are differently exposed to element contamination entering the coastal food web. Therefore, these birds have been used as bioindicators of environmental contamination in marine ecosystems. We analysed the concentration of trace elements in blood samples of 16 shorebird and seabird migratory species in a major non-breeding site, the Bijagós Archipelago, in regard to their trophic ecology. Overall, our study shows low exposure of this bird community to toxic elements, except for Hg. Most species presented Hg burdens within the moderate toxicity threshold, but one species (Dunlin) presented values at a potential high Hg toxicity risk. We found a positive relationship between Se and Ni concentrations and δ15N values (a proxy for trophic level). In addition, a positive relationship was found between δ13C (a proxy for habitat characteristics) and Hg, Fe, Cu and Mn, while the opposite pattern was recorded for As. Differences were also shown for several trace elements between the two studied trophic guilds: concentrations of As, Pb and Se were higher in pelagic fish consumers (seabirds), whereas Cr, Fe and Sr burdens were higher in benthic invertebrate consumers (shorebirds). Although previous studies in the same site revealed very high concentrations of Cd and Pb in some of the prey species of shorebirds and seabirds (bivalves and fishes), values found in birds for these two elements suggest no toxicological risk. Thus, exposure to toxic elements is not currently a threat to coastal bird populations, namely those facing apparent local declines in Guinea-Bissau, one of the most important non-breeding quarters for of West Africa. Still, Hg burdens were high in some species, deserving further monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Correia
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Vale
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Teresa Catry
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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13
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Samaraweera M, Chandrajith R, Jayasena N. Birds of different feeding habits as biomonitors for trace elements in a wetland of the Central Asian Flyway, Sri Lanka. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 306:135602. [PMID: 35809749 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135602] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the environmental exposure of wildlife to toxic trace elements is important for conservation. Sri Lanka does not have a biomonitoring programme for exposure of wildlife to pollutants. We measured levels of Hg, Pb, Cd, As, and Se in feathers of resident and migratory birds with different food habits in a wetland ecosystem of Sri Lanka, which is located at the southern-most point of the Central Asian Flyway. Diet and migratory status significantly affected concentrations of Hg, Pb, and As. Migrant invertivores showed the highest concentration of Hg and As. The highest concentration of Pb was in resident frugivores. Diet was the only significant explanatory variable for Cd, with frugivores recording the highest concentrations. Migratory status was the only factor significantly affecting feather Se, with migrant birds recording higher levels of Se; however, migratory status did not affect the Se: Hg ratio. The mean Se: Hg ratio was significantly affected by diet, but was >1 in birds of all food habits. Some birds in our study had concentrations of Hg, Pb, and Cd at higher levels than thresholds for adverse effects. High levels of these elements were recorded in both resident and migratory birds of differing food habits. Our study highlights the necessity of including biomonitors from diverse habitats and foraging guilds. This study establishes the baseline information for exposure of wildlife to several toxic trace elements necessary to establish a long-term biomonitoring programme important for the conservation of birds both in a national and global context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mano Samaraweera
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Rohana Chandrajith
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilmini Jayasena
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
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14
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Jouanneau W, Sebastiano M, Rozen-Rechels D, Harris SM, Blévin P, Angelier F, Brischoux F, Gernigon J, Lemesle JC, Robin F, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Chastel O. Blood mercury concentrations in four sympatric gull species from South Western France: Insights from stable isotopes and biologging. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119619. [PMID: 35709917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119619] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic trace element widely distributed in the environment, which particularly accumulates in top predators, including seabirds. Among seabirds, large gulls (Larus sp) are generalist feeders, foraging in both terrestrial and marine habitats, making them relevant bioindicators of local coastal Hg contamination. In the present study, we reported blood Hg concentrations in adults and chicks of four different gull species breeding on the French Atlantic coast: the European herring gull (Larus argentatus), the Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), the Great black-backed gull (L. marinus) and the Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis). We also investigated the potential role of foraging ecology in shaping Hg contamination across species, using the unique combination of three dietary tracers (carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotopes) and biologging (GPS tracking). A high concentration of Hg was associated with high trophic position and a marine diet in gulls, which was corroborated by birds' space use strategy during foraging trips. Adults of all four species reached Hg concentrations above reported toxicity thresholds. Specifically, adults of Great black-backed gulls had a high trophic marine specialized diet and significantly higher Hg concentrations than the three other species. Blood Hg was 4-7 times higher in adults than in chicks, although chicks of all species received mainly marine and high trophic position prey, which is expected to be the cause of blood Hg concentrations of toxic concern. By using both stable isotopes and GPS tracking, the present study provides compelling insights on the main feeding habits driving Hg contamination in a seabird assemblage feeding in complex coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jouanneau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Manrico Sebastiano
- Unité Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7221 CNRS/MNHN, 7 Rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Rozen-Rechels
