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Li C, Xu Z, Luo K, Chen Z, Xu X, Xu C, Qiu G. Biomagnification and trophic transfer of total mercury and methylmercury in a sub-tropical montane forest food web, southwest China. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 277:130371. [PMID: 34384195 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) via food webs in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in subtropical forest ecosystems. In the present study, THg and MeHg were determined as well as the carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope composition in samples of soils, plants, invertebrates, and songbird feathers to construct food webs in a remote subtropical montane forest in Mt. Ailao, southwest China and assess the bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer of Hg. Results showed that the trophic levels (TLs) of all consumers ranged from 0.8 to 3.3 and followed the order of songbirds > spiders > omnivorous insects > herbivorous insects > plants, and THg and MeHg exhibited a clear biomagnification up the food chain from plants-herbivorous/omnivorous insects-spiders-songbirds. The lowest MeHg concentration was observed in pine needles ranged from 0.104 to 0.949 ng g-1 with only a 1.6% ratio of MeHg to THg (MeHg%), while the highest MeHg concentrations ranged from 425 to 5272 ng g-1 in songbirds with MeHg% values of up to 96%. High values of trophic magnification slope (TMS) for THg (0.22) and MeHg (0.38) were observed in plant-invertebrate-songbird food chain, verifying the significant bioaccumulation of Hg, particularly MeHg, in the remote subtropical forest ecosystem. This study confirmed the production and efficient biomagnification of MeHg in remote subtropical montane forest and the significant bioaccumulation of MeHg in terrestrial top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kang Luo
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna, 666303, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna, 666303, China; Ailaoshan Station for Subtropical Forest Ecosystem Studies, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jingdong, 676200, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chengxiang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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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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Gillingham MAF, Borghesi F, Montero BK, Migani F, Béchet A, Rendón-Martos M, Amat JA, Dinelli E, Sommer S. Bioaccumulation of trace elements affects chick body condition and gut microbiome in greater flamingos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143250. [PMID: 33248770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of trace elements represent a major concern to wetland ecosystems, since river estuaries are geochemical endpoints that accumulate pollution. Although the negative impact of environmental exposure of highly toxic elements such as Pb and Hg has received substantial attention, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the effects that these and other common trace elements have on natural populations. We used greater flamingos as a study system within three sites that represent a gradient of pollution. Controlling for environmental sediment exposure, we assessed if signatures of bioaccumulation in feathers for ten trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn and Zn) are associated with two known proxies of health: body condition and the gut bacterial microbiome. We found evidence of an adverse effect of Se, Hg, and Pb bioaccumulation on body condition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of the elements As, Cu, Se, Pb and Zn influenced different aspects of the gut microbiome. Bioaccumulation of Se led to a shift in the microbiome composition, largely driven by an enrichment of Bacteroides plebeius, which is linked to the breakdown of sulphated polysaccharides of algae. Bacteroides plebeius was negatively associated with chick body condition, suggesting an adverse effect of a microalgae diet rich in Se. Pb bioaccumulation was linked with a decrease in microbial diversity (adjusted-R2 = 10.4%) and an increase in heterogeneity of the microbial community (adjusted-R2 = 10.5%), an indication of impaired gut homeostasis. As, Cu and Zn had more nuanced effects on gut microbiome heterogeneity according to breeding site and bioaccumulation concentration. Our results therefore suggest that in addition to well-studied elements, bioaccumulation of poorly studied elements also adversely affect health of natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A F Gillingham
- University of Ulm, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Fabrizio Borghesi
- Bologna University, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | - B Karina Montero
- University of Ulm, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany; Animal Ecology and Conservation, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Arnaud Béchet
- Institut de Recherche de la Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France.
| | - Manuel Rendón-Martos
- R.N. Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio, Junta de Andalucía, Apartado 1, E-29520 Fuente de Piedra, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Juan A Amat
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, (EBD-CSIC), calle Américo Vespucio s/n, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Bologna University, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Simone Sommer
- University of Ulm, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany.
