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Cammilleri G, Galluzzo FG, Randazzo V, La Russa F, Di Pasquale ML, Gambino D, Gargano V, Castronovo C, Bacchi E, Giarratana F, Ferrantelli V, Giangrosso G. Distribution of trace metals and metalloids in tissues of Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) from Southern Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174712. [PMID: 38997011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals and metalloids in the environment are recognised as a threat to the health of organism. Terrestrial birds are ideal subjects for the examination of these pollutants because of their high mobility and high intra- and interspecific variation in trophic levels. We examined the contents of 6 trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Sb and V) and metalloids (As) in the liver, kidney, muscle, and feathers of woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola) from Southern Italy by a validated ICP-MS method. Significant differences in trace elements were found in all the tissues examined (p < 0.05). The highest Sb and Cr levels were found in feathers samples with mean values of 0.019 mg/Kg and 0.085 mg/Kg, respectively. High Pb levels were found in muscle, with 23 % of the samples exceeding the limits set by the European Union. Cd was predominantly found in the kidney samples (0.76 mg/Kg). Vanadium was the less abundant trace metal, showing the highest concentrations in the liver (0.028 ± 0.011 mg/Kg). Higher As levels were found in muscle (0.02 ± 0.015 mg/Kg). No significant differences between sex and age classes (juveniles vs. adults) were found, nor were there correlations between morphometric parameters and trace metal/metalloid contents. Principal Component Analysis determined differences in metal accumulation between tissues. Feathers were confirmed as useful indicators of metal contamination. The results of this work confirmed that the accumulation of toxic elements in the tissues of woodcocks is primarily influenced by ecological traits such as feeding habits and migration status. Statistical analysis of the tissues would seem to exclude important accumulation phenomena of Pb. The high levels found in the muscle could be due to lead ammunition. This work provides the first data on the accumulation of As, Cr, Sb, and V in woodcocks tissue, providing a more comprehensive insight into the potential impact of these pollutants on birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Cammilleri
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Galluzzo
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Università 4, 41121 Modena, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Randazzo
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Liliana Di Pasquale
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Delia Gambino
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Gargano
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Castronovo
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bacchi
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Filippo Giarratana
- Università degli Studi di Messina, piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ferrantelli
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giangrosso
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Bauer ADB, Linhares BDA, Nunes GT, Costa PG, Zebral YD, Bianchini A, Bugoni L. Temporal changes in metal and arsenic concentrations in blood and feathers of tropical seabirds after one of the largest environmental disasters associated with mining. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118240. [PMID: 38266903 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118240] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring of contaminant levels in wildlife over time is a tool for assessing the presence and persistence of environmental impacts at ecosystem, community and population levels. Tropical seabirds breeding in the Abrolhos Archipelago, 70 km off the Brazilian coast, forage in areas under the influence of the Doce River discharge. In 2015, the Fundão Dam collapsed and released ca 60 million tons of iron ore tailings into the ocean. In the present study, red-billed tropicbirds Phaethon aethereus and brown boobies Sula leucogaster breeding in Abrolhos were monitored over four years (2019-2022) for metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cd) and metalloid (As) concentrations in blood and feathers. Over six sampling events, metal (loid) concentrations showed strong temporal variation in both tissues. Overall, feathers showed greater element concentrations than blood, with stronger correlations between elements, especially Mn and the nonessential As, Cd, Hg and Pb. Mn is one of the major chemical markers of the Fundão Dam tailings. Metal (loid) concentrations in the tropical seabirds evaluated were above suggested threshold levels for most nonessential elements (As, Cd and Pb), especially in February 2021, when metal (loid) concentrations peaked in feathers. In this case, values were orders of magnitude higher than those observed in other sampling events. This occurred one year after a major rainy season in the Doce River basin, which increased river discharge of contaminated mud into the ocean, where contaminants are further remobilized by winds and currents, resulting in transference through the marine food web. This finding is consistent to what has been observed for other ecosystem compartments monitored in the region under the influence of the Doce River. Our findings highlight the utility of using tropical seabirds as sentinels of marine pollution, revealing strong temporal patterns in metal (loid) concentrations associated to bottom-up climatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur de Barros Bauer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27965-045, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Andrade Linhares
- Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Tavares Nunes
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 95625-000, Imbé, RS, Brazil
| | - Patricia Gomes Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Yuri Dornelles Zebral
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Bianchini K, Mallory ML, Provencher JF. Trends in hepatic cadmium concentrations in marine bird species from the Canadian Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159959. [PMID: 36343822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a trace element of toxicological concern that has been monitored in marine birds inhabiting the Canadian Arctic since 1975. Despite nearly 50 years of monitoring, research to date has largely evaluated single species, locations, or time points, and there is as of yet no holistic overview that jointly considers all available Cd data. We addressed this information gap by combining and analyzing most of the existing data on hepatic Cd concentrations in marine birds from the Canadian Arctic. Using data collected between 1975 and 2018 from eight seabird species from 12 Arctic breeding colonies, we examined temporal, spatial, and interspecific variation in hepatic Cd levels, and we evaluated possible drivers of marine bird Cd loads. Hepatic Cd concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 124 μg/g dry weight across species, and were highest in thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and king eiders (Somateria spectabilis), and lowest in black guillemots (Cepphus grylle), black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), and long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis). All sites with multiple years of data showed interannual fluctuations in Cd, which were correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and with the previous year's June sea ice coverage, where marine birds exhibited higher Cd concentrations in positive NAO years and following years with lower sea ice coverage. Climate change is likely to shift the NAO to being more negative and to reduce sea ice coverage, and our results thus identify various ways by which climate change could alter Cd concentrations in marine birds in the Canadian Arctic. Understanding variations in marine bird contaminant burdens, and how these may be alters by other stressors such as climate change, is important for long-term marine bird conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Bianchini
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Canadian National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada.
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Nazneen S, Jayakumar S, Albeshr MF, Mahboob S, Manzoor I, Pandiyan J, Krishnappa K, Rajeswary M, Govindarajan M. Analysis of Toxic Heavy Metals in the Pellets of Owls: A Novel Approach for the Evaluation of Environmental Pollutants. TOXICS 2022; 10:693. [PMID: 36422901 PMCID: PMC9693988 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Massive quantities of unadvisable synthetic pesticides are used in modern agricultural industries in order to increase productivity to convene food demands. Wild birds are an excellent bio-indicator of environmental contaminations as pesticides and heavy metals are intentionally highly hazardous pollutants. Considerably, raptorial birds (owls) attract consumers in the food chain and food web because they have wider forager and foraging grounds. In the current investigation, owl pellets were used as a viable tool and novel approach to detecting environmental contaminants. In total, 30 pellets comprising five species were collected from selected farmlands, and 11 metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Mo, Se, V, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Fe) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Undeniably, the Brown Fish Owl showed more metal accumulation than the Barn Owl, Spotted Owl, Indian Eagle Owl, and Mottled Wood Owl. Among the species, the levels of metals such as Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Vanadium (V), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) varied significantly (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the research revealed that the agroecosystem was contaminated with heavy metals. The present outcome highlights that the management of the environment, especially the agroecosystem, must be examined with a careful assessment of contaminants, and it is a vital resource for human and other related wildlife faunal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Nazneen
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Bharathidasan University, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samidurai Jayakumar
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Bharathidasan University, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammed F. Albeshr
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Mahboob
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Manzoor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jeganathan Pandiyan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Bharathidasan University, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaliyamoorthy Krishnappa
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Bharathidasan University, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohan Rajeswary
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, ADM College for Women (Autonomous), Nagapattinam 611 001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Mycology and Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
- Unit of Natural Products and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam 612 001, Tamil Nadu, India
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Rodríguez-Álvarez M, Paz S, Hardisson A, González-Weller D, Rubio C, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Assessment of Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and Trace Elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) in the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) from the Canary Islands (Spain). Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:3808-3818. [PMID: 34674110 PMCID: PMC9200686 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The monitoring of trace elements and toxic metals in apical predators of the trophic chain provides data on the degree of contamination in ecosystems. The common kestrel is one of the most interesting raptors in this respect in the Canary Islands; therefore, the study of the levels of trace elements and toxic metals in this species is of much scientific value. The content of trace elements and toxic metals (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V, Al, Cd, Pb) was determined in the liver, muscle, and feathers of 200 specimens of common kestrel carcasses (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) from Tenerife. Cr (0.82 ± 2.62 mg/kg), Cu (11.82 ± 7.77 mg/kg), and Zn (198.47 ± 520.80 mg/kg) are the trace elements that stand out in the feather samples; this may be due to their affinity for the pigments that give them their coloring. Li was noteworthy in the liver samples (8.470 ± 5.702 mg/kg). Pb stood out in the feathers (4.353 ± 20.645 mg/kg) > muscle (0.148 ± 0.095 mg/kg) > liver (0.187 ± 0.133 mg/kg). The presence of metals in feathers correlates with recent exposure and reflects environmental contamination. When using raptor feathers as indicators of metal contamination, it is important to know what the levels of each metal signify. The analysis of the different tissues and organs of raptors, such as the common kestrel, provides valuable information on the degree of environmental contamination of the ecosystem in which it lives. Gender was not an influencing factor in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soraya Paz
- Toxicology Area, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Toxicology Area, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Dailos González-Weller
- Health Inspection and Laboratory Service, Canary Health Service, 38006, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Toxicology Area, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Toxicology Area, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
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De La Peña-Lastra S. Seabird droppings: Effects on a global and local level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142148. [PMID: 33254937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds, with approximately 1 billion specimens, are the main exchangers of nutrients between Terrestial and Marine Systems and they have become an emerging interest group because of their effects on the planet's ecosystem. This review paper aims to highlight the impact of seabird droppings at different trophic levels, their occurrence, ecological risks and effects on soil, water, atmosphere and biota at global and local level to try to understand the ecological and climatic changes associated with the activities of these birds. Seabirds they have a very marked influence on the ecosystems where they form their colonies since, in addition to their function as predators, alongside with their depositions, they condition the primary producers and, consequently, the rest of the food chain. Their excrements contain large amounts of N, P and trace elements, most of which are bioavailable. In this study, besides bringing together the different works on nutrients and trace elements in excrements and differentiating some terms referring to these excrements, a brief historical overview of their importance for agriculture is made. In addition, the impacts produced by these birds on the ecosystem are also analysed according to two levels, at a global and local level. At each of these levels, a current state of the effects on the different compartments of the ecosystems is made, from the biota to the soils, the water or the atmosphere. This review supports the idea that more studies are needed both at the atmospheric level and in the terrestrial or marine environment for a better understanding of the changes these birds generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl De La Peña-Lastra
- CRETUS Institute, Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Spain.