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Université Paris Est Créteil, Institut d'écologie et des Sciences de l'environnement de Paris (iEES-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Stephanie M Harris
- School of Ocean Sciences, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB, United Kingdom; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, USA
| | - Pierre Blévin
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France; Akvaplan-niva AS, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606 Langnes, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Julien Gernigon
- Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), 17300, Rochefort, France
| | | | - Frédéric Robin
- Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), 17300, Rochefort, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés, LIENSs, Univ. La Rochelle, CNRS, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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15
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Roe RAL, MacFarlane GR. The potential of saltmarsh halophytes for phytoremediation of metals and persistent organic pollutants: An Australian perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113811. [PMID: 35667258 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic and inorganic pollutants are among the most concerning pollutants in Australian estuaries due to their persistent, ubiquitous, and potentially toxic nature. Traditional methods of soil remediation often fall short of practical implementation due to high monetary investment, environmental disturbance, and potential for re-contamination. Phytoremediation is gaining traction as an alternative, or synergistic mechanism of contaminated soil remediation. Phytoremediation utilises plants and associated rhizospheric microorganisms to stabilise, degrade, transform, or remove xenobiotics from contaminated mediums. Due to their apparent cross-tolerance to salt, metals, and organic contaminants, halophytes have shown promise as phytoremediation species. This review examines the potential of 93 species of Australian saltmarsh halophytes for xenobiotic phytoremediation. Considerations for the practical application of phytoremediation in Australia are discussed, including mechanisms of enhancement, and methods of harvesting and disposal. Knowledge gaps for the implementation of phytoremediation in Australian saline environments are identified, and areas for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A L Roe
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
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16
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Qu P, Pang M, Wang P, Ma X, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Gong Y. Bioaccumulation of mercury along continuous fauna trophic levels in the Yellow River Estuary and adjacent sea indicated by nitrogen stable isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128631. [PMID: 35306412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), and its organic forms, are some of the most hazardous elements, with strong toxicity, persistence, and biological accumulation in marine organisms. Hg accumulation in continuous trophic levels (TL) in marine food chains remains unclear. In this study, individual invertebrate and fish samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary adjacent sea were grouped into continuous TL ranges, and the bioaccumulations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed. The trophic magnification factor in invertebrates and fish was 1.40 and 1.72 for THg, and 2.56 and 2.17 for MeHg, indicating that both THg and MeHg were significantly biomagnified with increasing TL in both invertebrates and fish through trophic transfer. To evaluate the health risk of seafood consumption, the target hazard quotient (THQ) was calculated. Increasing THQ values indicated that the health risks of invertebrate and fish consumption in humans, especially children, were both elevated with increasing TL. THQ values > 1 indicated that consumption of invertebrates at a TL above 4.0 and fish above 4.5 may pose a relatively higher risk for children. Therefore, the consumption of both individual invertebrates and fish at high trophic positions may present greater health risk, especially in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qu
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Min Pang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China.
| | - Penggong Wang
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Testing Co., LTD., Jiaozhou District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Xuli Ma
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Co., LTD., Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zongling Wang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchen Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
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17
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Melhado G, Pedrobom L JH, Menegário AA, Herrera Montalvo LG, Cruz-Neto AP. Lead exposure does not affect baseline and induced innate immunity in quails. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:527-536. [PMID: 35189040 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2586] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is one of the most common metals found in ecosystems in elevated concentrations derived mainly from anthropogenic activities. Pb toxicity is of special concern in birds due to its capacity for bioaccumulation in the liver, bones, and kidneys causing physiological disruptions. Such disruptions can be lethal in a few days after Pb acute intoxication and they are associated with several million deaths of birds. Moreover, Pb may work as an immunosuppressant as it affects the cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, including components of the acute-phase response (APR). We (1) examined the effects of Pb contamination on the innate immune system, body mass, and food intake of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), and (2) evaluated the effects of Pb on its APR after exposing the animals to Pb acetate in drinkable water during 7 days. We found that Pb contamination increased the number of circulating white blood cells (WBCs), but no effect was found on body mass, food intake, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, and haptoglobin (Hp) concentration. When Pb-exposed birds were injected with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli to activate the APR, they had a negative body mass ratio, reduced food intake, and increased the number of WBCs, the H/L ratio, and the Hp concentration. We conclude that Pb exposure at this dose did not affect baseline values of the constitutive response and that it did not affect the APR of quails, but commend for further studies testing the effect of different Pb doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Melhado