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Canova L, Sturini M, Profumo A, Maraschi F. Evidence of Low-Habitat Contamination Using Feathers of Three Heron Species as a Biomonitor of Inorganic Elemental Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7776. [PMID: 33114248 PMCID: PMC7660610 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of 12 elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) has been investigated in the feathers of three species of Ardeidae, namely the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, the Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and the Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, all breeding at a colony located in the southern Padana Plain (NW Italy). This study is a first step for an evaluation of possible direct effects of these elements on chicks' survival and growth rate. Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were in the range 7-69 mg Kg-1, while lower levels of Pb, Ni, As, and Se (0.27-1.45 mg Kg-1) were measured. Co, Cd, and Cr were close to the method detection limits (MDLs) in all the species. The measured concentrations of the most abundant trace elements, such as Zn and Cu, seem to reflect the geochemical pattern of the background (running water and soil), while Hg concentration is lower and it appears to be biomagnified, particularly in Grey Heron feathers. Its concentration is higher in adults than in chicks, and it differs among the three species, as it is closely related to the fish-based dietary pattern. The measured trace elements' concentrations are below the threshold levels in all the heron species, and consequently, harmful and acute effects on the local population are unlikely; the conservation status of herons populations in northern Italy is probably more affected by other factors, such as climate changes, altered aquatic environment, and, consequently, food quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Canova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.S.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
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Koim-Puchowska B, Drozdz-Afelt JM, Lamparski R, Menka A, Kaminski P. Antioxidant defence barrier of great tit Parus major nestlings in response to trace elements. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:20321-20334. [PMID: 32239412 PMCID: PMC7244610 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Metals can have direct and indirect effects on the generation of reactive oxygen species in wild birds. The aim of this work has been to examine the effect of exposure to trace metals (copper Cu, iron Fe, cobalt Co, manganese Mn) on oxidative stress biomarkers such as lipoperoxidation TBARS and level of superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT, and reduced glutathione GSH in the livers and kidneys of great tit Parus major nestlings (n = 165, 63 broods) living in polluted environments associated with soda plants and agricultural activities (Kujawy region) and from a reference site (Tuchola Forest), both in the north of Poland. As we predicted, the level of TBARS in both organs of chicks from polluted areas was higher than in those from reference site. This could be connected with Fe concentrations, particularly in areas adjacent to soda plants (livers Rs = 0.49, p < 0.002; kidneys Rs = 0.69, p < 0.001). We also showed differences in the level of antioxidants depending on the environment. CAT activity was higher in nestlings from Kujawy than in those from Tuchola. Meanwhile SOD activity (both organs) and GSH levels (kidneys) were lower in the polluted area compared to the reference site. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Co, and Mn may play a role in regulating the antioxidant system components' activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Koim-Puchowska
- Department of Biotechnology, Kazimierz Wielki University, K.J. Poniatowski St12, 85-671, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joanna M. Drozdz-Afelt
- Department of Biotechnology, Kazimierz Wielki University, K.J. Poniatowski St12, 85-671, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Lamparski
- Department of Biology and Plant Protection, UTP University of Science and Technology, Prof. S. Kaliski St. 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Menka
- Department of Biotechnology, Kazimierz Wielki University, K.J. Poniatowski St12, 85-671, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Piotr Kaminski
- Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biotechnology, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Szafran St. 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
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Grúz A, Mackle O, Bartha A, Szabó R, Déri J, Budai P, Lehel J. Biomonitoring of toxic metals in feathers of predatory birds from eastern regions of Hungary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:26324-26331. [PMID: 31290042 PMCID: PMC6719320 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the concentrations of toxic metals in the feathers of predatory birds in the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation). Samples were collected from different predatory birds originated from the eastern and north-eastern region of Hungary. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of toxic metals. The mean values varied between bird species groups, their concentrations were between 0.29 ± 0.24 and 0.40 ± 0.30 mg/kg for arsenic (As), 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.20 ± 0.18 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd), 1.15 ± 1.40 to 2.30 ± 1.52 mg/kg for lead (Pb) and 0.58 ± 0.31 to 2.19 ± 1.25 mg/kg for mercury (Hg), respectively. The measured values are not over the considered threshold values for these toxic metals and in accordance with similar concentrations of them recorded in similar species within Europe. No significant differences were found in their concentration between genders or age in the species. According to the detected concentrations of these metals, their levels accumulated in the feather of the investigated birds do not indicate the possibility of poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Grúz
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary.