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Fernando WBPS, Perera SPPM, Vithanarachchi RM, Wijesekera RD, Wijesinghe MR. Heavy metal accumulation in two synanthropic avian species in Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:688. [PMID: 33030595 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08654-y] [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: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn in contour feathers of the feral pigeon (Columba livia) and house crow (Corvus splendens) obtained from five urban/suburban locations across Sri Lanka, using the AAS following wet digestion. Our key objectives were to compare accumulation levels in the two avian species with different foraging habits and living in common locations, and to establish baseline information on the presence of these metals in multiple locations in Sri Lanka with varying levels of urbanization. Owing to reservations that have been expressed by previous workers regarding the use of feathers for assessing heavy metal pollution, we first tested the efficacy of contour feathers by using our data for comparing the coefficients of variation in metal levels within and between locations. This showed that in over 95% of the cases, variations within locations were lower than between locations, indicating that freshly shed contour feathers that were used in the present study were reliable indicators of the status of bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in the environment. In interspecific comparisons, other than in the two suburban locations, Pb was present at much higher levels in the house crow than in the feral pigeon, whereas accumulation patterns with respect to Cd and Mn were inconsistent, suggesting that granivores may not, in all situations, accumulate lower levels than scavengers in the same environment. Owing to such interspecific variations in the patterns of accumulation of different heavy metals, the selection of a single species for assessing levels of pollution from heavy metals may not be prudent. Pb and Cd levels in both species were strongly and positively associated with human population density. The levels of Pb and Cd were highest in Colombo (commercial capital). In Colombo and Kalutara, the recorded levels in the house crow exceeded the thresholds that have the potential to inflict adverse impacts on avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- W B P S Fernando
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - S P P M Perera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - R D Wijesekera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - M R Wijesinghe
- Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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9
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Aloupi M, Ferentinou E, Zaharaki OM, Akriotis T. Does dilute nitric acid improve the removal of exogenous heavy metals from feathers? A comparative study towards the optimization of the cleaning procedure of feather samples prior to metal analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 200:110759. [PMID: 32470677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Feather analysis has been widely used as a biomonitoring tool to assess metal contamination in birds, as their sampling is a non-destructive and ethically preferable technique. However, for feathers to be useful as a biomonitor of heavy metals, exogenous contamination has to be efficiently removed. Although much effort has been put into this, no washing procedure has yet proven able to ensure the total removal of the surface-associated metals. The purpose of this study was to propose an efficient washing procedure of feather samples prior to metal analysis, on the basis of comparison of various washing schemes designed according to previous analytical trials, and of the verification of the efficacy of the optimal scheme in cleaning intentionally contaminated feathers. Our investigation showed that dilute nitric acid alone or in combination with a detergent (Extran) or acetone under mild agitation of the samples performed better that any other cleaning scheme applied. Thus, a multi-step procedure including the sequential use of all three reagents was tested against feather samples contaminated by adsorbed or particulate metal species. The procedure was able to completely eliminate the external metal loads in all cases except for the partial removal of severe contamination with adsorbed Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aloupi
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, GR-81100, Mytilene, Greece.
| | - Elpida Ferentinou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, GR-81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Olga-Maria Zaharaki
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, GR-81100, Mytilene, Greece
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10
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Champoux L, Rail JF, Houde M, Giraudo M, Lacaze É, Franci CD, Fairhurst GD, Hobson KA, Brousseau P, Guillemette M, Pelletier D, Montevecchi WA, Lair S, Verreault J, Soos C. An investigation of physiological effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on a long-distance migratory seabird, the northern gannet. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110953. [PMID: 32275518 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to oil can have long-term impacts on migratory birds. Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), we investigated potential impacts of oil exposure on a population of northern gannets (Morus bassanus) that breed on Bonaventure Island (Québec, Canada) and winter in GOM and along the U.S. Atlantic coast (AC). Blood and feather samples were collected from adults previously equipped with geolocators to determine wintering locations. Parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); trace metals; stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen; and immune, thyroid, steroid, retinoid, and genetic endpoints were measured. PAH and trace metal concentrations did not differ between gannets using different wintering sites. Feather stable isotope values varied significantly between birds from different wintering locations. Gannets wintering in GOM showed higher feather corticosterone and plasma thyroid hormone levels, which may indicate increased energetic demands and/or greater exposure to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Rail
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maeva Giraudo
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Émilie Lacaze
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Graham D Fairhurst
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Keith A Hobson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Pauline Brousseau
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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11
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Albert C, Renedo M, Bustamante P, Fort J. Using blood and feathers to investigate large-scale Hg contamination in Arctic seabirds: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108588. [PMID: 31382127 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), because of its deleterious effects on wildlife and its high concentrations in polar regions, has been widely studied in the Arctic. This provided important information regarding food web contamination, spatial and temporal trends of Hg in ecosystems or risk assessments for wildlife and Humans. Among the Arctic biota, seabirds have been among the most studied species due to their sensitivity to this toxicant, their role as bioindicators of the contamination status of their environment, and their consumption by Arctic communities. However, most studies that investigated Hg in Arctic seabirds focused on measurements in internal organs or in eggs, while few investigations have been performed on blood and feathers, despite the relevant and complementary information they provide. Here, we first provide a detailed overview of the specific information blood and feathers can bring when investigating Hg contamination of Arctic seabirds, including new knowledge on the poorly studied non-breeding period. Second, we perform a comprehensive review of the use of blood and feathers as non-lethal tissues to study Hg in Arctic seabirds. This review demonstrates important interspecific variations in Hg blood concentrations according to seabird trophic status, with seaducks generally presenting the lowest Hg concentrations while auks have the highest ones. However, all the observed Hg concentrations are below the admitted toxicity thresholds. Hg concentrations in feathers follow similar trends and gulls appear to be the most contaminated species, likely as a consequence of contrasting migratory and overwintering strategies. This review also confirms strong spatial variations with higher concentrations found in the Canadian Arctic and Pacific waters than in Greenland and the European Arctic. It also identifies some major understudied areas such as West Greenland, Aleutian Islands and Russia. Finally, we provide a thorough review of the current knowledge regarding molting patterns in Arctic seabirds, which is an essential information to interpret Hg concentrations measured in feathers. Overall, our results point out the importance of blood and feathers in seabird ecotoxicological assessments and highlight the need for large scale international collaborations and research programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Albert
