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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Casero M, Brazio E, Brandão R, Costa D, Mateus TL, Coelho AC, Oliveira PA. The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11983-11994. [PMID: 38225500 PMCID: PMC10869400 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s' pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s' concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM); Egas Moniz School of Health &Science, Almada, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - María Casero
- RIAS-ALDEIA - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Erica Brazio
- Lisbon Wildife Rescue center (LxCRAS), Forest park of Monsanto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Superior Agrarian School, Polytechical Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- EpiUnit - Public Health Institute of University of Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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2
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García-Muñoz J, Cacciola NA, Plazzi F, Prado Míguez-Santiyán M, Rodríguez FS, López-Beceiro A, Fidalgo LE, Martínez-Morcillo S, Pérez-López M. Metal and metalloid concentrations in wild mammals from SW Europe: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and badger (Meles meles). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118855-118870. [PMID: 37922086 PMCID: PMC10697895 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been increasing ecological and global concerns associated to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). Thus, the relevance of wild mammals as biomonitors has been globally recognised. In the present study, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and As concentrations were quantified in European hedgehog and badger inhabiting SW Europe, and cumulative trends in relation to age and sex were evaluated. Liver and kidney samples were collected, mineralised and PTE content was determined by ICP-MS. Zn was the most abundant element quantified in both organs (239 and 89.8 mg kg-1 for hedgehogs and 179 and 164 mg kg-1 dw for badgers). In hedgehogs, very high Hg concentration were quantified (4.35 and 15.5 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney), and Cd was the most abundant for badgers (4.70 and 7.61 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney). Positive correlations were observed for the concentrations of PTE in the organs of both species. Age-dependence increased only Cd concentration, with levels in adult kidneys being significantly higher. In this study, European hedgehog and badger were used as biomonitors for the determination of PTEs to provide current reference values in relatively non-polluted areas of SW Europe, and to enhance the use of these species for future ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Muñoz
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Plazzi
- Department of Biologia Evoluzionistica Sperimentale, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Salomé Martínez-Morcillo
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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3
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Evans MN, Waller S, Müller CT, Goossens B, Smith JA, Bakar MSA, Kille P. The price of persistence: Assessing the drivers and health implications of metal levels in indicator carnivores inhabiting an agriculturally fragmented landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112216. [PMID: 34656630 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Patterns and practices of agricultural expansion threaten the persistence of global biodiversity. Wildlife species surviving large-scale land use changes can be exposed to a suite of contaminants that may deleteriously impact their health. There is a paucity of data concerning the ecotoxicological impacts associated with the global palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) industry. We sampled wild Malay civets (Viverra tangalunga) across a patchwork landscape degraded by oil palm agriculture in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using a non-lethal methodology, we quantified the levels of 13 essential and non-essential metals within the hair of this adaptable small carnivore. We robustly assessed the biological and environmental drivers of intrapopulation variation in measured levels. Metal concentrations were associated with civet age, weight, proximity to a tributary, and access to oxbow lakes. In a targeted case study, the hair metal profiles of 16 GPS-collared male civets with differing space use patterns were contrasted. Civets that entered oil palm plantations expressed elevated aluminium, cadmium, and lead, and lower mercury hair concentrations compared to civets that remained exclusively within the forest. Finally, we paired hair metal concentrations with 34 blood-based health markers to evaluate the possible sub-lethal physiological effects associated with varied hair metal levels. Our multi-facetted approach establishes these adaptable carnivores as indicator species within an extensively altered ecosystem, and provides critical and timely evidence for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan N Evans
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK; Danau Girang Field Centre, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia.
