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Keute J, Rizzo J, Giunta F, Hernout BV. Evaluating washing techniques to eliminate external contamination of trace elements in bat fur and bird feathers. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116819. [PMID: 39096690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116819] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive proxies, such as fur and feathers, are likely to be increasingly used to assess the potential exposure of chemicals, including trace metals and metalloids. However, the amount of external contamination is usually unknown, and there is no standard method for removing external contamination of trace metals in fur or feathers. To date, 40 % of studies published related to the measurement of trace metal levels in fur or the hair of non-human mammals and 24 % of studies in feathers do not state any washing methods or did not wash the samples before analysis. We assessed three washing techniques to remove external contamination of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) from bat fur. We selected the three most frequently used fur washing methods from literature. To test these methods, fur samples from great flying foxes (Pteropus neohibernicus neohibernicus, n=15 individuals) from Papua New Guinea preserved over eight decades (AMNH, USA) were used. Percentages of trace metal removed are 87.19 % (SD= 12.28), 92.99 % (SD= 5.5) and 88.57 % (SD= 9.33) for As, 54.72 % (SD= 31.64), 55.89 % (SD= 37.87), and 53.93 % (SD= 41.28) for Pb, and 74.03 % (SD= 22.96), 22.93 % (SD= 73), and 24.95 % (SD= 49.5) for Zn using M2, M3, and M4, respectively. We also assessed four washing techniques to remove external contamination of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) from bird feathers. We identified the four most prevalent washing techniques in the literature used for feathers. We used feathers from the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) and the great blue heron (Ardea herodias) to test these methods. Percentages of trace metal removed are 34.35 % (SD= 44.22), 69.22 % (SD= 36.5), 62.59 % (SD= 48.37), and 80.89 % (SD= 14.54) for As, 66.97 % (SD= 13.26), 29.4 % (SD= 67.06), 49.68 % (SD= 42.33), and 28.88 % (SD= 69) for Hg, and <0 % (SD= 80.1), 0 % (SD= 29.55), 11.23 % (SD= 47.73), and 57.09 % (SD= 21.2) for Zn using M2, M3, M4, and M5, respectively. This study shows the importance of washing fur and feather samples prior to trace metals analyses in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Keute
- Clarkson University, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA; Clarkson University, Biology Department, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| | - Julia Rizzo
- Clarkson University, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA; State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
| | - Flavia Giunta
- Clarkson University, Biology Department, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| | - Beatrice V Hernout
- Clarkson University, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA; Clarkson University, Biology Department, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA; Exponent, 1075 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
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2
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Capcarova M, Dudejova B, Harangozo L, Kovacik A, Emmanouil C, Zemanova J, Argente MJ, Stawarz R, Filipejova ZV, Jaszcza K, Massanyi P. Concentration of selected biogenic and risk elements in liver, kidneys and muscle of domestic rabbit and wild brown hare. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39205405 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2024.2395714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In the present study the concentration of selected elements in tissues of domestic rabbits and of wild brown-hares (kidneys, liver, and muscle - m. quadriceps femoris) in Slovakian habitats were determined. After mineralization the elements examined were detected using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. For rabbits, Fe in the liver was correlated with essential (Mn, Cu) (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.05; R2 = 0.96, p < 0.05 respectively) or toxic (Pb) elements (R2 = -0.93, p < 0.05). For hares, significant correlations were found between Cd and Cu or between Cd and Mn in the kidneys (R2 = -0.96, p < 0.05; R2 = 0.92, p < 0.05 respectively), which is the target organ for Cd. Higher concentrations of the elements were found in hare tissue, and this may be linked to pollution of their wild habitats. The xenobiotic elements as well as the essential elements were accumulated in the kidneys of the hares than rabbits. For liver, differences were less pronounced and significance was only for Fe and Cu. Muscle of hares was more contaminated than of rabbits for both biogenic and toxic elements. These results show that detectable concentrations of inorganic elements. These levels may be linked to contamination of the natural habitats of wild biota due to industry, traffic, agriculture, and urban sprawl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Capcarova
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Beata Dudejova
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Lubos Harangozo
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Anton Kovacik
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Christina Emmanouil
- School of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jirina Zemanova
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Maria-Jose Argente
- Department of Agro-Food Technology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Orihuela, Spain
| | - Robert Stawarz
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Klaudia Jaszcza