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Marina Renedo
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, GET, UMR CNRS 5563/IRD 234/Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
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12
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Squadrone S, Brizio P, Stella C, Favaro L, Da Rugna C, Florio D, Gridelli S, Abete MC. Feathers of Humboldt penguin are suitable bioindicators of Rare Earth Elements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 678:627-631. [PMID: 31078853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs), also called lanthanides, are emerging contaminants worldwide, due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics that make them essential in a variety of industrial applications. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge of occurrence and accumulation of REEs in biota, and no investigations have yet been performed in penguin feathers, which have already been widely utilized as a non-invasive tool for the biomonitoring of trace elements. The concentrations of 16 REEs were investigated in a colony of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) housed at the Acquario di Cattolica (Italy). Multielement determination of REEs was performed by an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer after a microwave digestion of feathers. As this colony lives indoors in a controlled environment, it was the ideal choice for studying lanthanide occurrence in penguin feathers. Since there is a strict link between metal levels in feathers and the diet of penguins, their food (capelin) was also tested for REEs. Chondrite normalized values revealed the same pattern for REEs in feathers and fish, but REE concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in penguin feathers, demonstrating the suitability of this tissue as a bioindicator of REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Paola Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Stella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Florio
- Acquario di Cattolica, Costa Edutainment SpA, Cattolica, Rimini, Italy
| | - Stefano Gridelli
- Acquario di Cattolica, Costa Edutainment SpA, Cattolica, Rimini, Italy
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
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13
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Squadrone S, Brizio P, Favaro L, Todino G, Florio D, Da Rugna C, Abete MC. Humboldt penguins' feathers as bioindicators of metal exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1734-1739. [PMID: 30273732 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Avian feathers have the potential to accumulate trace elements originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. In fact, in feathers, metals bind to keratin, a sulphur-containing protein for which several metals have a strong affinity. Here, the concentrations of 18 essential and non-essential elements were investigated in a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) colony housed at the Acquario di Cattolica (Italy). This species is listed as vulnerable in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. According to the literature, there is usually a link between metal levels in the diet of birds and levels detected in their feathers. Thus, metals were also determined in the penguins' food (capelin, Mallotus villosus). We hypothesize that the controlled conditions in which birds are kept in captivity, and the homogeneous diet that they follow could allow a better understanding of metal bioaccumulation (such as mercury) or bio-dilution (such as arsenic) in the marine food chain, indicated by penguins' feathers. Moreover, comparisons with our previous investigations performed on an ex-situ African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colony suggest that penguins living indoors have lower body burden of metals than those living outdoors. Indeed, environmental contaminants usually found in areas subjected to anthropogenic impact, where zoos and aquaria are often located, are not accumulated to levels of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Paola Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Gilda Todino
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Florio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
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14
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De La Peña-Lastra S, Pérez-Alberti A, Otero XL. Enrichment of trace elements in colonies of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in the Atlantic Islands National Park (Galicia-NW Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 648:1536-1548. [PMID: 30340299 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine-derived nutrients are known accumulate in seabird breeding colonies due to the deposition of nutrient-rich biological materials, thus greatly altering the functioning and dynamics of these terrestrial ecosystems. Here we present the results of a sampling survey carried out during three years in yellow-legged gull colonies in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (NW Spain) with the aim of evaluating the influence of the colonies on the accumulation of trace elements, including micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Se, Co, Mo, Ni) and toxic elements (Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Ag), in the surrounding environments. For this purpose, we analysed samples of biological materials produced by the seabirds (pellets, excrement, feathers, eggs) and of soil, plants and inland water from several different subcolonies and control zones without seabirds. The concentrations of most of the elements were higher in excrement and pellets (mean values: Zn: 152, As: 50 mg kg-1, Cd: 6, Co: 5 mg kg-1) than in feathers and eggs. The flow of trace elements into the breeding colonies, considering only the excrement, revealed a very high level of trace element deposition for a supposedly pristine environment (Zn: 2667, Cd: 70, Cu: 315, As: 64 g ha-1). The total concentrations of trace elements in soil were consistent with the long-term impact of the seabirds. Thus, the values in areas which this impact was greatest were significantly higher than in the control zones, particularly considering the most labile geochemical fractions of the soil. The concentrations of some elements (i.e. Co, As, Cd) were also higher in the inland waters in the colonies than in control zones. Finally, the concentration of trace elements in plants varied depending on the species and element considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De La Peña-Lastra
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - A Pérez-Alberti
- Departamento de Xeografía, Facultade de Xeografía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - X L Otero
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
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15
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Vizuete J, Pérez-López M, Míguez-Santiyán MP, Hernández-Moreno D. Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), and Arsenic (As) in Liver, Kidney, and Feathers of Gulls: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 247:85-146. [PMID: 30413976 DOI: 10.1007/398_2018_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) are metals or metalloids of high concern because of their effects on the environment and, specially, their potential toxicity on the animals inhabiting there. Due to their relevance, these elements have been object of several biomonitoring studies in different animal species around the world. Birds are widespread and, as species, are able to supply specific and relevant information about the regions where they live, being useful as bioindicators, as long as they are not birds with a strong migratory character. The main goal of this review is to summarize data collected from different studies using seabirds, paying special attention to gulls, in order to be helpful for coming studies and regulatory affairs.Several tissues have been used to evaluate Hg, Cd, Pb, Se, and As concentrations in seabirds, being focused the present review in those analyzing the liver, kidneys, and feathers. The most frequently analyzed tissue for Hg was the liver, followed by feathers, and finally kidney. For Cd levels, most of the studies were carried out in the liver, followed by feathers and kidneys. Pb, Se, and As levels were determined to a lesser extent. Feathers should be taken carefully as indicator of accumulation of pollutants, since procedure during analysis may lead to controversial results.Some authors reported that interspecific differences in the exposure of elements are determined by multiple factors, including properties of the contaminant, species, feeding habits, migratory status, sex, and age.The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the analyzed elements' occurrence in different species of seabirds, including gulls. Therefore, it can be a useful database providing for Hg, Pb, Cd, Se, and As levels in different tissues of seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Vizuete
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain
- INBIO G+C Research Institutes, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Prado Míguez-Santiyán
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain.
- INBIO G+C Research Institutes, Cáceres, Spain.