| | - Oliver Mackle
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - András Bartha
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herdhealth and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - Rita Szabó
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - János Déri
- Bird Hospital Foundation, Petőfi tér 6., Hortobágy, H-4071, Hungary
| | - Péter Budai
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - József Lehel
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
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Zabala J, Meade AM, Frederick P. Variation in nestling feather mercury concentrations at individual, brood, and breeding colony levels: Implications for sampling mercury in birds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:617-621. [PMID: 30939314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.382] [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: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nestling feathers are often used to monitor and estimate Hg exposure in birds. Decision-making and results of studies on effects of exposure to Hg depend on adequate estimation of [Hg] at the studied level, which in turn is sensitive to variation in [Hg] in sampling units. However, there is little information on how feather [Hg] varies within nestlings, between nest mates, or between broods. We sampled feathers from sibling great egret nestlings in three breeding colonies of the Everglades where birds were exposed to variable Hg levels through diet. We compared the deviation of samples from average [Hg] within four levels of aggregation: individual (different scapular feathers of the same individual); brood (samples from siblings in the same nest), breeding colonies; and the entire wetland ecosystem. We found, on average, little intra-individual (<2%) and intra-brood (<6%) differences in [Hg], and no effects of chick hatch order in feather [Hg]. Further, intra-brood variability was not statistically different from intra-individual variability in [Hg]. In contrast, there was much higher variation between broods within colonies (>20%) and within the entire wetland (>30%) that could bias estimates of exposure to Hg obtained through small sample sizes. We simulated the influence of inter-brood variability in estimates of exposure to Hg under different sample sizes, and we found that uncertainty decreases markedly with samples sizes >6, and suggest a sample size of 10 individuals from different nests for monitoring programs and to estimate Hg contamination in areas where no previous knowledge is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabi Zabala
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ashley M Meade
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Peter Frederick
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Korbecki J, Gutowska I, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Lead (Pb) in the tissues of Anatidae, Ardeidae, Sternidae and Laridae of the Northern Hemisphere: a review of environmental studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12631-12647. [PMID: 30895550 PMCID: PMC6478642 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the ability of birds to travel long distances in the air, the potential feeding area of each individual is much larger than that of typical terrestrial animals. This makes birds a convenient indicator of environmental lead (Pb) pollution over large areas, in particular areas of inland and coastal waters. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of Pb in various organs of water birds from a variety of locations. The focus was on ducks, geese and swans (Anatidae); herons and egrets (Ardeidae); terns (Sternidae); and gulls (Laridae). This article describes the level of lead in the most commonly studied tissue types: feathers, bones and the liver. The study also presents data concerning the concentration of lead in the eggs of water birds. The highest levels of lead pollution can be observed in China and Korea, related to their high level of industrialization. In Iran too, environmental lead pollution is high, likely due to the developed petrochemical industry. Lead pollution in Japan, as well as in Western European countries (Spain, France, Italy), seems to be much lower than in China, India or Iran. Nevertheless, the level of pollution in Europe is higher than satisfactory, despite the introduction of a number of bans related to, for example, the use of leaded petrol or lead-containing paints. Finally, the USA and Canada appear to be the areas with the lowest lead pollution, possibly due to their low population densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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Rodríguez-Estival J, Sánchez MI, Ramo C, Varo N, Amat JA, Garrido-Fernández J, Hornero-Méndez D, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Taggart MA, Martinez-Haro M, Green AJ, Mateo R. Exposure of black-necked grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) to metal pollution during the moulting period in the Odiel Marshes, Southwest Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:774-784. [PMID: 30391900 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.145] [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: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
European populations of black-necked grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) congregate every year to moult at the salt ponds of the Odiel Marshes (SW Spain). However, the Odiel Marshes are part of one of the most metal-polluted coastal estuaries in the world, which may pose risks to wildlife. We assessed the exposure of grebes to metal pollution during the critical moulting period in the Odiel Marshes and its potential to cause adverse health effects. Levels of metals in red blood pellet (as a biomarker of exposure), plasma carotenoids, eye redness, and body condition (as biomarkers of effects) were studied. Metal content was also analyzed in the brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica, the most important food for grebes in this hypersaline ecosystem during the moulting period. Results showed that, in comparison to toxicity thresholds, grebes had relatively high blood levels of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn). The high loads found in Artemia and the way blood levels vary during the moulting period indicate that shrimp consumption may be the main route of metal exposure for grebes. Plasma carotenoids and body condition showed a positive association with exposure to As, while the relationship of lutein-like carotenoids with Hg accumulation was negative at the beginning of the moulting period to become positive afterwards. Moreover, eye redness was negatively affected by As accumulation. Factors including food resource availability, seasonal fluctuations in physiological status, and interannual variations in the degree of environmental contamination should be considered in monitoring efforts when using moult migrant waterbirds as sentinel species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Calle Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional/Global del Mar (CEI·MAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Cristina Ramo
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Calle Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain.
| | - Nico Varo
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Calle Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain.
| | - Juan A Amat
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Calle Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain.
| | - Juan Garrido-Fernández
- Instituto de la Grasa (IG - CSIC), Campus Universitario Pablo Olavide, Edificio 46, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Dámaso Hornero-Méndez
- Instituto de la Grasa (IG - CSIC), Campus Universitario Pablo Olavide, Edificio 46, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle St, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 7JD, UK.
