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Cao X, Wu X, Lu R, Zheng X, Mai B. Persistent organic pollutants in feathers of various terrestrial and aquatic bird species: Interspecies difference and source apportionment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134810. [PMID: 38850936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134810] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Feathers are regarded as important nondestructive biomonitoring tools for bird pollutants. However, external contamination of feathers by different pollutants in different bird species remains unclear. In the present study, the feathers of 16 bird species, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine birds, were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Bird feathers from an abandoned e-waste recycling site had higher POP concentrations and were more correlated with the POP muscle concentrations than those from the less polluted areas. The significant and positive POP correlations between the feathers and muscles of different species indicate that feathers are a good indicator of inter-species and spatial pollution. For individual species, the most hydrophobic POPs in feathers, such as hepta- to deca-polybrominated diphenyl ethers, had higher proportions than in muscles and worse correlations with muscle POPs compared with other POPs. Results of the chemical mass balance (CMB) model revealed that the gaseous phase, internal pollution, and atmospheric particle phase were the main contributors to low-, medium-, and high-hydrophobicity POPs in feathers, respectively. Overall, this study provides a preliminary but meaningful framework for distinguishing between internal and external contamination in feathers and gives information concerning the fitness of feathers as POP indicators with specific physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ruifeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaobo Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Grace J, Duran E, Ann Ottinger M, Maness T. Sublethal effects of early-life exposure to common and emerging contaminants in birds. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 7:100190. [PMID: 39220619 PMCID: PMC11365322 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The plight of wild birds is becoming critical due to exposure to environmental contaminants. Although laboratory studies have provided insights into the developmental effects of chemical exposures, less is known about the adverse effects of environmental chemicals in developing wild birds. Early life stages are critical windows during which long-term organization of physiological, behavioral, and neurological systems can occur. Thus, contaminant exposure at early life stages can directly influence survival and reproductive success, with consequences for population stability and resilience in wild species. This review synthesizes existing knowledge regarding both short- and long-term effects of early-life exposure to widespread contaminants in birds. We focus especially on wild birds and on contaminants of concern within the Gulf of Mexico as an example of a habitat under anthropogenic stress from exposure to a complex mixture of chemicals and changing land uses that exacerbate existing vulnerabilities of wildlife in this region. Chemical contaminants for discussion in this review are based on avian mortality records from the Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership (WHISPers) database and on additional review of the literature regarding avian contaminants of concern for the northern Gulf of Mexico, and include oil and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, flame retardants, pesticides, heavy metals, and plastics. We provide an overview of effects in bird species at both the pre-hatching and post-hatching early life stages, discuss differences in sensitivities by route of exposure, life stage, and life history, and provide recommendations for future research. We find that additional research is needed on altricial species, post-hatching early-life exposure, long-term effects, and on ecologically relevant contaminant concentrations and routes of exposure. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of anthropogenic stressors encountered by wild animals, understanding both lethal and sublethal impacts of contaminants on the health of individuals and populations will be critical to inform restoration, management, and mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Grace
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840-2258, USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840-2258, USA
| | - Elena Duran
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840-2258, USA
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Terri Maness
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA
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Schutten K, Morrill A, Chandrashekar A, Stevens B, Parmley EJ, Cunningham JT, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML, Jardine C, Provencher JF. Plastic ingestion, accumulated heavy metals, and health metrics of four Larus gull species feeding at a coastal landfill in eastern Canada. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135107. [PMID: 39013322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to assess ingested plastics and accumulated heavy metals in four urban gull species. Additionally, the relationships between ingested plastics and selected demographic and health metrics were assessed. Between 2020-2021 during the non-breeding seasons, 105 gulls (46 American herring gulls (HERG, Larus argentatus smithsonianus), 39 great black-backed gulls (GBBG, Larus marinus), 16 Iceland gulls (Larus glaucoides), 4 glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus)) were killed at a landfill in coastal Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as part of separate, permitted kill-to-scare operations related to aircraft safety. Birds were necropsied, the upper gastrointestinal tract contents were processed using standard techniques, and livers were analyzed for accumulated As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The relationships between ingested plastics, demographics, and health metrics were assessed in HERG and GBBG. Across all four species, 85 % of birds had ingested at least one piece of anthropogenic debris, with 79 % ingesting at least one piece of plastic. We detected interspecific differences in plastic ingestion and hepatic trace metals, with increased ingested plastics detected in GBBG compared with HERG. For GBBG, levels of ingested plastic were relatively greater for birds with higher scaled mass index, while HERG with more ingested plastic had higher liver lead concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Schutten
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada.
