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Copat C, Ferrante M, Hernout BV, Giunta F, Grasso A, Messina A, Grasso R, Spena MT. Trace Element Bioaccumulation in Stone Curlew ( Burhinus oedicnemus, Linnaeus, 1758): A Case Study from Sicily (Italy). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4597. [PMID: 32605267 PMCID: PMC7370152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
: The study aimed to highlight the degree of trace element contamination along three sites of Sicily: the Magnisi peninsula (MP), located in proximity to the Augusta-Priolo-Melilli petrochemical plant; the Ragusa agro-ecosystem (RA), characterized by a rural landscape; and the Gela plain (GP), characterized by intensive agriculture and a disused petrochemical plant. We collected biological samples (abraded back feathers and blood) of the Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus Linnaeus, 1758) as well as soil samples to determine the trace elements concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Se and V using ICP-MS analysis. The results found for the three sites show different trends of accumulation, which depend on the different management and geological characteristics of the areas. The Gela plain and Magnisi peninsula showed a higher degree of contamination (As, Co, Cu, Mn and Se for the Gela plain; Pb and Hg for the Magnisi peninsula). Nevertheless, no critical values were found for either the environment-if the results are compared with the legal limits fixed by the Legislative Decree No. 152/2006, approving the Code on the Environment-or for living organisms-if the results are compared with the toxicological thresholds for birds, especially if the short-term exposure results from the blood values are considered. Only the Se levels in animal blood from the RA and GP were found slightly higher than the minimum level required in bird diets. The positive scenario can be attributed on the one hand to the interruptions of emissions of the Gela refinery around 5 years ago, and on the other hand to the more intense and strict controls that are implemented in the area surrounding the petrochemical pole of Augusta-Priolo-Melilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Béatrice V. Hernout
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA;
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Flavia Giunta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (R.G.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Alfina Grasso
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (R.G.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Rosario Grasso
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (R.G.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Maria Teresa Spena
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (R.G.); (M.T.S.)
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Liu L, Du C, Sun Y, Liu J, Pu Z, Liu X. Trace element distribution in tissues and risk of exposure of ruddy shelduck wintering in Nanhaizi Wetland, Baotou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:6429-6437. [PMID: 31873889 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Nanhaizi Wetland (NHZW) is a significant part of the Baotou Yellow River National Wetland Park in China, an important migration station and habitat for waterfowl. The Yellow River receives a significant amount of industrial and agricultural wastewater. Therefore, the environmental quality of NHZW directly affects the survival of migratory birds in the Baotou region. We aimed to determine the trace element distribution in tissues and risk of exposure in ruddy shelduck and to provide a scientific basis for bird protection and an environmental quality assessment for the NHZW. In January 2018, we collected water, soil, and 18 dead ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (nine males and nine females) from the NHZW. We measured concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, and As) in the specimens and modeled the risk of exposure to trace elements. Trace element concentration was greatest in feathers, followed by the kidneys, liver, and muscle, in descending. There was no significant difference in trace element accumulation between sexes. Exposure doses of Hg in water; Cr, Pb, and Cu in soil; and Pb, Cu, and Hg in corn were higher than the tolerable daily intake and may adversely affect ruddy shelduck. The calculated hazard quotients (HQ) for trace elements were ranked as follows: Hg > Cr > Pb > Zn > Cu > As, where Hg and Cr were at high risk levels (HQ > 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Du
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Sun
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqing Liu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Pu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoguang Liu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, No. 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
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Picone M, Corami F, Gaetan C, Basso M, Battiston A, Panzarin L, Volpi Ghirardini A. Accumulation of trace elements in feathers of the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 179:62-70. [PMID: 31026751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A non-invasive study of trace element accumulation in tail feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) was performed along the coastline of the northern littoral strip of the Venice Lagoon, with the aim to verify whether contamination may be a factor affecting conservation status of Kentish plover populations. Body burdens in feathers of 11 trace elements including toxic metals/metalloids and essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were quantified by ICP-MS, then concentrations were normalized to feather's age calculated using ptilochronology in order to obtain daily deposition rates. Mercury emerged as a major threat to the conservation of the species, since average feather concentration was clearly above the adverse-effect threshold associated with impairment in the reproductive success in a number of bird species. Also Cd and Se occurred at levels that may impact on the conservation status of the studied species at local scale, even if to a lesser extent than Hg. Gender-related differences in trace element accumulation emerged only for As, although for this element the risks associated to environmental exposure seem to be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Battiston
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Lucio Panzarin
- Associazione Naturalistica Sandonatese, c/o Centro Didattico Naturalistico il Pendolino, via Romanziol 130, 30020, Noventa di Piave, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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Grúz A, Mackle O, Bartha A, Szabó R, Déri J, Budai P, Lehel J. Biomonitoring of toxic metals in feathers of predatory birds from eastern regions of Hungary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:26324-26331. [PMID: 31290042 PMCID: PMC6719320 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the concentrations of toxic metals in the feathers of predatory birds in the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation). Samples were collected from different predatory birds originated from the eastern and north-eastern region of Hungary. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of toxic metals. The mean values varied between bird species groups, their concentrations were between 0.29 ± 0.24 and 0.40 ± 0.30 mg/kg for arsenic (As), 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.20 ± 0.18 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd), 1.15 ± 1.40 to 2.30 ± 1.52 mg/kg for lead (Pb) and 0.58 ± 0.31 to 2.19 ± 1.25 mg/kg for mercury (Hg), respectively. The measured values are not over the considered threshold values for these toxic metals and in accordance with similar concentrations of them recorded in similar species within Europe. No significant differences were found in their concentration between genders or age in the species. According to the detected concentrations of these metals, their levels accumulated in the feather of the investigated birds do not indicate the possibility of poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Grúz
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary.