| | - Simon Waller
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Carsten T Müller
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Benoit Goossens
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK; Danau Girang Field Centre, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia; Sustainable Places Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3BA, UK; Sabah Wildlife Department, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia
| | - Jeremy A Smith
- School of Applied Sciences, University of South Wales, CF37 4BB, UK
| | | | - Peter Kille
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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Oropesa AL, Ramos A, Gómez LJ. Toxic and essential metal levels in the hair of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) for monitoring the contamination in protected areas of South-Western Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:27430-27442. [PMID: 34981386 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant monitoring in tissues of wild species can help in the knowledge not only of their health, but also of the environmental health conditions in the zones where they live. In this study, concentrations of toxic metals (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and an essential metal (Zn) were measured in the hair of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) inhabiting in protected areas of South-Western Spain. Zn (69.02 ± 1.03 mg kg-1, 70.31 ± 2.22 mg kg-1), Pb (0.61 ± 0.05 mg kg-1, 0.68 ± 0.08 mg kg-1), and As (0.33 ± 0.03 mg kg-1, 0.53 ± 0.08 mg kg-1) were detected in the hair of red deer and wild boar, respectively. The other metals (Cd and Hg) were under the quantification limit (0.1 mg kg-1). No differences in the level of elements between both species were found. The levels of the detected elements in the hair showed low concentrations and similar to those observed in animals of the same species from unpolluted zones, reflecting a lack of contamination by these elements in the studied areas. Based on critical values of these elements established for organs of mammals, red deer and wild boar from the studied territories did not suffer toxicosis by the studied elements. Age-related differences in the content of As in the hair of red deer and age- and gender-related differences in the content of As in the hair of wild boar were detected, which should be considered for biomonitoring purposes. Finally, positive (Pb-As in both species) and negative (Zn-Pb in wild boar) interrelationships between elements were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Lourdes Oropesa
- Toxicology Area, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
- BRILiC - Biotechnology Research Institute in Livestock & Cynegetic, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Ramos
- BRILiC - Biotechnology Research Institute in Livestock & Cynegetic, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
- Statistics and Operations Research Area, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis-Jesús Gómez
- BRILiC - Biotechnology Research Institute in Livestock & Cynegetic, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
- Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy Area, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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5
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Oliveira PA. Biomonitoring metals and metalloids in wild mammals: invasive versus non-invasive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18398-18407. [PMID: 35032272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal and metalloid pollution is a matter of concern in animal, human and environmental health (One Health) and also in wildlife conservation worldwide. Studying wild mammals in toxicology has been contributing significantly to our knowledge, namely to find out the most critical regions, to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena or to evaluate their toxic effects. However, not all the animal tissues and organs provide the same information or should be interpreted in the same way. The best sample to use will depend on the objectives and conditions of the study. This review aims to compare invasive and non-invasive samples to biomonitor heavy metals, providing a brief resume of their advantages, limitations and examples of use. Further research, using a wider range of mammalian species, is required to establish what information can be obtained in biomonitoring studies that use non-invasive samples (such as hair, faeces and parasites) and/or invasive samples (such as blood, liver, kidney, bone and other organs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Center (CECAV), AL4Animals, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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6
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Farkas A, Bidló A, Bolodár-Varga B, Jánoska F. Accumulation of selected metals and concentration of macroelements in liver and kidney tissues of sympatric golden jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Somogy County, Hungary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:66724-66735. [PMID: 34240300 PMCID: PMC8642344 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the liver and kidney samples of golden jackals (n = 163) and red foxes (n = 64). Additionally, we studied how sex affected element concentration in both species, and in the case of golden jackals, how concentration levels were affected by age.Liver was the most important storage organ for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while kidney for Cd and Na in jackals and foxes.We found no sex-related differences in concentration of any of the selected elements in fox samples. In jackals, the mean concentrations of Al, Mn, and Zn were significantly higher in kidneys of males, while Zn and Cu had higher concentrations in female livers. Our results suggest bioaccumulation processes do not occur in mesocarnivores.Lead and Cd concentrations fell within ranges accepted as normal for canine species and were below toxic levels in the organs of the examined species. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were far below the toxic levels in both organs of both species, with a slight sign of deficiency of Fe, Mn, and Zn in jackal and fox kidneys. In comparison with toxicity levels and results from other European study sites, the current study demonstrated that species living in the examined area of Somogy County, Hungary, are generally exposed to low levels of environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Farkas
- Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transilvania, Corunca, 1C, 540485, Târgu-Mureș, Romania.