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri A Menegário
- Centro de Estudos Ambientais, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional, Autónoma de México, San Patricio, Jalisco, México
| | - Ariovaldo P Cruz-Neto
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Liu W, Lu G, Wang WX. In situ high-resolution two-dimensional profiles of redox sensitive metal mobility in sediment-water interface and porewater from estuarine sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153034. [PMID: 35065125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metals in contaminated sediments may present high environmental risks and ecological threats to benthic organisms. Redox sensitive elements with different oxidation states show variations in solubility as a function of redox status of the sediment water environment. The novel high-resolution ZrO-Chelex-AgI diffusive gradients in thin film (HR-ZCA DGT) technique provided sensitive in situ mapping of metals in the estuarine sediments. The present study investigated the sub-millimeter two-dimensional distributions of DGT-labile S(-II), P(V), and six redox sensitive metals (Fe, Mn, V, Cu, Ni, and Zn) across sediment-water interface (SWI) severely influenced by anthropogenic activity. We for the first time used the V-turning value (the V/Fe ratios at ~0.03) to accurately identify the actual SWI. The diffusion boundary layer (DBL) thickness of Ni, Cu and Zn was consistent with those identified by the dissolved oxygen microelectrode method, and was 3-6 mm above the SWI. No significant release of dissolved Fe and P from sediments into the overlying water was found by diffusion process. The estimated fluxes (Fdif) of Ni, Cu, and Zn at DBL were 4.0-176, -1.1-235, and 5.0-108 μg m-2 d-1, respectively, and were significantly higher in sediments near the industrial effluent dumping sites than those in sediments impacted by domestic wastewater releases. Metal diffusion flux was mainly controlled by the particulate matter on the surface sediment and organic degradation. Traditional diffusion flux may have underestimated the flux of metals from the surface sediments. The discharge of hypoxic tributary was an important source of metal pollution in the contaminated estuarine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; Research Center for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 51807, China
| | - Guangyuan Lu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; Research Center for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 51807, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; Research Center for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 51807, China; School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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19
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Córdoba-Tovar L, Marrugo-Negrete J, Barón PR, Díez S. Drivers of biomagnification of Hg, As and Se in aquatic food webs: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112226. [PMID: 34717950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of trace elements is increasingly evident in aquatic ecosystems. In this review we investigate the drivers of biomagnification of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in aquatic food webs. Despite Hg, As and Se biomagnify in food webs, the biomagnification potential of Hg is much higher than that of As and Se. The slope of trophic increase of Hg is consistent between temperate (0.20), tropical (0.22) and Arctic (0.22) ecosystems. Se exerts a mitigating role against Hg toxicity but desired maximum and minimum concentrations are unknown. Environmental (e.g. latitude, temperature and physicochemical characteristics) and ecological factors (e.g. trophic structure composition and food zone) can substantially influence the biomagnification process these metal (oids). Besides the level of bioaccumulated concentration, biomagnification depends on the biology, ecology and physiology of the organisms that play a key role in this process. However, it may be necessary to determine strictly biological, physiological and environmental factors that could modulate the concentrations of As and Se in particular. The information presented here should provide clues for research that include under-researched variables. Finally, we suggest that biomagnification be incorporated into environmental management policies, mainly in risk assessment, monitoring and environmental protection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonomir Córdoba-Tovar
- Universidad Tecnólogica del Chocó, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Grupo de Investigación Recursos Naturales y Toxicología Ambiental, Quibdó, Chocó, A.A 292, Colombia; Universidad de Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Pablo Ramos Barón
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Transversal 4#42-00, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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CASTRO MARLLONF, MEIER MARTIN, NEVES JÚLIOC, FRANCELINO MÁRCIOR, SCHAEFER CARLOSERNESTOG, OLIVEIRA TEOGENESS. Influence of different seabird species on trace metals content in Antarctic soils. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210623. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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21
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Ekblad C, Eulaers I, Schulz R, Stjernberg T, Søndergaard J, Zubrod J, Laaksonen T. Spatial and dietary sources of elevated mercury exposure in white-tailed eagle nestlings in an Arctic freshwater environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:117952. [PMID: 34425374 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117952] [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] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced mercury (Hg) contamination is of global concern and its effects on wildlife remain of high concern, especially in environmental hotspots such as inland aquatic ecosystems. Mercury biomagnifies through the food web resulting in high exposure in apex predators, such as the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), making them excellent sentinel species for environmental Hg contamination. An expanding population of white-tailed eagles is inhabiting a sparsely populated inland area in Lapland, northern Finland, mainly around two large reservoirs flooded 50 years ago. As previous preliminary work revealed elevated Hg levels in this population, we measured Hg exposure along with dietary proxies (δ13C and δ15N) in body feathers collected from white-tailed eagle nestlings in this area between 2007 and 2018. Mercury concentrations were investigated in relation to territory characteristics, proximity to the reservoirs and dietary ecology as potential driving factors of Hg contamination. Mercury concentrations in the nestlings (4.97-31.02 μg g-1 dw) were elevated, compared to earlier reported values in nestlings from the Finnish Baltic coast, and exceeded normal background levels (≤5.00 μg g-1) while remaining below the tentative threshold of elevated risk for Hg exposure mediated health effect (>40.00 μg g-1). The main drivers of Hg contamination were trophic position (proxied by δ15N), the dietary proportion of the predatory fish pike (Esox lucius), and the vicinity to the Porttipahta reservoir. We also identified a potential evolutionary trap, as increased intake of the preferred prey, pike, increases exposure. All in all, we present results for poorly understood freshwater lake environments and show that more efforts should be dedicated to further unravel potentially complex pathways of Hg exposure to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ekblad
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ralf Schulz
- IES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Torsten Stjernberg
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, PO Box 17, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jochen Zubrod
- IES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
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22
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Crowley BE, Bataille CP, Haak BA, Sommer KM. Identifying nesting grounds for juvenile migratory birds with dual isotope: an initial test using North American raptors. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E. Crowley
- Department of Geology University of Cincinnati 500 Geology Physics Building, 345 Clifton Court Cincinnati Ohio 45221 USA
- Department of Anthropology University of Cincinnati 481 Braunstein Hall Cincinnati Ohio 45221 USA
| | - Clément P. Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Advanced Research Complex University of Ottawa 25 Templeton Street University Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Bruce A. Haak
- Independent Researcher 2522 Park Lane Eagle Idaho 83616 USA
| | - Kaitlin M. Sommer
- Department of Geology University of Cincinnati 500 Geology Physics Building, 345 Clifton Court Cincinnati Ohio 45221 USA
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23
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Souza JS, Pizzochero AC, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa ARL, Almeida AP, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Michel LN, Das K, Dorneles PR. Factors that influence trace element levels in blood and feathers of Pygoscelis penguins from South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117209. [PMID: 33932832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant levels are lower in Antarctica than elsewhere in the world because of its low anthropogenic activities. However, the northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula, is close to South America and experiences the greatest anthropogenic pressure in Antarctica. Here, we investigated, in two Antarctic Peninsula islands, intra and interspecific factors that influence the concentrations of 17 trace elements (TEs) in blood and feathers of three penguin species breeding sympatrically in relation to their trophic ecology assessed via a stable isotopic approach (C, N and S). Geographical location, foraging zone (δ13C and δ34S) and diet influences the interspecific difference, and sex and maturity stage diet influence the intraspecific difference of Pygoscelis penguins. Penguins from Livingston showed higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dry weight - dw) of Zn (103), Mn (0.3), and Fe (95) than those from King George Island (Zn: 80, Mn: 1.9, and Fe: 11). Gender-related differences were observed, as males showed significantly higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Rb (3.4) and δ15N in blood of gentoo, and Ca (1344) in Adélie feathers. Chicks of gentoo and Adélie presented higher Zn, Mg, Ca, and Sr and lower 13C values in blood than adults. The highest concentrations (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Cd (0.2) and Cu (26), and the lowest δ15N values were found in chinstrap. Geographical, intraspecific (i.e., ontogenetic and gender-related) and interspecific differences in feeding seemed to have influenced TE and stable isotope values in these animals. The TE bioaccumulation by penguins may have also been influenced by natural enrichment in environmental levels of these elements, which seems to be the case for Fe, Zn, and Mn. However, the high level of some of the TEs (Mn, Cd, and Cr) may reflect the increase of local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - J S Souza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - A C Pizzochero
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A P Almeida
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - L N Michel
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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24
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Mora MA, Sandoval C, Taylor R. Metals and Metalloids in Feathers of Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Nesting in Lake Livingston and Richland Creek, Texas, USA. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:406-411. [PMID: 33725161 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03161-3] [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: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Breast feathers of Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) from two nesting colonies in Lake Livingston (LALIV) and Richland Creek, Texas, were collected during 2014 and were analyzed for metals and metalloids. Mean concentrations of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sb, and Se were not significantly different in breast feathers of cormorants from the two locations or between sexes. However, mean concentrations of Co, Mn, Ni, and V were significantly greater in feathers of cormorants from Richland Creek than in those from LALIV; and Zn concentrations were greater in cormorants from LALIV than in those from Richland Creek (p < 0.05). Overall, except for a few outliers for Pb, concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in feathers were similar or lower than those reported in other species of cormorants from all over the world and were below levels of concern for lethal or sublethal effects on the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Mora
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2258, USA.