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Peter Massanyi
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, Krakow, Kraków, Poland
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3
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van Beest FM, Schmidt NM, Frederiksen ML, Krogh AKH, Petersen HH, Hansson SV. Direct and Indirect Linkages Between Trace Element Status and Health Indicators - a Multi-tissue Case-Study of Two Deer Species in Denmark. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3623-3638. [PMID: 37917250 PMCID: PMC11144132 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Measuring trace element concentrations in tissue can be a valuable approach to monitor animal health status. Temporal variation in the absorption, transport, and storage of elements between different tissues can, however, complicate the assessment of element-health relationships. Here, we measured concentrations of selected essential (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se)) and non-essential (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb)) trace elements within blood, liver, kidney, and hair of fallow deer (Dama dama; N=20) and red deer (Cervus elaphus; N=21). Using multivariate regression and structural equation models, we estimated direct and indirect linkages between tissue-specific trace element profiles and long- (body condition) and short-term (serum protein biomarkers for acute inflammation, infection, and malnutrition) health indicators. Trace element concentrations varied markedly and were weakly correlated among tissues, with the exception of Se. After accounting for sex- and site-differences in trace element concentrations, body condition of red deer was directly, and positively, associated to trace element status in liver and hair, but not in kidney. For both deer species, trace element status in blood was directly linked to serum protein status with an indirect positive association to deer body condition. For fallow deer, no direct association between trace element status and body condition was detected in any of the tissues, possibly because of elemental homeostasis, and because all individuals were in good clinical health. This study shows that hair can serve as an effective, non-invasive, biomarker in deer health assessments, yet, to fully uncover trace element-health relationships a variety of sample matrices is preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris M van Beest
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Niels M Schmidt
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Anne K H Krogh
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 16, DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Heidi H Petersen
- Center for Diagnostics, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Ave. de l'Agrobiopole, 31326, Castanet Tolosan, France
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4
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Draghi S, Fehri NE, Ateş F, Özsobacı NP, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Yaramış ÇP, Ercan AM, Or ME, Cagnardi P, Brecchia G, Curone G, Di Cesare F. Use of Hair as Matrix for Trace Elements Biomonitoring in Cattle and Roe Deer Sharing Pastures in Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2209. [PMID: 39123735 PMCID: PMC11311060 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Intensive cattle breeding's environmental challenges are prompting shifts to extensive, pasture-based systems, influencing nutrient and pollutant uptake. PTEs are essential and non-essential elements, regularly found in the environment and organisms, and in which unbalances lead to health issues. Hair analysis, a non-invasive method, provides retrospective PTE exposure evaluation. This study aims to understand exposure and species-specific accumulation patterns of PTEs in cattle and roe deer sharing pastures in Northern Italy using the hair analysis. Aluminum, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mg, Fe, and Zn were quantified through the use of ICP-OES. Findings show As levels significantly higher in roe deer due to their selective feeding, while Cd and Pb levels align with other studies. Essential elements like Cu, Fe, and Zn are lower in cattle, possibly due to diet differences. Higher Cr and Ni levels in cattle suggest contamination or physiological differences in accumulation patterns. In conclusion, hair analysis is valuable for monitoring environmental PTE exposure, highlighting significant interspecies differences and the potential of both animals as bioindicators in shared grazing areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Nour Elhouda Fehri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Fatma Ateş
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Beykent University, Istanbul 34398, Turkey;
| | - Nural Pastacı Özsobacı
- Department of Biophysics, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey; (N.P.Ö.); (A.M.E.)
| | - Duygu Tarhan
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul 34734, Turkey;
| | - Bengü Bilgiç
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey; (B.B.); (B.D.); (M.E.O.)
| | - Banu Dokuzeylül
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey; (B.B.); (B.D.); (M.E.O.)
| | - Çağla Parkan Yaramış
- Department of Plant and Animal Production, Vocational School of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey;
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Department of Biophysics, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey; (N.P.Ö.); (A.M.E.)
| | - Mehmet Erman Or
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey; (B.B.); (B.D.); (M.E.O.)
| | - Petra Cagnardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (P.C.); (G.B.); (F.D.C.)