| | - András Bidló
- Faculty of Forestry, Institute of Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zs. str. 4, Sopron, H-9400, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Bolodár-Varga
- Faculty of Forestry, Institute of Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zs. str. 4, Sopron, H-9400, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jánoska
- Faculty of Forestry, Institute of Wildlife Management and Vertebrate Zoology, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zs. str. 4, Sopron, H-9400, Hungary
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7
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Lazarus M, Orct T, Sergiel A, Vranković L, Marijić VF, Rašić D, Reljić S, Aladrović J, Zwijacz-Kozica T, Zięba F, Jurasović J, Erk M, Maślak R, Selva N, Huber Đ. Metal(loid) exposure assessment and biomarker responses in captive and free-ranging European brown bear (Ursus arctos). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109166. [PMID: 32004830 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109166] [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: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the level of five non-essential metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Hg, Tl, Pb) and nine essential metals (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) in hair and blood components of captive and free-ranging European brown bear populations in Croatia and Poland. Metal(loid) associations with biomarkers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione-peroxidase, GSH-Px; malondialdehyde, MDA) and metal exposure (metallothionein, MT) were estimated in this top predatory mammal. Lead was the most abundant non-essential metal(loid) in both blood and hair, with 4 of 35 individuals having blood levels over 100 μg/L. A positive association was found between Pb level and SOD activity in blood. Free-ranging bears had higher blood SOD activity, Mn, Zn and Cd levels, hair Co, Cd, Tl and Pb compared to captive individuals, while the opposite was true for Mg and hair Ca thereby reflecting habitat and diet differences. With increasing age, animals showed lower levels of SOD activity and certain essential metals. Females had higher SOD activity and blood levels of some essential metals than males. Hair showed a higher Fe and Co level when sampled during the growth phase and was not predictive of non-essential metal(loid) blood levels. The established metal(loid) baseline values will enable future risk assessment in both captive and wild European brown bear populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Agnieszka Sergiel
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Lana Vranković
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Dubravka Rašić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Jasna Aladrović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Robert Maślak
- Institute of Environmental Biology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Đuro Huber
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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8
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BLOOD LEAD AND ZINC LEVELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH OF FREE-LIVING SMALL CARNIVORES IN TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA. J Wildl Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-11-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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Chaousis S, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Charting a path towards non-destructive biomarkers in threatened wildlife: A systematic quantitative literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:59-70. [PMID: 29156442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Threatened species are susceptible to irreversible population decline caused by adverse sub-lethal effects of chemical contaminant exposure. It is therefore vital to develop the necessary tools to predict and detect these effects as early as possible. Biomarkers of contaminant exposure and effect are widely applied to this end, and a significant amount of research has focused on development and validation of sensitive and diagnostic biomarkers. However, progress in the use biomarkers that can be measured using non-destructive techniques has been relatively slow and there are still many difficulties to overcome in the development of sound methods. This paper systematically quantifies and reviews studies that have aimed to develop or validate non-destructive biomarkers in wildlife, and provides an analysis of the successes of these methods based on the invasiveness of the methods, the potential for universal application, cost, and the potential for new biomarker discovery. These data are then used to infer what methods and approaches appear the most effective for successful development of non-destructive biomarkers of contaminant exposure in wildlife. This review highlights that research on non-destructive biomarkers in wildlife is severely lacking, and suggests further exploration of in vitro methods in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chaousis