| | - Christopher Sandoval
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2258, USA
| | - Robert Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
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25
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Rath S, Bal A, Paital B. Heavy metal and organic load in Haripur creek of Gopalpur along the Bay of Bengal, east coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:28275-28288. [PMID: 33534104 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12601-w] [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: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of heavy metals in zooplanktons is used as an essential tool for the evaluation of health of an ecosystem. Such data are used to set further monitoring strategies especially in (coastal) water bodies. In the present study, seasonal bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg, organic loads such as nitrite and phosphate, contents loads and physicochemical parameters in Haripur creek along the Bay of Bengal in east coast of India is measured in zooplanktons. Coastal organisms are considered an integral part of marine ecosystems and their frequent massive die-off events along the coast of the Bay of Bengal are correlated with the obtained pollutant data. The levels of heavy metals were also correlated with several extrinsic environmental factors such as water transparency, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH and temperature. Discriminant function analyses and standardised coefficients for canonical variables for the obtained data indicate that the studied environmental factors and organic loads varied as a function of season. Bioaccumulation of the studied heavy metals in zooplanktons was seasonal and infrequently noticed above the standard limit. The computed bioaccumulation factor of the five metals showed that accumulation of Zn was higher in zooplanktons as compared to that of the other studied metals. So, the entry of heavy metals through the food chains or via direct exposure (to organic loads also) to the other inhabiting organisms including fish may be assumed. This could be one of the possible reasons for the observed frequent (fish) die-off events at Gopalpur Coast along the Bay of Bengal and may be considered a clue for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasmita Rath
- Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur, Odisha, 760007, India
| | - Abhipsa Bal
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, India
| | - Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, India.
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26
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Vidal M, García-Miranda Ó, Domínguez J. Sex-related and spatial variation in trace elements in feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) from different coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144628. [PMID: 33421782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144628] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the sex-related and spatial variation in trace elements concentrations in feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) inhabiting different coastal locations in the Iberian Peninsula. Feathers were sampled in a total of 50 breeding birds from 7 different locations: 3 on the Mediterranean coast (n=18), 1 on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia (n=9) and 3 on the NW Atlantic coast (n=23). The feathers were analyzed to determine the concentrations of Al, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg and Pb. All of the trace elements were present at detectable concentrations, and the mean concentrations of Al, Zn and Cu were highest of those considered. The coastal section had a significant effect on 5 elements (Mn, Cu, As, Cd and Pb). The mean concentrations of almost all of the trace elements were highest in the birds from Andalusia, intermediate in the birds from the Mediterranean area and, in general, lowest in the birds from the NW Atlantic coast. Females showed significant higher Mn concentrations and high levels of exogenous elements (Al and As) in contrast with males. Less preening activity during the day of female birds, when they are occupied in incubating eggs, could favour higher concentrations of exogenous trace elements. The high levels of several trace elements observed in the samples from Mediterranean and Atlantic coast of Andalusia may pose a serious threat to these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Vidal
- Departamento de Zooloxía, Xenética e Antropoloxía Física, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Óscar García-Miranda
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex-Hacienda Santa Catarina Mártir, 72810 Puebla, Mexico
| | - Jesús Domínguez
- Departamento de Zooloxía, Xenética e Antropoloxía Física, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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27
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Burger J, Gochfeld M. Biomonitoring selenium, mercury, and selenium:mercury molar ratios in selected species in Northeastern US estuaries: risk to biota and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18392-18406. [PMID: 33471308 PMCID: PMC9624179 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The mutual mitigation of selenium and mercury toxicity is particularly interesting, especially for humans. Mercury is widely recognized as a pantoxic element; all forms are toxic to all organisms. Less well known is that selenium in excess is toxic as well. The high affinity between these elements influences their bioavailability and toxicity. In this paper, we use selected species from Barnegat and Delaware Bays in New Jersey to examine variations in levels of selenium and mercury, and selenium:mercury molar ratios between and within species. We report on species ranging from horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus polyphemus), a keystone species of the food chain, to several fish species, to fish-eating birds. Sampling began in the 1970s for some species and in the 1990s for others. We found no clear time trends in mercury levels in horseshoe crab eggs, but selenium levels declined at first, then remained steady after the mid1990s. Concentrations of mercury and selenium in blood of migrant shorebirds directly reflected levels in horseshoe crab eggs (their food at stopover). Levels