| | - André Morrill
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0H3 Ontario, Canada
| | - Akshaya Chandrashekar
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - E Jane Parmley
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E., N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua T Cunningham
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, 6 Bruce St, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, 6 Bruce St, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Acadia University, Department of Biology, 15 University Ave, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Claire Jardine
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0H3 Ontario, Canada
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Adami MA, Bertellotti M, Agüero ML, Frixione MG, D'Amico VL. Assessing the impact of urban landfills as feeding sites on physiological parameters of a generalist seabird species. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116327. [PMID: 38581734 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116327] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The increasing human population and associated urban waste pose a significant threat to wildlife. Our study focused on the Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), known for opportunistic feeding in anthropogenic areas, particularly urban landfills. We assessed the physiological status of Kelp gulls at a landfill and compared it with gulls from a protected natural site. Results indicate that gulls from the anthropogenic site exhibited lower levels of key physiological parameters linked to diet, including triglycerides, total proteins, uric acid, plasmatic enzyme activity, body condition index, and leukocyte count, in comparison to their counterparts from the natural site. These findings suggest that Kelp gulls experience inferior physical and nutritional conditions when utilizing anthropogenic sites like landfills governmentally managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Adami
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos CESIMAR-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo Bertellotti
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos CESIMAR-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; School of Production, Environment, and Sustainable Development, University of Chubut, Argentina
| | - María Laura Agüero
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos CESIMAR-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Martin G Frixione
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos CESIMAR-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Verónica L D'Amico
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos CESIMAR-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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Nos D, Montalvo T, Cortés-Francisco N, Figuerola J, Aymí R, Giménez J, Solé M, Navarro J. Sources of persistent organic pollutants and their physiological effects on opportunistic urban gulls. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133129. [PMID: 38056272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133129] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is associated with drastic shifts in biodiversity. While some species thrive in urban areas, the impact of inhabiting these human-altered environments on organism physiology remains understudied. We investigated how exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) affects the physiology of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) inhabiting a densely populated, industrialized city. We analyzed blood samples from 50 gulls (20 immatures and 30 adults) and assessed 27 physiological parameters and biomarkers related to xenobiotic protection, health, and feeding habits in these same individuals. We also tracked the movements of 25 gulls (15 immatures and 10 adults) to identify potential sources of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Both adult and immature gulls primarily inhabited urban areas, followed by marine habitats. Immature gulls spent more time in freshwater, landfills, and agricultural areas. Bioaccumulated ΣPCB (median = 92.7 ng g-1 ww, 1.86-592) and ΣPBDE (median = 1.44 ng g-1 ww, 0.022-9.58) showed no significant differences between age and sex groups. Notably, immature males exhibited the highest correlations with POP concentrations, particularly with the activity of carboxylesterases (CEs), suggesting a higher sensitivity than adults. These findings highlight the potential of plasmatic CEs in immature yellow-legged gulls as effective tracers of POPs exposure and effects, offering insights into the anthropogenic impacts on urban biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nos
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Tomas Montalvo
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. Lesseps, 1, 08023 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau - IIB St. Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Cortés-Francisco
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. Lesseps, 1, 08023 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau - IIB St. Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raül Aymí
- Institut Català d'Ornitologia, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Pl. Leonardo da Vinci, 4-5, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Giménez