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia
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10
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Lazarus M, Sekovanić A, Orct T, Reljić S, Jurasović J, Huber Đ. Sexual Maturity and Life Stage Influences Toxic Metal Accumulation in Croatian Brown Bears. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:339-348. [PMID: 29230529 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The influence of reproductive and (early) life stages on toxic metal levels was investigated in the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the largest mammalian predator species in Croatia. The purpose was to examine critical clusters in a population that might be at a higher risk of adverse health effects caused by metals as environmental contaminants. Levels of cadmium, mercury and lead in muscle, liver and kidney cortex of 325 male and 139 female bears, quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, were analysed according to distinct bear life stages (young: cub, yearling, subadult; mature: adult). Metal levels did not differ among sexes in young animals (< 4 years), except for mercury in muscles (higher in females), and adult females had higher cadmium and mercury. A trend of renal cadmium accumulation with age in immature male animals disappeared once they reached maturity, whereas for females this trend has only slowly declined in mature compared to immature bears. In early life stage (< 1 year), bear cubs had lower cadmium, comparable mercury, and higher lead in the kidneys than the bears of the following age category (yearlings). Due to a higher proportion of renal lead transfer from the mother to the cub compared with cadmium, it may be that the high burden of cadmium found in kidneys of older females has lower toxicological concern for their cubs than the lead content. Sex, reproductive, and life stages of bears were confirmed as important in assessing toxic metal burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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Flache L, Becker NI, Kierdorf U, Czarnecki S, Düring RA, Encarnação JA. Similar but not the same: metal concentrations in hair of three ecologically similar, forest-dwelling bat species (Myotis bechsteinii, Myotis nattereri, and Plecotus auritus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:5437-5446. [PMID: 29214475 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0884-3] [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: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a number of studies demonstrated the suitability of hair analysis to assess metal exposure of bats. As many bat species are endangered, such a non-destructive method is particularly suited for this taxon. The present study analyzed the levels of two non-essential (cadmium and lead) and four essential metals (copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc) in hairs of three ecologically similar, sympatric bat species, Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii), Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri), and Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) from an area in Central Hesse (Germany), as well as metal concentrations in soil samples from the bats' foraging habitats. Applying a previously established protocol, the analyses were performed using microwave-assisted extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Cadmium and lead concentrations in hair did not differ significantly among the three studied species, whereas the following significant differences existed for levels of essential metals in hair. Manganese concentrations in hair were higher in M. bechsteinii and P. auritus than in M. nattereri and Cu concentrations were higher in M. nattereri than in P. auritus. Myotis bechsteinii showed higher Zn concentrations compared to P. auritus and lower Mo concentrations compared to M. nattereri. Reasons for the observed differences among the three studied species could be differential exposure to these metal elements in their foraging areas, related to variation in the species composition of their arthropod diet in combination with different metal levels in the respective prey species, and/or species-specific requirements for essential metals and related variation in physiological regulation of these elements in the bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Flache
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nina I Becker
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- inatu.re - Institute for Applied Animal Ecology and Ecoinformatics, Im Brühl 2, 35457, Lollar, Germany
| | - Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Sezin Czarnecki
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rolf-Alexander Düring
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jorge A Encarnação
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
- inatu.re - Institute for Applied Animal Ecology and Ecoinformatics, Im Brühl 2, 35457, Lollar, Germany.