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Wenting E, Siepel H, Jansen PA. Variability of the Ionome of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in a Dutch National Park, with Implications for Biomonitoring. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2518-2546. [PMID: 37814170 PMCID: PMC11052835 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The ionome-an important expression of the physiological state of organisms-is poorly known for mammals. The focus on particular tissues-such as liver, kidney, and bones-in biomonitoring of environmental pollution and potential deficiencies is based on widely held assumptions rather than solid knowledge of full mammalian ionomes. We examined the full ionome of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa), two commonly used mammals for biomonitoring, in a Dutch protected nature reserve (Veluwezoom). We used four individuals per species. We dissected 13 tissues and organs from each individuals (eight in total) of each species and measured 22 elemental concentrations in each. We assessed, for each element, how concentrations varied across tissues within and between individuals. Based on existing literature, we put our findings in the context of their function in the mammalian body. We found that the ionome was highly variable between as well as within the two species. For most elements, tissues containing the highest and lowest concentration differed between individuals. No single tissue accurately represented the accumulation of toxic elements or potential deficiencies in the bodies. Our assessment of the element's biological roles revealed a serious lack of reference values. Our findings imply that analyses of commonly used tissues in biomonitoring do not necessarily capture bioaccumulation of toxins or potential deficiencies. We recommend establishing a centralized database of mammalian ionomes to derive reference values in future. To our knowledge, our study is one of the most complete assessments of mammalian ionomes to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Wenting
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk Siepel
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick A Jansen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Panama
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Pasciu V, Nieddu M, Sotgiu FD, Baralla E, Berlinguer F. Fecal thyroid hormone metabolites in wild ungulates: a mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1407479. [PMID: 38840625 PMCID: PMC11150844 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1407479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to analyse the fluctuations of fecal thyroid hormone metabolites (FTMs) related to environmental and individual variables in different species of wild ungulates and provide a collection of assay methods. The great advantage of fecal sampling is being completely non-invasive. A systemic search was conducted from 2019 to 2024, using data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the World Wide Web, and ten studies were found on this topic. Three studies used the radioimmunoassay method for FTMs analysis, while the others used a less expensive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Most of these papers validated the method for the species-specific matrix. Related to the studied variables, some authors analysed FTM fluctuations only concerning individual variables, and others in response to both. Temperature and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were the most studied environmental and individual variables, respectively. Since FTMs are an integrative measure of plasma thyroid hormones, the information obtained from a non-invasive-assay method regarding wild ungulate physiology is becoming of great interest to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Nieddu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Elena Baralla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Trossi A, Berti G, Palmegiano P, Robetto S, Orusa R, Zoppi S, Carella E, Abete MC, Squadrone S. Passive surveillance of wild fauna in northwestern Italy: a possible cognitive approach through geographical district study and fur elementary analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:91. [PMID: 38147193 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12268-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of animal hair is a useful and non-invasive investigation method for monitoring metal content, whose beginning dates to a few decades ago. This study addresses the issue of wildlife mortality in Piedmont and Aosta Valley by linking the evidence to the characteristics of the territories and to hair elemental profile. The considered animal species were badger, fox, marten, and wolf. The quantitative data for 11 trace metals and 16 lanthanides were evaluated considering animal location and death causes regarding impacts, whose relevant number was confined to the Turin province and to the badger and fox species. The evaluation of the analytical results was performed after the out of bounds sample identification by mean of statistics. For trace metals, some areas have thus been identified, mainly in Turin province, in which the large excess of As, Cd, and Pb was related to district pollution. Moreover, the lower contents of Fe, Mn, and Al in Aosta Valley badgers' hair seem influenced by the different characteristics of the subsoil, in comparison to Piedmont, and a relationship with the living environment and the habits was suggested. Regarding lanthanides, Biella province represents an area in which environmental contamination and abundance of rare-earth elements was recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Trossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Berti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Palmegiano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Robetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
- National Reference Centre Wild Animal Diseases (CeRMAS) - IZS PLV, Regione Amerique 7/G, Quart, Aosta, Italy
| | - Riccardo Orusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
- National Reference Centre Wild Animal Diseases (CeRMAS) - IZS PLV, Regione Amerique 7/G, Quart, Aosta, Italy
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Carella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZS PLV), Via Bologna 148, Turin, Italy
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van Beest FM, Schmidt NM, Stewart L, Hansen LH, Michelsen A, Mosbacher JB, Gilbert H, Le Roux G, Hansson SV. Geochemical landscapes as drivers of wildlife reproductive success: Insights from a high-Arctic ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166567. [PMID: 37633375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The bioavailability of essential and non-essential elements in vegetation is expected to influence the performance of free-ranging terrestrial herbivores. However, attempts to relate the use of geochemical landscapes by animal populations directly to reproductive output are currently lacking. Here we measured concentrations of 14 essential and non-essential elements in soil and vegetation samples collected in the Zackenberg valley, northeast Greenland, and linked these to environmental conditions to spatially predict and map geochemical landscapes. We then used long-term (1996-2021) survey data of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) to quantify annual variation in the relative use of essential and non-essential elements in vegetated sites and their relationship to calf recruitment the following year. Results showed that the relative use of the geochemical landscape by muskoxen varied substantially between years and differed among elements. Selection for vegetated sites with higher levels of the essential elements N, Cu, Se, and Mo was positively linked to annual calf recruitment. In contrast, selection for vegetated sites with higher concentrations of the non-essential elements As and Pb was negatively correlated to annual calf recruitment. Based on the concentrations measured in our study, we found no apparent associations between annual calf recruitment and levels of C, Mn, Co, Zn, Cd, Ba, Hg, and C:N ratio in the vegetation. We conclude that the spatial distribution and access to essential and non-essential elements are important drivers of reproductive output in muskoxen, which may also apply to other wildlife populations. The value of geochemical landscapes to assess habitat-performance relationships is likely to increase under future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris M van Beest