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16
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Rutkowska M, Płotka-Wasylka J, Lubinska-Szczygeł M, Różańska A, Możejko-Ciesielska J, Namieśnik J. Birds' feathers – Suitable samples for determination of environmental pollutants. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Otero XL, de la Peña-Lastra S, Romero D, Nobrega GN, Ferreira TO, Pérez-Alberti A. Trace elements in biomaterials and soils from a Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) colony in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (NW Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 133:144-149. [PMID: 30041301 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seabird colonies drastically transform the sites that they inhabit. Although the influence of seabirds on nutrient cycling has been investigated in numerous studies, the effects on trace elements has scarcely been considered. In this study, we determined the total contents of 9 trace elements in biomaterials (excrement, pellets, feathers and eggs) and soils in relation to the presence the Yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis. The concentrations of Zn, Cu and As were particularly high in the pellets and excrement. The total contents of the trace elements were significantly higher in the soils in the sub-colonies in which Yellow-legged gulls predominate than in soil from the control zone (with no gulls). The difference was even higher for the most reactive geochemical fractions. We observed that the oxidizable fraction was the most relevant fraction for almost all trace elements, indicating the importance of organic matter in trace element retention in sandy soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- X L Otero
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
| | - S de la Peña-Lastra
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - D Romero
- Departamento de Solos, Escola Superior de Agronomia Luiz Queiroz, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - G N Nobrega
- Departamento de Solos, Escola Superior de Agronomia Luiz Queiroz, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - T O Ferreira
- Departamento de Solos, Escola Superior de Agronomia Luiz Queiroz, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Pérez-Alberti
- Departamento de Xeografía, Facultade de Xeografía e Historia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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18
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Bruggeman JE, Route WT, Redig PT, Key RL. Patterns and trends in lead (Pb) concentrations in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestlings from the western Great Lakes region. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:605-618. [PMID: 29637398 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1933-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Most studies examining bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) exposure to lead (Pb) have focused on adults that ingested spent Pb ammunition during the fall hunting season, often at clinical or lethal levels. We sampled live bald eagle nestlings along waterbodies to quantify Pb concentrations in 3 national park units and 2 nearby study areas in the western Great Lakes region. We collected 367 bald eagle nestling feather samples over 8 years during spring 2006-2015 and 188 whole blood samples over 4 years during spring 2010-2015. We used Tobit regression models to quantify relationships between Pb concentrations in nestling feathers and blood using study area, year, and nestling attributes as covariates. Pb in nestling feather samples decreased from 2006 to 2015, but there was no trend for Pb in blood samples. Pb concentrations in nestling feather and blood samples were significantly higher in study areas located closer to and within urban areas. Pb in feather and blood samples from the same nestling was positively correlated. Pb in feathers increased with nestling age, but this relationship was not observed for blood. Our results reflect how Pb accumulates in tissues as nestlings grow, with Pb in feathers and blood indexing exposure during feather development and before sampling, respectively. Some nestlings had Pb concentrations in blood that suggested a greater risk to sublethal effects from Pb exposure. Our data provides baselines for Pb concentrations in feathers and blood of nestling bald eagles from a variety of waterbody types spanning remote, lightly populated, and human-dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Bruggeman
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - William T Route
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network, Ashland, WI, 54806, USA
| | - Patrick T Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Rebecca L Key
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network, Ashland, WI, 54806, USA
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19
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Squadrone S, Abete MC, Brizio P, Pessani D, Favaro L. Metals in Feathers of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus): Considerations for the Welfare and Management of Seabirds Under Human Care. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:465-471. [PMID: 29450570 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2293-9] [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: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bird feathers have been proven to be reliable indicators of metal exposure originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. The concentrations of 15 essential and non-essential metals were investigated in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) feathers from a Northwestern Italian zoological facility. These birds are exclusively fed with herring from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Certain elements, such as Hg and Cd, reflected the bioaccumulation phenomena that occur through the marine food chain. The levels of Cr, Mn, and Ni were comparable to those registered in feathers of birds living in polluted areas. These results are important for comparative studies regarding the health, nutrition and welfare of endangered seabirds kept under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy.
| | - M C Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - P Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - D Pessani
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - L Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
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20
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Zhou L, Rui H, Wang Z, Wu F, Fang J, Li K, Liu X. Migration law of lead and cadmium from Chinese pots during the cooking process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2017.1404472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liangbo Zhou
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Hongfei Rui
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Zhuoran Wang
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Fenghua Wu
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Jianing Fang
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Kaili Li
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
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Shin DM, Oh JM, Kim J. Metal Concentrations in Eurasian Eagle Owl Pellets as a Function of Reproductive Variables in Korea. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:298-304. [PMID: 28975388 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Eight metals were analyzed in the pellet of Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) breeding in Korea: Paju, Ganghwa, Gimpo, and Sihwa, Gyeonggi-do (N = 15, respectively). Except for cadmium (Cd), concentrations of all metals differed among sites (ANOVA, p < 0.001); Sihwa had relatively higher metal concentrations compared with other sites. Clutch size did not differ among the four sites. However, Sihwa had the greatest nesting success and number of fledglings (per hatchlings and laid egg) and highest mean weight of diet. Lead concentrations in the pellets were generally lower than the excrements of various birds worldwide. We suggest that all metal concentrations in pellets do not negatively affect the reproduction of Eurasian eagle owls, and food supply at Sihwa seems likely more important to breeding success than metal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Man Shin
- KBS Wildlife Documentary Team, 07235, KBS, 13 Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Min Oh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Korea
| | - Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Korea.
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22
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Yang F, Xie S, Liu J, Wei C, Zhang H, Chen T, Zhang J. Arsenic concentrations and speciation in wild birds from an abandoned realgar mine in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:777-784. [PMID: 29175405 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Birds are at a higher level in the food chain; however, the potential bioaccumulation and biotransformation of arsenic (As) in birds in As mines has rarely been studied. In this study, four passerine bird species (tree sparrow [Passer montanus], light-vented bulbul [Pycnonotus sinensis], Garrulax canorus [Leucodioptron canorus], and magpie [Pica pica]) were collected from an abandoned As mine in China. The highest recorded As concentrations were 4.95 mg/kg and 51.65 mg/kg in muscles and feathers, respectively. Detection using high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) revealed six As species, including arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), arsenobetaine (AsB) and arsenocholine (AsC), with the former three species as the dominant (>92%) and the latter three as the minor As species (<6.17%). Further analysis of the selected bird samples using the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) technique revealed the existence of As(III)-tris-glutathione (As(III)-GSH), which can be regarded as equivalent to the non-extractable and unidentified As form in the HPLC-ICP-MS data. Both methods revealed similar patterns of As species in the birds from the As mine, with muscles containing mainly inorganic As and DMA and feathers containing mainly inorganic As. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge regarding As accumulation and speciation in terrestrial organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Yang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shaowen Xie
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chaoyang Wei
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Hongzhi Zhang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tao Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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23
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Mallory CD, Gilchrist HG, Robertson GJ, Provencher JF, Braune BM, Forbes MR, Mallory ML. Hepatic trace element concentrations of breeding female common eiders across a latitudinal gradient in the eastern Canadian Arctic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:252-257. [PMID: 28739104 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined hepatic concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in 10 breeding female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from each of three colonies across 20° of latitude. Levels of many elements were elevated in eiders, although generally below levels of toxicological concern. We found significant differences in concentrations of As, Rb, Hg, Mn and Se among colonies, but not in a consistent pattern with latitude, and Hg:Se molar ratios did not vary among colonies. Furthermore, overlap in element concentrations from birds at different colonies meant that we could not reliably differentiate birds from different colonies based on a suite of their hepatic trace element concentrations. We encourage other researchers to assess baseline trace element levels on this important, harvested species, as a means of tracking contamination of nearshore benthic environments in the circumpolar Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor D Mallory
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | | | - Birgit M Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada
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Movalli P, Bode P, Dekker R, Fornasari L, van der Mije S, Yosef R. Retrospective biomonitoring of mercury and other elements in museum feathers of common kestrel Falco tinnunculus using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:25986-26005. [PMID: 28942505 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the potential to use instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to explore temporal and geographical variation in exposure to heavy metals and other selected elements in common kestrel Falco tinnunculus using feathers from a natural history collection. The study gathered samples of two breast feathers from each of 16 adult male kestrel specimens from Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, collected in The Netherlands between 1901 and 2001. Feather samples were analysed for more than 50 elements, using INAA at the Reactor Institute Delft. Results (in mg/kg dw) were transformed into ratios of milligram of element per millimetre of feather length. The distribution of the mass fractions and ratios was plotted for each element against time and by geographical area. Observed mass fractions and/or ratios are discussed for selected elements (Hg, Cd, Zn, Pt, Pd, Se, Al, Rb, As, Sb, Cr, V, Cl, Br) known to have, at certain concentrations, adverse effects on raptors. Some samples show mass fractions of certain elements (Cr, Cd, Se, As) above levels known to have adverse effects. We conclude that the analysis of museum feathers using INAA provides reference values for concentrations of selected elements, including those of high societal concern such as Hg and Cd, against which to assess concentrations of these elements in feathers of present-day living raptor populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Peter Bode
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB, Delft, Netherlands
| | - René Dekker
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Reuven Yosef
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Eilat Campus, 8499000, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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25
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Maia AR, Soler-Rodriguez F, Pérez-López M. Concentration of 12 Metals and Metalloids in the Blood of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia): Basal Values and Influence of Age and Gender. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:522-532. [PMID: 28698978 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is being increasingly used in biomonitoring programmes of environmental contaminants due to its growing population in Europe; however, studies on inorganic elements are scarce. The blood of 70 white storks was collected and analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to determine the presence of the following elements: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and cadmium (Cd). Our main goals were to determine the mean concentrations of these elements in the blood and to study its association with age and gender. Mean concentrations were highest for Fe, followed by Zn, and lowest for Co and Cd. The metal levels were similar to the values referred in the literature for the same species from different locations. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females. Regarding age, statistically significant differences were observed for Ni, Cu, Se, Hg, and Pb between young and adult animals (except for Pb, values in adults were higher than in fledglings). Many element concentrations were correlated, with the strongest correlations between the pairs Hg-Se, Hg-As, and Fe-Zn, mainly in adults. This study provides the baseline data for a monitoring program based on white stork blood as a nondestructive sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Maia
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura (UEX), 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
- Consultório Veterinário Maia, Rua Almeida Garrett 2, 2330-055, Entroncamento, Portugal.