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12
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Subotić S, Višnjić-Jeftić Ž, Penezić A, Ćirović D. Concentrations of Selected Elements in Liver Tissue of Grey Wolves (Canis lupus) from Serbia. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 99:701-705. [PMID: 29119216 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2209-0] [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: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is a large carnivore species and a top predator in the ecosystems that it inhabits. Considering its role in food webs, wolves may be exposed to high concentrations of potentially harmful elements. Therefore liver samples from 28 legally hunted wolves were analyzed for concentrations of 16 elements using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the genders only for Li, and there were no differences between individuals caught in different years. The majority of statistically significant correlations between element levels were positive, except for three cases. Compliance with several criteria for suitable bioindicator organisms imply that wolves may serve for monitoring environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srđan Subotić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Željka Višnjić-Jeftić
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Penezić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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13
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Lazarus M, Sekovanić A, Orct T, Reljić S, Kusak J, Jurasović J, Huber Đ. Apex predatory mammals as bioindicator species in environmental monitoring of elements in Dinaric Alps (Croatia). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:23977-23991. [PMID: 28879543 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tissue element investigations of apex terrestrial mammals are very scarce in Europe. We quantified 16 essential and nonessential elements in the kidney cortex, liver, and muscle tissue of 467 brown bears (Ursus arctos), 125 gray wolves (Canis lupus), one Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and three golden jackals (Canis aureus) from Croatia by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Renal cadmium (0.6% of animals) and lead (1%) and hepatic lead (5%) were found in toxicologically relevant levels for mammals only in bears, while the other elements were within normal range. The association of age, sex, season, and region with measured tissue elements in bear and wolf was estimated by multiple regression analyses. Age-related accumulation of cadmium was observed in bears and wolves. Lead tissue content increased with the age of bears but declined in wolves. Female bears and wolves had higher arsenic, iron, and thallium than males in some tissues. Also, cadmium, mercury, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, and uranium were more abundant only in female bears. Male bears had higher potassium, zinc, and magnesium, while male wolves had higher calcium in some tissues compared to female wolves. Seasonal differences were mainly observed for bears' tissues and region-specific differences only in wolves. The bear kidneys had the highest levels of cobalt, copper, molybdenum, cadmium, and lead among the four studied species. The element levels reported for bears and wolves represent baseline values for the Dinaric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Kusak
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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Neila C, Hernández-Moreno D, Fidalgo LE, López-Beceiro A, Soler F, Pérez-López M. Does gender influence the levels of heavy metals in liver of wild boar? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 140:24-29. [PMID: 28231502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for risk assessment studies. For this purpose, the levels of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined in liver tissues of wild boars sampled in NW Spain. The mean values were 0.383, 0.326, 23.50 and 56.86mg/kg dried weight, respectively. In general, the levels detected were similar to or lower than the levels reported in literature. This study not only provides a useful baseline for biomonitoring the levels of the analyzed contaminants in wildlife in NW Spain, it also helps to understand the effects of gender on the levels of these elements. Similar to studies performed in other geographical regions, no significant gender-related differences could be detected. Although differences were not significant, the levels of zinc, cadmium and lead were modestly higher in males (55.78, 0.346 and 0.424mg/kg, respectively) compared to females (45.25, 0.305 and 0.341mg/kg). Our results indicate that, although gender did not significantly affect heavy metal uptake and toxicokinetics of contaminants in wild boars, these effects could vary between species, populations, organs, and elements. It is therefore essential to investigate gender-related differences for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Neila
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - D Hernández-Moreno
- National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile
| | - L E Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - A López-Beceiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - F Soler
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain; IPROCAR Research Institutes
| | - M Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain; INBIO G+C Research Institutes.
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15