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lærke Stewart
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, 3800 Bø, Norway
| | - Lars H Hansen
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders Michelsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hugo Gilbert
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Gaël Le Roux
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
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Parker KH, Bishop JM, Serieys LEK, Mateo R, Camarero PR, Leighton GRM. A heavy burden: Metal exposure across the land-ocean continuum in an adaptable carnivore. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121585. [PMID: 37040831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation and associated anthropogenic activities release large quantities of toxic metals and metalloids into the environment, where they may bioaccumulate and threaten both wildlife and human health. In highly transformed landscapes, terrestrial carnivores may be at increased risk of exposure through biomagnification. We quantified metallic element and metalloid exposure in blood of caracals (Caracal caracal), an adaptable felid inhabiting the rapidly urbanising, coastal metropole of Cape Town, South Africa. Using redundancy analysis and mixed-effect models, we explored the influence of demography, landscape use, and diet on the concentration of 11 metals and metalloids. Although species-specific toxic thresholds are lacking, arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) were present at potentially sublethal levels in several individuals. Increased use of human-transformed landscapes, particularly urban areas, roads, and vineyards, was significantly associated with increased exposure to aluminium (Al), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb). Foraging closer to the coast and within aquatic food webs was associated with increased levels of mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and arsenic, where regular predation on seabirds and waterbirds likely facilitates transfer of metals from aquatic to terrestrial food webs. Further, several elements were linked to lower haemoglobin levels (chromium, mercury, manganese, and zinc) and elevated levels of infection-fighting cells (mercury and selenium). Our results highlight the importance of anthropogenic activities as major environmental sources of metal contamination in terrestrial wildlife, including exposure across the land-ocean continuum. These findings contribute towards the growing evidence suggesting cities are particularly toxic areas for wildlife. Co-exposure to a suite of metal pollutants may threaten the long-term health and persistence of Cape Town's caracal population in unexpected ways, particularly when interacting with additional known pollutant and pathogen exposure. The caracal is a valuable sentinel for assessing metal exposure and can be used in pollution monitoring programmes to mitigate exposure and promote biodiversity conservation in human-dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim H Parker
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Panthera, New York, NY, USA; Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Gabriella R M Leighton
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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10
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Kalisińska E, Kot K, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N. Red fox as a potential bioindicator of metal contamination in a European environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:138037. [PMID: 36736471 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In times of widespread environmental pollution with heavy metals of anthropogenic origin and the increasing dynamics of this process, it is justified to collect as much data as possible on the concentration of metals in terrestial mammals from unpolluted areas. The purpose of this research was to present the concentration of essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), probably essential (nickel, vanadium) and non-esential element (cadmium, lead, silver, strontium, and tin) in the liver, kidneys, muscles and brain of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) inhabiting north-western Poland. We revealed that the concentration of all metals, apart from Ni, was different between studied tissues. Sn and Mo have the highest affinity to the liver, whereas Ag, Sr, Cr had higher concentrations in the brain than in other organs. Various positive relationship between the concentrations of metals were observed in the tissues. Moreover, we noted negative correlations between Ag and Sn in the kidneys and brain, and between Cu and Ag in the liver. In our study the red fox was used as biomonitor for the assessment of exposure of carnivores to metals, in the generally unpolluted areas of Central Europe. Data presented in the report may be used as comparative values in similar ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Kalisińska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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11
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Draghi S, Agradi S, Riva F, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Ercan AM, Or ME, Brecchia G, Vigo D, Arioli F, Di Cesare F, Curone G. Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus) Hair as a Bioindicator for the Environmental Presence of Toxic and Trace Elements. TOXICS 2023; 11:49. [PMID: 36668775 PMCID: PMC9864796 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The return to pasture use as an alternative to intensive livestock farming implies some risks with the lack or the excessive presence of potentially toxic elements; in this regard, wild animals have been used as bioindicators for decades. Thus, the purpose of this study is quantifying Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Al, Fe, and Mg in fur from roe deer and understanding if it is a valid bioindicator tool. Hair was collected from 39 hunted roe deer and divided by age (<36 months old/≥36 months old), sex (male/female), and area of origin (urbanized/rural area). The mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, Mn, Al, Cr, and Pb were higher (p < 0.05) in the urbanized group; the mean levels of Mg and Cr were higher (p < 0.05) in older animals; and Cu, Fe, Mg, Cd, and Cr showed a higher accumulation in females. Our findings showed an age-related variation of elements, with higher concentrations in adult animals and females. In conclusion, our findings prove that hair is a valid matrix for this type of survey, and wild animals are good bioindicators for monitoring the presence of trace elements in pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Duygu Tarhan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bengü Bilgiç
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Dokuzeylül
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erman Or
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Arioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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