of mercury in eggs of common terns (Sterna hirundo) varied over time, and may have declined slightly since the mid2000s; selenium levels also varied temporally, and declined somewhat. There were variations in mercury and selenium levels in commercial, recreational, and subsistence fish as a function of species, season, and size (a surrogate for age). Selenium:mercury molar ratios also varied as a function of species, year, season, and size in fish. While mercury levels increased with size within individual fish species, selenium levels remained the same or declined. Thus selenium:mercury molar ratios declined with size in fish, reducing the potential of selenium to ameliorate mercury toxicity in consumers. Mercury levels in fish examined were higher in early summer and late fall, and lower in the summer, while selenium stayed relatively similar; thus selenium:mercury molar ratios were lower in early summer and late fall than in midsummer. We discuss the importance of temporal trends in biomonitoring projects, variations in levels of mercury, selenium, and the molar ratios as a function of several variables, and the influence of these on risks to predators and humans eating the fish, and the eggs of gulls, terns. Our data suggests that variability limits the utility of the selenium:mercury molar ratio for fish consumption advisories and for risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Science, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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28
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Iqbal F, Ayub Q, Wilson R, Song BK, Talei A, Yeong KY, Hermawan AA, Fahim M, Rahman S. Monitoring of heavy metal pollution in urban and rural environments across Pakistan using House crows (Corvus splendens) as bioindicator. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:237. [PMID: 33783594 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08966-7] [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] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A widely distributed urban bird, the house crow (Corvus splendens), was used to assess bioavailable heavy metals in urban and rural environments across Pakistan. Bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was investigated in wing feathers of 96 crows collected from eight locations and categorized into four groups pertaining to their geographical and environmental similarities. Results revealed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cr were positively correlated and varied significantly among the four groups. Zn, Fe, Cr, and Cu regarded as industrial outputs, were observed in birds both in industrialized cities and in adjoining rural agricultural areas irrigated through the Indus Basin Irrigation System. Birds in both urban regions accrued Pb more than the metal toxicity thresholds for birds. The house crow was ranked in the middle on the metal accumulation levels in feathers between highly accumulating raptor and piscivore and less contaminated insectivore and granivore species in the studied areas,. This study suggests that the house crow is an efficient bioindicator and supports the feasibility of using feathers to discriminate the local pollution differences among terrestrial environments having different levels and kinds of anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheena Iqbal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Qasim Ayub
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Robyn Wilson
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Beng Kah Song
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Amin Talei
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Aditya Hermawan
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Fahim
- Centre for Omics Sciences, Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Sadequr Rahman
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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29
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de Medeiros Costa G, Lázaro WL, Sanpera C, Sánchez-Fortún M, Dos Santos Filho M, Díez S. Rhamphotheca as a useful indicator of mercury in seabirds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:141730. [PMID: 32920380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of mercury (Hg) toxicity in wildlife species has prompted a search for sensitive indicators to accurately measure the body burden of Hg. Despite the extensive use of feathers as an indicator of Hg in birds, they do not appear to be an entirely suitable indicator of the extent of contamination in certain conditions and bird species since Hg levels are influenced by the growth period, timing of the last moult and migration. This research aimed to evaluate rhamphotheca as a potential indicator of environmental Hg concentrations in seabirds. We used culled yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) (n = 20) and determined THg in rhamphotheca and feathers. We distinguished between upper and lower rhamphotheca, and divided each one into 16 equal portions along the culmen to analyse their THg content spatially. In each bird, THg was also determined in primary (P1) and secondary (S8) feathers and compared with rhamphotheca. The median (25th, 75th percentile) rhamphotheca Hg concentration was 13.44 (9.63, 17.46) μg/g, which was twofold higher than in the feathers 7.56 (4.88, 12.89) μg/g. Median THg in rhamphotheca was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females 15.05 (10.35, 23.04) μg/g than in males 12.34 (8.57, 15.19) μg/g, whereas no differences (p > 0.05) were found in the feathers. No significant differences in Hg levels were found between upper and lower beak mandibles or along either. In contrast, significant differences in Hg concentrations were found between the P1 and S8 feathers (mean, 12.04 vs. 6.04 μg/g). No correlation was found between Hg content in rhamphotheca and feathers. Mercury levels in rhamphotheca exhibited stronger significant relationships with weight (R2 = 0.568), length (R2 = 0.524) and culmen (R2 = 0.347) than the levels in the feathers, which showed no correlation. Overall, our results suggest that rhamphotheca is a suitable tissue indicator for Hg monitoring in gulls; however, further studies are needed to extend our research to other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlane de Medeiros Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Wilkinson L Lázaro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manoel Dos Santos Filho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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30