| | - Oliver Mackle
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - András Bartha
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herdhealth and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
| | - Rita Szabó
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - János Déri
- Bird Hospital Foundation, Petőfi tér 6., Hortobágy, H-4071, Hungary
| | - Péter Budai
- Department of Hygiene, Institute of Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, H-8360, Hungary
| | - József Lehel
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2., Budapest, H-1400, Hungary
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Liu L, Liu XG, Sun Y, Pu ZH, Xu HY, Li WX, Wang ZH. Trace Elements in the Feathers of Waterfowl from Nanhaizi Wetland, Baotou, China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:778-783. [PMID: 30918995 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02596-z] [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: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The trace element concentrations (Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe) of feathers from Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), Gadwall (Anas strepera), and Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) from Nanhaizi Wetland, China were measured. (1) There were significant differences in the concentrations of the Cr, Ni, and Pb among the waterfowl species. The concentrations of Cr and Ni in Gadwall feathers and Pb in Green-winged Teal feathers were higher than the concentrations of Cr, Ni and Pb in Ferruginous duck. (2) The Pb concentrations in the feathers of four Green-winged Teals and one Ferruginous duck, Cr concentrations in the feathers of Gadwalls (geomean 5.33 µg g-1 dry weight) and Green-winged Teals (geomean 4.55 µg g-1 dry weight) exceeded the thresholds at which they pose a threat to bird health (i.e., Pb > 4 µg g-1, Cr > 2.8 µg g-1). (3) The Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations of feathers were within the normal ranges reported for most waterfowl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Guang Liu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Sun
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Han Pu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Ying Xu
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xiu Li
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hong Wang
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, 3 Science Road, Qingshan District, Baotou, 014030, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
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Korbecki J, Gutowska I, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Lead (Pb) in the tissues of Anatidae, Ardeidae, Sternidae and Laridae of the Northern Hemisphere: a review of environmental studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12631-12647. [PMID: 30895550 PMCID: PMC6478642 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the ability of birds to travel long distances in the air, the potential feeding area of each individual is much larger than that of typical terrestrial animals. This makes birds a convenient indicator of environmental lead (Pb) pollution over large areas, in particular areas of inland and coastal waters. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of Pb in various organs of water birds from a variety of locations. The focus was on ducks, geese and swans (Anatidae); herons and egrets (Ardeidae); terns (Sternidae); and gulls (Laridae). This article describes the level of lead in the most commonly studied tissue types: feathers, bones and the liver. The study also presents data concerning the concentration of lead in the eggs of water birds. The highest levels of lead pollution can be observed in China and Korea, related to their high level of industrialization. In Iran too, environmental lead pollution is high, likely due to the developed petrochemical industry. Lead pollution in Japan, as well as in Western European countries (Spain, France, Italy), seems to be much lower than in China, India or Iran. Nevertheless, the level of pollution in Europe is higher than satisfactory, despite the introduction of a number of bans related to, for example, the use of leaded petrol or lead-containing paints. Finally, the USA and Canada appear to be the areas with the lowest lead pollution, possibly due to their low population densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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Yamac E, Ozden M, Kirazli C, Malkoc S. Heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus L.) as an endangered species in Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:833-843. [PMID: 30415366 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3649-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to find out the certain heavy-metal levels in the feathers of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus L.), which is a threatened species. The feathers of the cinereous vultures were collected from the breeding areas in Sündiken and Türkmenbaba Mountains. To avoid misleading results, vanes and calamuses of the rectrices were evaluated separately in terms of their As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn contents. ICP-OES was used to analyse the metal levels in feathers which belonged to 43 different individuals. All of the heavy-metal concentrations except for Cu were higher in vanes than in calamuses. The mean levels of Cd (0.254 ± 1.589 μg/g d.w. in the calamus and 0.334 ± 0.156 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Cr (6.536 ± 6.378 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Ni (11.886 ± 10.891 μg/g d.w. in the vane) and Pb (5.671 ± 3.884 μg/g d.w. in the vane) exceeded the threshold values for the birds. As a result, we recommend further studies to understand the effects of the heavy metals on the population of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yamac