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Dou M, Zhao P, Wang Y, Li G. Health risk assessment of cadmium pollution emergency for urban populations in Foshan City, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:8071-8086. [PMID: 28138883 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8437-3] [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: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With rapid socioeconomic development, water pollution emergency has become increasingly common and could potentially harm the environment and human health, especially heavy metal pollution. In this paper, we investigate the Cd pollution emergency that occurred in the Pearl River network, China, in 2005, and we build a migration and transformation model for heavy metals to simulate the spatiotemporal distribution of Cd concentrations under various scenarios of Cd pollution emergency in Foshan City. Moreover, human health hazard and carcinogenic risk for local residents of Foshan City were evaluated. The primary conclusions were as follows: (1) the number of carcinogen-affected people per year under scenario 1 reached 254.41 when the frequency was 0.1 year/time; specifically, the number of people with cancer per year in the area of the Datang, Lubao, and Nanbian waterworks was 189.36 accounting for 74% of the total number per year; (2) at the frequency of 5 years/time, the Lubao waterwork is the only one in extremely high- or high-risk grade, while besides it, the risk grade in the Datang, Nanbian, Xinan, Shitang, and Jianlibao waterworks is in the extremely high or high grade when the frequency is 0.1 year/time; (3) when Cd pollution accidents with the same level occurs again, Cd concentration decreases to a low level in the water only if the migration distance of Cd is at least 40-50 km. Based on the health risk assessment of Cd pollution, this study gives the recommendation that the distance should keep above 50 km in tidal river network of the Pearl River Delta between those factories existing the possibility of heavy metal pollution and the drinking water source. Only then can the public protect themselves from hazardous effects of higher levels of heavy metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Dou
- School of Water Conservancy & Environment, Zhengzhou University, No.100 of Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Peipei Zhao
- School of Water Conservancy & Environment, Zhengzhou University, No.100 of Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Beijing Seven Trillion Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Guiqiu Li
- School of Water Conservancy & Environment, Zhengzhou University, No.100 of Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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16
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Flache L, Ekschmitt K, Kierdorf U, Czarnecki S, Düring RA, Encarnação JA. Reduction of metal exposure of Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii) following remediation of pond sediment as evidenced by metal concentrations in hair. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 547:182-189. [PMID: 26780144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.131] [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: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transfer of contaminants from freshwater sediments via aquatic insects to terrestrial predators is well documented in spiders and birds. Here, we analyzed the metal exposure of Myotis daubentonii using an urban pond as their preferred foraging area before and after a remediation measure (sediment dredging) at this pond. Six metal elements (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) were measured in the sediment of the pond, in EDTA extracts of the sediment and in hair samples of M. daubentonii foraging at the pond. Samples were taken before remediation in 2011 and after remediation in 2013. Metal concentrations were quantified by ICP-OES after miniaturized microwave assisted extraction. In 2011, the pond sediment exhibited a high contamination with nickel, a moderate contamination with copper and chromium and low contents of zinc, cadmium and lead. While sediment metal contents declined only weakly after remediation, a much more pronounced reduction in the concentrations of zinc, copper, chromium and lead concentrations was observed in bat hair. Our results suggest a marked decline in metal exposure of the bats foraging at the pond as a consequence of the remediation measure. It is concluded that Daubenton's bats are suitable bioindicators of metal contamination in aquatic environments, integrating metal exposure via prey insects over their entire foraging area. We further suggest that bat hair is a useful monitoring unit, allowing a non-destructive and non-invasive assessment of metal exposure in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Flache
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Klemens Ekschmitt
- Animal Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, D-31141 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Sezin Czarnecki
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rolf-Alexander Düring
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jorge A Encarnação
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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17
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Shore RF, Taggart MA, Smits J, Mateo R, Richards NL, Fryday S. Detection and drivers of exposure and effects of pharmaceuticals in higher vertebrates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2014; 369:20130570. [PMID: 25405960 PMCID: PMC4213583 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are highly bioactive compounds now known to be widespread environmental contaminants. However, research regarding exposure and possible effects in non-target higher vertebrate wildlife remains scarce. The fate and behaviour of most pharmaceuticals entering our environment via numerous pathways remain poorly characterized, and hence our conception and understanding of the risks posed to wild animals is equally constrained. The recent decimation of Asian vulture populations owing to a pharmaceutical (diclofenac) offers a notable example, because the exposure route (livestock carcasses) and the acute toxicity observed were completely unexpected. This case not only highlights the need for further research, but also the wider requirement for more considered and comprehensive 'ecopharmacovigilance'. We discuss known and potential high risk sources and pathways in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems where pharmaceutical exposure in higher vertebrate wildlife, principally birds and mammals, may occur. We examine whether approaches taken within existing surveillance schemes (that commonly target established classes of persistent or bioaccumulative contaminants) and the risk assessment approaches currently used for pesticides are relevant to pharmaceuticals, and we highlight where new approaches may be required to assess pharmaceutical-related risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Judit Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada AB T2N 4Z6
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ngaio L Richards
- Working Dogs for Conservation, 52 Eustis Road, Three Forks, MT 59752, USA
| | - Steve Fryday
- Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
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