| | - Francisco Soler-Rodriguez
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura (UEX), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
- IProCar Research Institute, University of Extremadura (UEX), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura (UEX), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
- INBIO G + C Research Institute, University of Extremadura (UEX), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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26
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Kim J, Oh JM. Concentrations of Trace Elements in Adult and Nestling Black-Tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 98:619-623. [PMID: 28285377 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace element concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Al, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) were measured in the liver of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) adults (n = 10) and nestlings (n = 10) collected at Chilsando Island, Jellanam-do, Korea, in June 2011. Adults gulls, when compared to nestlings, accumulated higher concentrations of all trace elements; Cd, 0.53 and 0.04 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively, Pb, 0.47 and 0.21 µg/g dw, Cr, 0.08 and 0.05 µg/g dw, Al, 6.56 and 3.94 µg/g dw, Cu, 5.57 and 3.88 µg/g dw, Mn, 3.71 and 1.99 µg/g dw, Zn, 34.1 and 22.9 µg/g dw and Fe, 279 and 171 µg/g dw. No individuals of either adults or nestlings exceeded the threshold level for toxic effects for Cd (>3.0 µg/g dw), Pb (>6.0 µg/g dw) and Cr (>4.0 µg/g dw). Cd, Pb and Cr concentrations were comparable or lower than reported in other gull studies worldwide. None of the other elements present in the liver of black-tailed gull adults and nestlings were at toxic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Min Oh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Savoy L, Flint P, Zwiefelhofer D, Brant H, Perkins C, Taylor R, Lane O, Hall J, Evers D, Schamber J. Geographic and temporal patterns of variation in total mercury concentrations in blood of harlequin ducks and blue mussels from Alaska. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 117:178-183. [PMID: 28162252 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We compared total mercury (Hg) concentrations in whole blood of harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) sampled within and among two geographically distinct locations and across three years in southwest Alaska. Blue mussels were collected to assess correlation between Hg concentrations in locally available forage and birds. Mercury concentrations in harlequin duck blood were significantly higher at Unalaska Island (0.31±0.19 mean±SD, μg/g blood) than Kodiak Island (0.04±0.02 mean±SD, μg/g blood). We found no evidence for annual variation in blood Hg concentration between years at Unalaska Island. However, blood Hg concentration did vary among specific sampling locations (i.e., bays) at Unalaska Island. Findings from this study demonstrate harlequin ducks are exposed to environmental sources of Hg, and whole blood Hg concentrations are associated with their local food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Savoy
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA.
| | - Paul Flint
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Denny Zwiefelhofer
- USFWS, Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
| | - Heather Brant
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Christopher Perkins
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 3107 Horsebarn Hill Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Robert Taylor
- Trace Element Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Jeff Hall
- Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory, Utah State University, 5700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - David Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Jason Schamber
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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28
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Borghesi F, Migani F, Andreotti A, Baccetti N, Bianchi N, Birke M, Dinelli E. Metals and trace elements in feathers: A geochemical approach to avoid misinterpretation of analytical responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:476-494. [PMID: 26657393 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Assessing trace metal pollution using feathers has long attracted the attention of ecotoxicologists as a cost-effective and non-invasive biomonitoring method. In order to interpret the concentrations in feathers considering the external contamination due to lithic residue particles, we adopted a novel geochemical approach. We analysed 58 element concentrations in feathers of wild Eurasian Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus fledglings, from 4 colonies in Western Europe (Spain, France, Sardinia, and North-eastern Italy) and one group of adults from zoo. In addition, 53 elements were assessed in soil collected close to the nesting islets. This enabled to compare a wide selection of metals among the colonies, highlighting environmental anomalies and tackling possible causes of misinterpretation of feather results. Most trace elements in feathers (Al, Ce, Co, Cs, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Nb, Pb, Rb, Ti, V, Zr, and REEs) were of external origin. Some elements could be constitutive (Cu, Zn) or significantly bioaccumulated (Hg, Se) in flamingos. For As, Cr, and to a lesser extent Pb, it seems that bioaccumulation potentially could be revealed by highly exposed birds, provided feathers are well cleaned. This comprehensive study provides a new dataset and confirms that Hg has been accumulated in feathers in all sites to some extent, with particular concern for the Sardinian colony, which should be studied further including Cr. The Spanish colony appears critical for As pollution and should be urgently investigated in depth. Feathers collected from North-eastern Italy were the hardest to clean, but our methods allowed biological interpretation of Cr and Pb. Our study highlights the importance of external contamination when analysing trace elements in feathers and advances methodological recommendations in order to reduce the presence of residual particles carrying elements of external origin. Geochemical data, when available, can represent a valuable tool for a correct interpretation of the analytical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Borghesi
- Bologna University, Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Department (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Bianchi
- Siena University, Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment Department, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Manfred Birke
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Stillweg, 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Bologna University, Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Department (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
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29
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Tan S, Li H, Jin Y, Yu H. Cadmium exposure affects on the expression of metallothionein 2 gene in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Genes Genomics 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-015-0347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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30
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Rubio I, Martinez-Madrid M, Méndez-Fernández L, Galarza A, Rodriguez P. Heavy metal concentration in feathers of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) nestlings in three coastal breeding colonies in Spain. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:30-40. [PMID: 26467806 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The colonial ardeid Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), which is is protected under the European Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), can be a reliable bioindicator of aquatic environmental pollution. Concentrations of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in nestling feathers were assessed for three different breeding colonies of Little Egret on the Spanish coast during 2013 (5 individuals in Urdaibai, 10 in Santoña and 26 in Odiel). There were no significant differences in mean tissue residues of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn between the colonies; however, mean concentration of Hg in Odiel nestlings was approximately three times lower than that of the other colonies, while Cr and Cu were significantly higher. In general, Little Egret nestlings from the three study sites had low levels of most of the measured metals, and thus the breeding populations did not appear to be at risk from heavy metal pollution. Baseline metal concentration in feathers derived from this study and calculated as the 90th percentile values were: 0.02 μg Cd g(−1) dw, 0.42 μg Cr g(−1) dw, 1.63 μg Hg g(−1) dw, 0.40 μg Pb g(−1) dw and 122 μg Zn g(−1) dw. However, mean Cu residues attained relatively high levels (17.6–26.9 μg Cu g(−1) dw) compared with data reported elsewhere, which raises concern and indicates a need for further research.