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Menekse Ozden
- Graduate School of Sciences, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Cihangir Kirazli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoc
- Porsuk Vocational School, Eskişehir Technical Universtiy, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Ashbaugh HM, Conway WC, Haukos DA, Collins DP, Comer CE, French AD. Evidence for exposure to selenium by breeding interior snowy plovers (Charadrius nivosus) in saline systems of the Southern Great Plains. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:703-718. [PMID: 29845516 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1952-2] [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] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Interior snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus) population declines and deteriorating conditions throughout the Southern Great Plains (SGP) of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma may be linked to environmental contaminants. Concentrations of V, As, Cd, Pb, and Se were quantified in breeding snowy plover blood, feathers (5th primary; P5), and potential prey (tiger beetles [Cicindela circumpicta and C. togata]). Se was (a) most commonly detected relative to other quantified elements and (b) frequently quantified at levels exceeding background or toxicity thresholds. Of samples greater than instrumentation detection limits, 98% of snowy plover blood and 22% of feather samples were greater than Se toxicity thresholds of 1 ppm ww for blood and 5 ppm dw for feathers (blood quantifiable range: 0.83-15.12 ppm; feathers quantifiable range: 1.90-27.47 ppm). Almost all tiger beetle Se concentrations were below reported invertebrate thresholds of 30 ppm dw (quantifiable range: 0.54-45.84 ppm). Snowy plover blood Se concentrations were related to sex, individual body condition, and local tiger beetle Se concentrations, while plover P5 Se concentrations were related to state, sex, and presence of body molt. Tiger beetle Se concentrations were related to individual study sites in Texas. These results provide some of the first evidence of Se exposure risk for interior snowy plovers nesting in saline lake and alkali flat environments of the SGP. Future efforts should focus upon specific Se uptake pathways during breeding and nonbreeding seasons, as snowy plovers breeding in the SGP appear to be exposed to Se throughout their annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Ashbaugh
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
| | - W C Conway
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - D A Haukos
- U. S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - D P Collins
- U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Region 2 Migratory Bird Program, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM, 87103, USA
| | - C E Comer
- Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX, 75962, USA
| | - A D French
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
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Wang F, Xu S, Zhou Y, Wang P, Zhang X. Trace element exposure of whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in a marine lagoon (Swan Lake), northern China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 119:60-67. [PMID: 28392089 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace element poisoning remains a great threat to various waterfowl and waterbirds throughout the world. In this study, we determined the trace element exposure of herbivorous whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in Swan Lake (Rongcheng), an important swan protection area in northern China. A total of 70 samples including abiotic factors (seawater, sediments), food sources (seagrass, macroalgae), feathers and feces of whooper swans were collected from the marine lagoon during the winters of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg and As were determined to investigate the trace element exposure of whooper swans wintering in the area. Results showed that there was an increasing trend in sediment trace element concentrations, compared with historical data. The trace element concentrations in swan feces most closely resembled those of Zostera marina leaves, especially for Cd and Cr. The Zn and Hg concentrations in the swan feces (49.57 and 0.01mg/kg, respectively) were lower than the minimum values reported in the literature for other waterfowls, waterbirds and terrestrial birds. However, the concentrations of the other five trace elements fell within the lower and mediate range of values reported for birds across the world. These results suggest that the whooper swans wintering in Swan Lake, Rongcheng are not suffering severe trace element exposure; however, with the increasing input of trace elements to the lagoon, severe adverse impacts may occur in the future, and we therefore suggest that the input of trace elements to this area should be curbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Shaochun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, PR China.
| | - Pengmei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
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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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