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Hawkins SJ, O'Shaughnessy KA, Adams LA, Langston WJ, Bray S, Allen JR, Wilkinson S, Bohn K, Mieszkowska N, Firth LB. Recovery of an urbanised estuary: Clean-up, de-industrialisation and restoration of redundant dock-basins in the Mersey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111150. [PMID: 32510354 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
For much of the 20th century, the Mersey in North West England was one of the worst polluted estuaries in Europe. Water from a range of polluting industries plus domestic sewage was discharged into the Mersey Catchment and Estuary. Recovery came through a concerted clean-up campaign and tightening environmental regulations, partly driven by European Commission Directives, coupled with de-industrialisation from the 1970s onward. Recovery of oxygen levels in the Estuary led to the return of a productive ecosystem. This led to conservation designations, but also concerns about transfer of pollutants to higher trophic levels in fish, birds and humans. As part of urban renewal, ecosystems in disused dock basins were restored using mussel biofiltration and artificial de-stratification, facilitating commercial redevelopment and creation of a tourist destination. The degradation and recovery of the Mersey from peak-pollution in the mid-20th century is put in the context of wider environmental change and briefly compared to other systems to develop a hysteresis model of degradation and recovery, often to novel ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hawkins
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton SO17 3ZH, United Kingdom; The Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - K A O'Shaughnessy
- The Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
| | - L A Adams
- The Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - W J Langston
- The Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - S Bray
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building 85, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; AQASS Ltd Unit 16, Sidings Industrial Estate, Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - J R Allen
- Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - S Wilkinson
- Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom; Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough PE1 1JY, United Kingdom
| | - K Bohn
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton SO17 3ZH, United Kingdom; Natural England, Nottingham NG2 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - N Mieszkowska
- The Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom; School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - L B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
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Feng Z, Xiao T, Zhang G, Zhang L, Cui Y, Jiang Y. Mercury spatial distribution characteristics and its exposure of the endangered Jankowski's bunting. Ecol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Feng
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- School of Environment Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Gang Zhang
- School of Environment Northeast Normal University Changchun China
- Institute of Grassland Science Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Lishi Zhang
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Yufei Cui
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Yunlei Jiang
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
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Tasneem F, Abbasi NA, Iqbal Chaudhry MJ, Mashiatullah A, Ahmad SR, Qadir A, Malik RN. Dietary proxies (δ15N, δ13C) as signature of metals and arsenic exposure in birds from aquatic and terrestrial food chains. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109191. [PMID: 32062182 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109191] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, exposure to arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) was investigated in the blood, pectoral muscles and tail feathers of two terrestrial (spotted owlet; Athena brama and bank myna; Acridotheres ginginianus) and two aquatic (cattle egret; Bubulcus ibis and pond heron; Ardeola grayii) bird species inhabiting Pakistan. Food chain specimens, as well as the dietary proxies δ15N and δ13C, were also analyzed to validate potential trophic and dietary transfers of metals and As in birds. Zn was found to be the most prevalent metal in the tissues of birds followed by Pb, As, Cu, and Cd. The bioaccumulation of metals and As was higher in tail feathers reflecting the combined effect of both endogenous and exogenous contamination. Pectoral muscle and blood harbored lower levels of As and metals, indicating less recent exposure through diet. Aquatic birds feeding at higher trophic levels accumulated significantly higher concentrations of metals and As in their tissues (P < 0.05) and, therefore, may be at a greater risk of metal and As toxicity than terrestrial birds. Linear regression model depicts δ15N as a strong predictor of metals and As levels in the tissues of both aquatic and terrestrial birds, followed by the δ13C dietary proxy. All metals in aquatic species, except for Cd, as well as terrestrial species, except for Cu, exhibit bioaccumulative potential through the food chain (Trophic transfer factor: TTFs > 1) indicating potential harmful consequences for birds. Elevated concentrations of metals and As in tissues may cause harmful effects in birds potentially leading to declines in their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhenda Tasneem
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Akhtar Abbasi
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan; College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan; WWF, constitution avenue, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Azhar Mashiatullah