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31
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Kim J, Oh JM. Comparison of Trace Element Concentrations Between Chick and Adult Black-Tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 94:727-31. [PMID: 25899571 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-015-1536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements were measured in the feathers of black-tailed gull chicks (n = 10) and adults (n = 10) collected at Chilsando Is., Jeollanam-do, Korea, in June 2011. Pb, Mn and Fe were significantly greater in adult (arithmetic mean 2.02, 3.81, 92.1 μg/g dw, respectively) than chick (0.74, 2.14, 68.7 μg/g dw) gulls. In contrast, Zn was greater in chicks (74.9 μg/g dw) than adults (46.5 μg/g dw). Cd, Pb and Cr in all chicks and adults were lower than an approximate threshold level for toxic effects. Cd, Pb and Cr were comparable or lower than reported in other gull studies worldwide. Essential elements including Al, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe were within the background and normal physiological levels reported earlier in other gull species including black-tailed gulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 446-701, Republic of Korea,
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32
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Abbasi NA, Khan MU, Jaspers VLB, Chaudhry MJI, Malik RN. Spatial and interspecific variation of accumulated trace metals between remote and urbane dwelling birds of Pakistan. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 113:279-86. [PMID: 25528378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that birds of urbanized and/or industrialized origin depict higher metal accumulation as compared to remote dwellers. We selected seven representative species from three families (Anatidae, Motacillidae and Sturnidae) at two different locations; Baroghil valley (remote location) and Soan valley (urbanized location) of Pakistan and analyzed the concentrations of 8 metals Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in feathers of these species. Feathers from Soan valley which is under higher anthropogenic influence exhibited significantly (P<0.001) higher metal concentrations when compared with the feathers of the same species at Baroghil valley which has negligible anthropogenic input. Terrestrial birds of the Baroghil valley revealed greater metal loads than aquatic birds while at Soan valley it was vice versa. In general, elevated concentrations of metals were recorded in insectivorous species as compared to omnivorous species. Within each location, species belonging to Anatidae and Motacillidae revealed similar metal contamination patterns. Principal component Analysis (PCA) based on correlation matrices depicted a clear tendency of metals towards the species originating from areas with greater pollution load (Soan valley) than relatively undisturbed sites (Baroghil valley) and hence corroborated our hypothesis. The pattern of metal accumulation in feathers of both the locations suggested that there may be a flux of migration between the two regions and/or trans-boundary movement of pollutants/metals, which either singly or synergistically influence the overall metal profile in the studied bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Akhtar Abbasi
- Environmental biology and Ecotoxicology laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Khan
- Environmental biology and Ecotoxicology laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry
- Environmental biology and Ecotoxicology laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; WWF-Pakistan, Ferozpur Road, PO Box 5180, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental biology and Ecotoxicology laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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33
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Abbasi NA, Jaspers VLB, Chaudhry MJI, Ali S, Malik RN. Influence of taxa, trophic level, and location on bioaccumulation of toxic metals in bird's feathers: a preliminary biomonitoring study using multiple bird species from Pakistan. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:527-537. [PMID: 25303737 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing concentrations of heavy metals in the environment and their effects on ecosystems and biota is still an imminent threat, particularly in developing parts of the globe. The aim of the present study was to screen the heavy metal concentrations in multiple bird species across Pakistan and to preliminary evaluate the influence of taxa, trophic level, and geographical location on heavy metal accumulation in various bird species. For this purpose, we measured the concentration of 9 heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) in feathers of 48 bird species from different localities in Pakistan. Species exhibited heterogeneous levels of heavy metals in feathers with marked inter and intra specific variations. Mean concentrations of studied metals in feathers followed the trend Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Mn>Cr>Ni>Co>Cd. Species belonging to closely related taxa (families) showed comparable metal concentrations in their feathers, inferring potential phylogenetic similarities in metal exposure or accumulation. In general, concentrations of metals were greatest in carnivorous species followed by omnivorous and insectivorous birds, and granivores showing minimal levels (p<0.000). Furthermore, concentrations of metals varied significantly between locations (p<0.000) exhibiting highest concentrations in Punjab province and Baluchistan, probably due to higher industrial and agricultural activity and runoff, respectively. With certain limitation, influence of trophic level, taxonomic affiliation and sampling location of birds on toxic metal accumulation was also statistically corroborated through principal component analysis (PCA). This study highlights that despite restricted emissions, heavy metals persist in the local environment and may pose elevated risks for the studied bird species in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Akhtar Abbasi
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan; WWF - Pakistan, Ferozpur Road, P O Box 5180, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Sakhawat Ali
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Markowski M, Bańbura M, Kaliński A, Markowski J, Skwarska J, Wawrzyniak J, Zieliński P, Bańbura J. Spatial and temporal variation of lead, cadmium, and zinc in feathers of great tit and blue tit nestlings in Central Poland. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 67:507-18. [PMID: 24801570 PMCID: PMC4192558 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-014-0028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestling great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus at two different sites (urban parkland vs. deciduous forest) located in the Łódź agglomeration in relation to interyear variation. We found that tit species did not differ significantly in lead and cadmium concentrations. Zinc concentration was significantly higher in blue tits. We also found that lead and cadmium levels in blue tit nestlings and the level of lead in great tit nestlings were higher in the parkland site than in the woodland site. We explain habitat variation in heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestlings by different levels of contamination at study sites. For both tit species, significant variation in heavy-metal amounts accumulated by nestlings was found between years with the lowest value in a year with the lowest value of rainfall. We suggest that the interyear variation may be accounted for by differences in rainfall, thus influencing quantities of trace elements bioavailable in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Markowski
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland,
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35
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Kaler RSA, Kenney LA, Bond AL, Eagles-Smith CA. Mercury concentrations in breast feathers of three upper trophic level marine predators from the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 82:189-193. [PMID: 24656750 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element distributed globally through atmospheric transport. Agattu Island, located in the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska, has no history of point-sources of Hg contamination. We provide baseline levels of total mercury (THg) concentrations in breast feathers of three birds that breed on the island. Geometric mean THg concentrations in feathers of fork-tailed storm-petrels (Oceanodroma furcata; 6703 ± 1635, ng/g fresh weight [fw]) were higher than all other species, including snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus; 2105 ± 1631, ng/g fw), a raptor with a diet composed largely of storm-petrels at Agattu Island. There were no significant differences in mean THg concentrations of breast feathers among adult Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris; 1658 ± 1276, ng/g fw) and chicks (1475 ± 671, ng/g fw) and snowy owls. The observed THg concentrations in fork-tailed storm-petrel feathers emphasizes the need for further study of Hg pollution in the western Aleutian Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robb S A Kaler
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States.
| | - Leah A Kenney
- Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, and Environment Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States
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Kim J, Oh JM. Relationships of metals between feathers and diets of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) chicks. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 92:265-9. [PMID: 24414165 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-014-1200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In birds, metal contaminants in feathers are influenced by prey concentrations and environmental quality. In Black-tailed Gull chicks, Cd, Pb and Cu concentrations were strongly correlated between feathers and stomach contents. Between feathers and livers, Pb, Zn and Fe concentrations were significantly correlated. Cd concentrations were within the range of other seabirds and within the background level for bird feathers (<2 μg/g dw). At the lighthouse, eight chicks exceeded the background for Pb level in feathers (>4 μg/g dw). Elevated Pb concentrations might be attributed to ingestion of paint-based chips and natural (soil and rocks) sources. There is evidence that the analyzed birds suffered from acute toxicity, including high levels of pecking from conspecifics and increased mortality from elevated Pb levels. It seems likely that these birds might experience negative health effects from this increased Pb exposure. As a result, Black-tailed Gull chick feathers are a very useful monitoring tool for assessing Cd, Pb and Cu contamination. Essential elements such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were all within the acceptable range of normal concentrations for seabird species including gulls and may be maintained by normal homeostatic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 446-701, Republic of Korea,
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Lodenius M, Solonen T. The use of feathers of birds of prey as indicators of metal pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2013; 22:1319-34. [PMID: 24096904 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1128-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Published results concerning metal levels in feathers of birds of prey were listed and evaluated. Mercury concentrations have been studied most and the background values normally vary between 0.1 and 5 mg/kg dry weight the highest concentrations being in birds from aquatic food chains. Pollution causes elevated levels of mercury in feathers. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc show reasonable variation between species, areas and time periods. Feathers of birds of prey have proved to be good indicators of the status of environmental heavy metal pollution. Special attention should be paid to clean sampling and preparation of samples. Interpretation of the results requires knowledge on food habit, molting and migration patterns of the species. Several species representing different food chains should be included in comprehensive monitoring surveys. Chick feathers reflect most reliably local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lodenius
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, POB 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland,