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Andy J Green
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Calle Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Yamac E, Ozden M, Kirazli C, Malkoc S. Heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus L.) as an endangered species in Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:833-843. [PMID: 30415366 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3649-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to find out the certain heavy-metal levels in the feathers of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus L.), which is a threatened species. The feathers of the cinereous vultures were collected from the breeding areas in Sündiken and Türkmenbaba Mountains. To avoid misleading results, vanes and calamuses of the rectrices were evaluated separately in terms of their As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn contents. ICP-OES was used to analyse the metal levels in feathers which belonged to 43 different individuals. All of the heavy-metal concentrations except for Cu were higher in vanes than in calamuses. The mean levels of Cd (0.254 ± 1.589 μg/g d.w. in the calamus and 0.334 ± 0.156 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Cr (6.536 ± 6.378 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Ni (11.886 ± 10.891 μg/g d.w. in the vane) and Pb (5.671 ± 3.884 μg/g d.w. in the vane) exceeded the threshold values for the birds. As a result, we recommend further studies to understand the effects of the heavy metals on the population of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yamac
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Menekse Ozden
- Graduate School of Sciences, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Cihangir Kirazli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoc
- Porsuk Vocational School, Eskişehir Technical Universtiy, Eskişehir, Turkey
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11
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Óvári M, Laczi M, Török J, Mihucz VG, Záray G. Elemental composition in feathers of a migratory passerine for differentiation of sex, age, and molting areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:2021-2034. [PMID: 27761869 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The bulk analysis of single feathers of 263 feathers belonging to 238 individuals of a migratory passerine (collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, originating from a breeding population in the Pilis-Visegrád Mountains in Hungary) by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SF-MS) for determination of elements after proper dissolution allowed the quantitative determination of 38 elements. Calcium, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Zn were found to have a quantitative determination frequency larger than 80 % and a concentration greater than 100 μg/g. Among ecotoxicologically relevant elements, Ni, Cd, Hg, and Pb could be determined in more than 55 % of the tail feather samples. The concentration of Hg with a quantification limit of 0.006 μg/g and Pb with that of 0.015 μg/g was higher than 1 and 10 μg/g, respectively, in more than 80 % of the investigated samples, but generally lower than levels that could cause adverse behavioral effects. The principal component analyses of elemental concentration data followed by the application of general linear models revealed that, for male collared flycatchers, the concentration of Sn, Pb, Ni, Sr, Mg, Zn, Ba, and Sc differed significantly in the wing and tail feathers collected from the same individuals. With females, only the Ca and Sc concentration showed a significant difference between wing and tail feathers. Moreover, the concentration of rare earth elements, V, Fe, Sr, Mg, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Ba in tail feathers allowed differentiation between sexes while the concentration of Se, Bi, and Sc between yearling and adult male individuals. At the same time, Sc differentiated age categories in females. Distribution of major elements along the rachis of feathers could be monitored by laser ablation ICP-SF-MS after normalization of the intensities to either 13C or 34S signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihály Óvári
- Hungarian Satellite Centre of Trace Elements Institute to UNESCO, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Centre for Ecological Research, Danube Research Institute, Karolina út 29, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Miklós Laczi
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - János Török
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Victor G Mihucz
- Hungarian Satellite Centre of Trace Elements Institute to UNESCO, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Gyula Záray
- Hungarian Satellite Centre of Trace Elements Institute to UNESCO, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny 1/A, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Centre for Ecological Research, Danube Research Institute, Karolina út 29, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
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12
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Borghesi F, Dinelli E, Migani F, Béchet A, Rendón‐Martos M, Amat JA, Sommer S, Gillingham MAF. Assessing environmental pollution in birds: a new methodological approach for interpreting bioaccumulation of trace elements in feather shafts using geochemical sediment data. Methods Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Borghesi
- Operative Unit of Ravenna Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA) Bologna University Via Sant'Alberto 163 Ravenna 48123 Italy
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Operative Unit of Ravenna Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA) Bologna University Via Sant'Alberto 163 Ravenna 48123 Italy
| | | | - Arnaud Béchet
- Institut de Recherche de la Tour du Valat Le Sambuc Arles 13200 France
| | - Manuel Rendón‐Martos
- Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio R.N. Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Junta de Andalucía Apartado 1 Fuente de Piedra (Málaga) E‐29520 Spain
| | - Juan A. Amat
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) calle Américo Vespucio s/n Sevilla E‐41092 Spain
| | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics University of Ulm Albert‐Einstein Allee 11 Ulm D‐89069 Germany
| | - Mark A. F. Gillingham
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics University of Ulm Albert‐Einstein Allee 11 Ulm D‐89069 Germany
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