- Isotope Application Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Bergmann M, Graça MAS. Bioaccumulation and Dispersion of Uranium by Freshwater Organisms. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 78:254-266. [PMID: 31650202 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00677-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Uranium is the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth. Uranium mining may result in ground and surface water contamination with potential bioaccumulation and dispersion by aquatic invertebrates with aerial stages. We investigated the effects of uranium contamination at community level in terms of abundance, richness, the composition of invertebrate communities, and functional traits. We also investigated uranium mobility across aquatic food webs and its transfer to land via the emergence of aquatic insects. We sampled water, sediment, biofilm, macrophytes, aquatic invertebrates, adult insects, and spiders in the riparian zone across sites with a gradient of uranium concentrations in stream water (from 2.1 to 4.7 µg L-1) and sediments (from 10.4 to 41.8 µg g-1). Macroinvertebrate assemblages differed between sites with a higher diversity and predominance of Nemouridae and Baetidae at the reference site and low diversity and predominance of Chironomidae in sites with the highest uranium concentration. Uranium concentrations in producers and consumers increased linearly with uranium concentration in stream water and sediment (p < 0.05). The highest accumulation was found in litter (83.76 ± 5.42 µg g-1) and macrophytes (47.58 ± 6.93 µg g-1) in the most contaminated site. Uranium was highest in scrapers (14.30 ± 0.98 µg g-1), followed by shredders (12.96 ± 0.81 µg g-1) and engulfer predators (7.01 ± 1.3 µg g-1). Uranium in adults of aquatic insects in the riparian zone in all sites ranged from 0.25 to 2.90 µg g-1, whereas in spiders it ranged from 0.96 to 1.73 µg g-1, with no differences between sites (p > 0.05). There was a negative relationship between δ15N and uranium, suggesting there is no biomagnification along food webs. We concluded that uranium is accumulated by producers and consumers but not biomagnified nor dispersed to land with the emergence of aquatic insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bergmann
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Manuel A S Graça
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Picone M, Corami F, Gaetan C, Basso M, Battiston A, Panzarin L, Volpi Ghirardini A. Accumulation of trace elements in feathers of the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 179:62-70. [PMID: 31026751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A non-invasive study of trace element accumulation in tail feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) was performed along the coastline of the northern littoral strip of the Venice Lagoon, with the aim to verify whether contamination may be a factor affecting conservation status of Kentish plover populations. Body burdens in feathers of 11 trace elements including toxic metals/metalloids and essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were quantified by ICP-MS, then concentrations were normalized to feather's age calculated using ptilochronology in order to obtain daily deposition rates. Mercury emerged as a major threat to the conservation of the species, since average feather concentration was clearly above the adverse-effect threshold associated with impairment in the reproductive success in a number of bird species. Also Cd and Se occurred at levels that may impact on the conservation status of the studied species at local scale, even if to a lesser extent than Hg. Gender-related differences in trace element accumulation emerged only for As, although for this element the risks associated to environmental exposure seem to be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Battiston
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Lucio Panzarin
- Associazione Naturalistica Sandonatese, c/o Centro Didattico Naturalistico il Pendolino, via Romanziol 130, 30020, Noventa di Piave, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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Heavy Metals in Biota in Delaware Bay, NJ: Developing a Food Web Approach to Contaminants. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7020034. [PMID: 31200491 PMCID: PMC6631324 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between heavy metal and selenium levels in biota and their foods is important, but often difficult to determine because animals eat a variety of organisms. Yet such information is critical to managing species populations, ecological integrity, and risk to receptors (including humans) from consumption of certain prey. We examine levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium in biota from Delaware Bay (New Jersey, USA) to begin construction of a “springtime” food web that focuses on shorebirds. Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs are one of the key components at the base of the food web, and crab spawning in spring provides a food resource supporting a massive stopover of shorebirds. Fish and other biota also forage on the crab eggs, and a complex food web leads directly to top-level predators such as bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis), both of which are consumed by egrets, eagles, ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), and humans. Metal levels in tissues were generally similar in algae, invertebrates, and small fish, and these were similar to those in blood of shorebirds (but not feathers). There was a significant direct relationship between the levels of metals in eggs of horseshoe crabs and mean metal levels in the blood of four species of shorebirds. Metal levels in shorebird feathers were higher than those in blood (except for selenium), reflecting sequestration of metals in feathers during their formation. Levels in feathers of laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) were similar to those in feathers of shorebirds (except for selenium). Selenium bears special mention as levels were significantly higher in the blood of all shorebird species than in other species in the food web, and were similar to levels in their feathers. Levels of metals in bluefish and striped bass were similar or higher than those found in the blood of shorebirds (except for selenium). The mean levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were below any effect levels, but selenium levels in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were higher than the sublethal effect levels for birds. This is a cause for concern, and warrants further examination.
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