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Bustnes JO, Bårdsen BJ, Bangjord G, Lierhagen S, Yoccoz NG. Temporal trends (1986-2005) of essential and non-essential elements in a terrestrial raptor in northern Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 458-460:101-6. [PMID: 23644358 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In the recent decades, the atmospheric deposition of many metals has declined in northern Europe, mostly due to reductions of emissions in other parts of the Europe. However, less is known about the temporal trends at higher trophic levels in terrestrial food chains. In this study we measured 39 different essential and non-essential elements in tawny owl (Strix aluco) tail-feathers (n=633) collected annually between 1986 and 2005 in Central Norway. There was a strong decline in lead (Pb) concentrations (~94%) consistent with the termination of the use of Pb as a petrol additive. There were also significant declines in cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and arsenic (As) concentrations. Zinc (Zn) may also have declined after 2000, but this is not yet clear due to possible analytical problems. More unexpected was a strong decline of boron (B) in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a subsequent leveling-off, but with high concentrations in 1999. The decline in B could be related to changes in the agricultural practices and use of fertilizers. Tin (Sn) showed an abrupt decline in the mid-1990s, after which the concentrations established at one fifth of the level before this time. Iron (Fe) was stable until the late 1990s, but showed an increase afterwards, whereas lanthanum (La) tended to increase up to the mid-1990s and then leveled-off. Aluminum (Al) showed decreasing levels until the mid-1990s, but a considerable increase afterwards. There was a small increase in praseodymium (Pr), but the only element showing a consistent strong increase over the study period (61%) was rubidium (Rb). The causes of the temporal trends in different elements may be changed input to the local ecosystem from local and trans-boundary sources, but possibly also variation in climate and feeding conditions for the owls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Rodríguez A, Acosta M, Mugica L, Ferrer S, Sanpera C, Jover L. Assessment of trace elements and stable isotopes of three Ardeid species at Birama Swamp, Cuba. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 65:24-32. [PMID: 23535940 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Birama Swamp is the second largest wetland in the Caribbean region and it is inhabited by large populations of waterbirds. Here we report, for the first time, the foraging ecology and pollutant levels of three Ardeidae species: Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), Snowy egret (Egretta thula), and Tricolored heron (E. tricolor) breeding in this wetland using stable-isotope (δ (15)N and δ (13)C) and trace elements [mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se)] analysis of chick feathers. Our results showed that individuals from all species occupied similar trophic levels. However, we found significant differences for δ (13)C, with the highest values in cattle egret indicating its use of terrestrial habitats and a generalist and opportunist behavior. No significant differences were found for Pb among species. Yet, Hg levels were greater and similar in tricolored heron and snowy egret than in cattle egret, which was associated with their greater use of aquatic environments. Snowy egret had the lowest values of Se differing significantly with the other two species suggesting a different relative use of prey type. Modeling log-Hg concentration in relation to δ (15)N and δ (13)C showed an independent and significant relationship among species but without interaction with species level indicating that within a particular species, higher Hg levels were associated with higher δ (15)N values. There was no interaction between δ (15)N and δ (13)C in the general linear models for Se and Pb in all species. We found an association between δ (15)N and species in Pb for snowy egret. The foraging habitat use of these species and the low levels of pollutants, which are lower than in other similar habitats in other areas of the world, indicated that there is not risk of negative effects in juvenile birds of the Birama Swamp colony that may impair their survival. Our results can be used as a baseline to achieve management regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rodríguez
- Department Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Jerez S, Motas M, Benzal J, Diaz J, Barbosa A. Monitoring trace elements in Antarctic penguin chicks from South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 69:67-75. [PMID: 23465574 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The concentration of human activities in the near-shore ecosystems from the northern Antarctic Peninsula area can cause an increasing bioavailability of pollutants for the vulnerable Antarctic biota. Penguin chicks can reflect this potential impact in the rookeries during the breeding season. They also can reflect biomagnification phenomena since they are on the top of the Antarctic food chain. The concentrations of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb were measured by ICP-MS in samples of liver, kidney, muscle, bone, feather and stomach content of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin chicks (n=15 individuals) collected opportunistically in the Islands of King George and Deception (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). The detected levels of some trace elements were not as low as it could be expected in the isolated Antarctic region. Penguin chicks can be useful indicators of trace elements abundance in the study areas. CAPSULE Carcasses of Antarctic penguin chicks were used to evaluate the bioavailability of trace elements in the Islands of King George and Deception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Jerez
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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Mochizuki M, Okutomi Y, Takano T, Hondo R, Yumoto N, Kajigaya H, Ueda F. A MODIFIED INDEX FOR LEAD IN BIOLOGICAL MONITORING. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7831/ras.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Mochizuki
- Department of Applied Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Yuki Okutomi
- Department of Applied Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Takashi Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Ryo Hondo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Norio Yumoto
- Department of Applied Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Hiroshi Kajigaya
- Department of Applied Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
| | - Fukiko Ueda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
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Debén S, Angel Fernández J, Aboal JR, Carballeira A. Evaluation of different contour feather types for biomonitoring lead exposure in Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and tawny owl (Strix aluco). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2012; 85:115-119. [PMID: 22975688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of Pb was determined in feathers (contour feathers: mantle, pectoral, ventral, and primary- and secondary-coverts) of two sedentary species of raptors in Galicia (NW Spain): the tawny owl (Strix aluco) and the Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). A high degree of intraindividual variability was observed in all types of feathers, with coefficients of variation exceeding 100 percent. The correlations between feather types were too low to enable use of a single type of body feather to predict the concentration of Pb in the other feathers. The number of body feathers required to differentiate individuals on the basis of the concentration of Pb was extremely high, in some cases higher than the number of the particular type of feather in the bird. All of this provides clear evidence that the contour and covert feathers of the raptor species considered cannot be used to biomonitor contamination by Pb, at least in this sample where the overall feather concentration were fairly uniform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Debén
- Area de Ecología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Cotín J, García-Tarrasón M, Jover L, Sanpera C. Are the toxic sediments deposited at Flix reservoir affecting the Ebro river biota? Purple heron eggs and nestlings as indicators. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 21:1391-1402. [PMID: 22526922 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-012-0893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Flix reservoir, in the low course of the Ebro River, contains thousands of tons of polluted sediments, accumulated from the activities of a chemical factory. An ongoing project is working toward removing these pollutants. Piscivore birds like the purple heron (Ardea purpurea) may be useful bioindicators, so eggs and nestling feathers were sampled during the 2006-2008 breeding seasons at three localities: a reference site situated upstream and two potentially affected by the toxic muds; one at the focal area and one at a distal area, the Ebro Delta. The samples were analyzed for isotopic signatures of ¹⁵N and ¹³C and concentrations of heavy metals and selenium. Baseline nitrogen signatures were higher in riverine sites than in the delta. Nitrogen together with carbon signatures adequately discriminated riverine and deltaic ecosystems. Mercury levels are highly influenced by the polluted sediments at Flix and pose potential risks for the birds, as they are among the highest ever recorded in heron species. Selenium and copper concentrations probably derive from other sources. Except for mercury, heavy metals and selenium levels were below toxic levels. Purple heron eggs and nestling feathers have demonstrated their usefulness as bioindicators for pollution in the river biota; feathers in particular show pollutant impacts on a strict local basis. A long series of study years is necessary in dynamic ecosystems such as this, so continued monitoring of the heron population at Flix is advisable to trace the effects of the toxic muds, particularly during their removal, because of the high levels of mercury detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cotín
- Department Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Univesitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Martínez A, Crespo D, Fernández JÁ, Aboal JR, Carballeira A. Selection of flight feathers from Buteo buteo and Accipiter gentilis for use in biomonitoring heavy metal contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 425:254-261. [PMID: 22481053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of Hg were determined in all primary flight feathers from 20 specimens of Buteo buteo and 49 specimens of Accipiter gentilis, which had died in various Wildlife Recovery Centres in Galicia (NW Spain) between 2001 and 2009. The aim of the study was to standardize the feather or feathers that should be analyzed in each species to enable inter-individual comparison of the levels of contamination, taking into consideration any variability in the concentrations of Hg caused by the birds' molting patterns. For both species the results show a high degree of both inter (e.g. an individual of A. gentilis showed 426 ng g(-1) of Hg as median and 568 ng g(-1) as median absolute deviation, MAD) and intra-individual variability (e.g. primary feather number seven - P7 - of all the A. gentilis individuals showed 537 ng g(-1) of Hg as median and 1129 ng g(-1) as MAD). Although molting did not have a clear effect on the concentrations of Hg in the flight feathers, it was possible to identify the most representative feather in each individual, taking into account the amount of metal excreted in each feather and the intra-individual variability. For B. buteo use of flight feather P6 is recommended for Hg biomonitoring studies; the amount of Hg excreted to this feather was 509 ng as median, which represents the 14% (from 10 to 20%) of the total Hg present in all the primary feathers. For A. gentilis the recommended feather is P7, which has a median of 86 ng of Hg (corresponding to 12%, and varying between 5 and 22%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Martínez
- Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Metcheva R, Yurukova L, Teodorova SE. Biogenic and toxic elements in feathers, eggs, and excreta of Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii) in the Antarctic. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2011; 182:571-585. [PMID: 21340549 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-1898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Feathers, eggs, and excreta of Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii), adults, from Livingston Island (South Shetlands), chosen as bioindicators, were used to test the quality of the Antarctic environment. Sex was not examined. The bioaccumulations of toxic trace elements (Cd, Pb, Al, and As), essential trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, V, Ni, and Sr), and major essential elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, and S) were established. For the first time data about the element contents in Gentoo eggs is provided. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) there are differences in the metal levels among eggs and feathers; and (2) the element concentrations are highest in the excreta. The hypotheses were confirmed at 0.01-0.05 confidence levels. The concentrations of almost all trace elements were significantly higher in the feathers compared to those in the eggs. The following values of the concentrations ratio Fe/Zn were obtained: in the embryo, Fe/Zn = 1.5, and in the feathers, Fe/Zn = 0.5. The concentration of Pb in the embryo and excreta was below 0.4 μg/g, and Cd and As in eggs were below 0.05 and 0.3 μg/g, respectively. This indicates that there is no toxic risk for penguin offspring. Arsenic could be considered as a potential pollutant for Antarctic soil due to its relative high concentration in excreta, 5.13 μg/g. The present data (year 2007) were compared to the data for years 2002 and 2003. No trend of toxic element contamination was established. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in representatives from the top of the food chain in the Antarctic (the present study) and Arctic (literature data) were compared. The data supports the hypothesis that there is an abnormality in cadmium levels in polar marine areas. Regarding Pb, the South Shetlands displayed 3-fold lower level compared to the Aleutians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roumiana Metcheva
- Institute of Zoology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1, Bd.Tzar Osvoboditel, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Berglund ÅMM, Koivula MJ, Eeva T. Species- and age-related variation in metal exposure and accumulation of two passerine bird species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:2368-74. [PMID: 21783288 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We measured the concentration of several elements (arsenic [As], calcium [Ca], cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], selenium [Se] and zinc [Zn]) in adult and nestling pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and great tits (Parus major) at different distances to a Cu-Ni smelter in 2009. Feces of nestlings generally failed to correspond with internal element concentrations but reflected the pollution exposure, indicating an increased stress by removal of excess metals. The uptake of Cu and Ni were regulated, but As, Cd, Pb and Se accumulated in liver tissue. Pied flycatchers had generally higher element concentrations than great tits. The higher accumulation of As and Pb in pied flycatcher livers was explained by a more efficient absorption, whereas the higher Cd concentration was primarily due to different intake of food items. Age-related differences occurred between the two species, though both Cd and Se accumulated with age.
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Bond AL, Lavers JL. Trace element concentrations in feathers of flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) from across their breeding range. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2011; 61:318-326. [PMID: 20865254 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-010-9605-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are convenient indicators of contamination of the marine environment because feathers can be sampled non-destructively, and a great deal is known about their ecology. Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) are of conservation concern in Australia and New Zealand, partly because ingestion of marine debris may be reducing breeding success at their largest colony. Because marine plastics accumulate contaminants in the ocean environment, an assessment of metal and metalloid contaminants was initiated. We sampled feathers from Kauwahaia (n = 18) and Lady Alice Island, New Zealand (n = 30), Lord Howe Island (n = 24) and Western Australia (n = 33) during the 2008 austral summer, making this the most complete assessment of metal and metalloid contamination of any shearwater. We found colony differences in all elements except lead and thallium. Samples from Western Australia had higher silver, aluminium, cadmium, and copper concentrations, while shearwaters from Lord Howe Island (eastern Australia) had elevated concentrations of mercury (mean ± S.D., 11221 ± 5612 ppb). We conclude that mercury, and potentially arsenic and cadmium represent toxicological concerns for this declining species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Bond
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Abdennadher A, Ramírez F, Romdhane MS, Ruiz X, Jover L, Sanpera C. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) as a bioindicator of trace element pollution in Tunisian aquatic ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2011; 175:677-684. [PMID: 20571881 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-010-1560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, has breeding colonies in the island of Chikly (in the lake of Tunis) and in Thyna saltpans (in the gulf of Gabès), two important Tunisian wetlands that are strongly affected by anthropogenic activity. Here, we used E. garzetta chick feathers for environmental monitoring of breeding grounds of this species. Since trophic ecology is fundamental when interpreting contamination levels, our approach combined both trace-element (Hg, Pb, Cd, and Se) and stable-isotope analysis of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S. Hg, Se, and δ15N levels were higher in specimens collected on Chikly than in Thyna. These observations highlight the degree of eutrophication of the lake of Tunis. Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) breeding in the same areas also feeds in the lake and attains similar concentrations of Hg and Se. In Thyna, egrets and gulls exploit distinct foraging habitats, as demonstrated by stable isotope analysis. The highest Hg and Se concentrations were found in Thyna. This result is consistent with greater exploitation of marine resources from the gulf of Gabès.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Abdennadher
- Department Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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Garitano-Zavala A, Cotín J, Borràs M, Nadal J. Trace metal concentrations in tissues of two tinamou species in mining areas of Bolivia and their potential as environmental sentinels. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2010; 168:629-644. [PMID: 19757123 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-1139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mining has a long history in the Bolivian Andes and has left many tailing piles, from which trace metals may reach surface waters, soils, and biota. The potential of tinamous (Birds: Tinamidae) as sentinels has never been tested before, although their biological and ecological characteristics mean they could well be appropriate bioindicators. We captured 13 and nine individuals of the Ornate Tinamou (Nothoprocta ornata) from two polluted sites (P1 and P2) and 10 and five from control unpolluted sites (NP1 and NP2) and used, for comparative purposes, four specimens bred in captivity. We also captured six specimens of Darwin's Nothura (Nothura darwinii) from the polluted site, P2. We determined the concentration of As, Cd, Pb, and Sb in feathers, liver, and kidney and conducted histological analyses of liver and kidney. For the Ornate Tinamou, a site effect was found for all trace metals in all tissues, with the highest concentrations at polluted sites. At the P2 site, no differences between the two tinamou species were detected except in some cases where Darwin's Nothura shows near-double concentrations. In some cases, mean and/or individual values of trace metal concentrations reached toxicity levels at the polluted sites. Thesaurismosis in proximal convoluted renal tubules, probably related to Cd exposure, was observed in 30% of the samples from the P1 site. Significant correlations were observed between all tissues for all trace metals and also for all trace metals in each tissue. Because the species studied are ubiquitous and relatively abundant, we recommend monitoring programs based on feather analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Garitano-Zavala
- Unidad de Manejo y Conservación de Fauna, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Casilla, La Paz, Bolivia.
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Hardell S, Tilander H, Welfinger-Smith G, Burger J, Carpenter DO. Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and three organochlorine pesticides in fish from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12396. [PMID: 20811633 PMCID: PMC2928280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides, have been shown to have many adverse human health effects. These contaminants therefore may pose a risk to Alaska Natives that follow a traditional diet high in marine mammals and fish, in which POPs bioaccumulate. METHODS AND FINDINGS This study examined the levels of PCBs and three pesticides [p, p'-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)] in muscle tissue from nine fish species from several locations around the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. The highest median PCB level was found in rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata, 285 ppb, wet weight), while the lowest level was found in rock greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus, 104 ppb, wet weight). Lipid adjusted PCB values were also calculated and significant interspecies differences were found. Again, rock sole had the highest level (68,536 ppb, lipid weight). Concerning the PCB congener patterns, the more highly chlorinated congeners were most common as would be expected due to their greater persistence. Among the pesticides, p, p'-DDE generally dominated, and the highest level was found in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka, 6.9 ppb, wet weight). The methodology developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was used to calculate risk-based consumption limits for the analyzed fish species. For cancer health endpoints for PCBs, all species would trigger strict advisories of between two and six meals per year, depending upon species. For noncancer effects by PCBs, advisories of between seven and twenty-two meals per year were triggered. None of the pesticides triggered consumption limits. CONCLUSION The fish analyzed, mainly from Adak, contain significant concentrations of POPs, in particular PCBs, which raises the question whether these fish are safe to eat, particularly for sensitive populations. However when assessing any risk of the traditional diet, one must also consider the many health and cultural benefits from eating fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hardell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, United States of America
| | - Hanna Tilander
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, United States of America
| | - Gretchen Welfinger-Smith
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, United States of America
| | - Joanna Burger
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - David O. Carpenter
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, United States of America
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