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Solé
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Moura Q, Fernandes MR, Sellera FP, Cardoso B, Nascimento CL, Dutra GHP, Lincopan N. Genomic Features of an MDR Escherichia coli ST5506 Harboring an IncHI2/In 229/ blaCTX-M-2 Array Isolated from a Migratory Black Skimmer. Pathogens 2024; 13:63. [PMID: 38251370 PMCID: PMC10821149 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010063] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds have contributed to the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria across the continents. A CTX-M-2-producing Escherichia coli was isolated from a black skimmer (Rynchops niger) in Southeast Brazil. The whole genome was sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq platform and de novo assembled by CLC. Bioinformatic analyses were carried out using tools from the Center for Genomic Epidemiology. The genome size was estimated at 4.9 Mb, with 4790 coding sequences. A wide resistome was detected, with genes encoding resistance to several clinically significant antimicrobials, heavy metals, and biocides. The blaCTX-M-2 gene was inserted in an In229 class 1 integron inside a ∆TnAs3 transposon located in an IncHI2/ST2 plasmid. The strain was assigned to ST5506, CH type fumC19/fimH32, serotype O8:K87, and phylogroup B1. Virulence genes associated with survival in acid conditions, increased serum survival, and adherence were also identified. These data highlight the role of migratory seabirds as reservoirs and carriers of antimicrobial resistance determinants and can help to elucidate the antimicrobial resistance dynamics under a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quézia Moura
- Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Vila Velha 29106-010, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, Brazil
| | - Miriam R. Fernandes
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9760, USA;
| | - Fábio P. Sellera
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Metropolitan University of Santos, Santos 11045-002, Brazil
| | - Brenda Cardoso
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo H. P. Dutra
- Veterinary Unit of Santos Aquarium, Santos 11030-600, Brazil; (C.L.N.); (G.H.P.D.)
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Dulsat-Masvidal M, Lourenço R, Mateo R, Lacorte S. Assessing Contamination Profiles in Livers from Road-Killed Owls. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 38146916 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Raptors are recognized as valuable sentinel species for monitoring environmental contaminants owing to their foraging behavior across terrestrial and aquatic food webs and their high trophic position. The present study monitored environmental contaminants in livers from road-killed owls to evaluate differences in the exposure patterns due to factors such as species, age, and sex of individuals. Carcasses of road-killed individuals of eagle owl (Bubo bubo), long-eared owl (Asio otus), little owl (Athene noctua), tawny owl (Strix aluco), and barn owl (Tyto alba) were collected in Alentejo (Portugal). Eighty-one organic contaminants were analyzed, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals, in-use pesticides, and organophosphate esters (OPEs). Overall, 21 contaminants were detected. In all species ∑OCPs were prevalent at concentrations from 3.24 to 4480 ng/g wet weight, followed by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the only PFASs detected (from 2.88 to 848 ng/g wet wt) and ∑PCBs (1.98-2010 ng/g wet wt); ∑PAHs were ubiquitous but detected at the lowest concentrations (7.35-123 ng/g wet wt). Differences among species were observed according to principal component analysis. Eagle owl and long-eared owl presented the highest levels of ∑OCPs, ∑PCBs, and PFOS, consistent with its higher trophic position, while ∑PAHs prevailed in tawny owl, barn owl, and little owl, related to their frequent use of urban areas for nesting and roadsides for hunting. Adults presented higher concentrations of ∑OCPs and ∑PCBs than juveniles, while no differences were observed for PFOS and ∑PAHs. Pharmaceuticals, in-use pesticides, and OPEs were not detected. Overall, the present study shows specific contamination patterns in five species with similar diet but with differences in habitat preferences. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dulsat-Masvidal
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rui Lourenço
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora (MED), Laboratory of Ornithology, and Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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McCloy MWD, Glasscock S, Grace JK. Local weather affects body condition of three North American songbird species on the Texas Coast. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10317. [PMID: 37456080 PMCID: PMC10349279 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Body condition is a frequently used physiological indicator of avian health and can be affected by an array of environmental variables. Although a number of studies have investigated the specific effects of individual weather variables on body condition in birds, few have analyzed the effects of both temperature and precipitation within the context of an extreme weather event such as hurricanes. In this study, we examined the relationship between breeding-season body condition and daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature, and monthly total precipitation for three passerine bird species at the Welder Wildlife Refuge near Rockport, Texas. We also evaluated yearly changes in body condition over a 12-year period for northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), painted buntings (Passerina ciris), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus), focusing on the extreme precipitation event of Hurricane Harvey, which caused heavy localized flooding. We found that body condition declined with average daily minimum and maximum temperatures, while precipitation had varied, species-specific effects in the three species analyzed. Our results also suggest that northern cardinals experienced a notable reduction in average body condition in the 2 years following Hurricane Harvey. Taken together, we conclude that short-term precipitation and temperature drivers can be important correlates of body condition in songbirds and that severe weather events may reduce body condition in some bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Selma Glasscock
- Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
- Welder Wildlife FoundationSintonTexasUSA
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Lima GDS, Menegario AA, Suarez CA, Kamazuka SH, Gemeiner H, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Ferioli RB, Barreto AS. Pelagic and estuarine birds as sentinels of metal(loid)s in the South Atlantic Ocean: Ecological niches as main factors acting on bioaccumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 326:121452. [PMID: 36958663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121452] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Activities related to the offshore exploration and production of oil and natural gas provide economic development and an essential energy source. However, besides the risk of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination, these activities can also be sources of metals and metalloids for marine organism contamination. In this research, we evaluated the potential use of two pelagic (black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris and yellow-nosed albatross T. chlororhynchos) and one estuarine bird species (neotropical cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus) as sentinels of contamination of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Mo, Zn, Ni, Ba, V, and Hg in an area under influence of oil and gas activities. The analyses were carried out in samples collected from 2015 to 2022 from 97 individuals. A factor alert; an adaptation from the contamination factor is proposed to identify individuals with high concentrations that possibly suffered contamination by anthropogenic origin. Grouping all species, the metal(loid)s with the highest concentrations were in decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Mn > Hg > As > Cd > Mo > V > Cr > Ba > Ni > Pb. Similar concentrations were observed for V, Mn, Cr and Pb among the three species. Pelagic birds showed higher levels of concentrations for Hg, As and Cd. Based on the correlations and multivariate analysis performed, the results indicate that the ecological niche factor has greater relevance in the bioaccumulation of these elements compared to the habitat. Although some individuals showed high concentrations in part of the trace elements, suggesting exposure to anthropic sources, the direct influence of oil production and exploration activities was not observed, suggesting that activities on the continent are the primary contamination source. The results of this work highlight the role of seabirds as sentinels for metal(loid)s, contributing to the knowledge of the occurrence of contaminants in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Dos Santos Lima
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Amauri Antonio Menegario
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Alfredo Suarez
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Harumi Kamazuka
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Hendryk Gemeiner
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil; Basin Studies Laboratory (LEBAC), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Angélica Maria Sánchez-Sarmiento
- Argonauta Institute for Coastal and Marine Conservation, Av. Governador Abreu Sodré, 1067, 11695-240, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Beneton Ferioli
- Argonauta Institute for Coastal and Marine Conservation, Av. Governador Abreu Sodré, 1067, 11695-240, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Silva Barreto
- Biodiversity Informatics and Geomatic Laboratory (LIBGeo), University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Rua Uruguai, 458, 88302-901, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
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Sun J, Xing L, Chu J. Global ocean contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A review of seabird exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138721. [PMID: 37080473 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively produced and used as surfactants and repellents for decades. To date, the global contamination pattern of PFAS in marine biota has seldomly been reviewed. Seabirds are ideal biomonitoring tools to study environmental contaminants and their effects. Here, we compiled and synthesized reported PFAS concentrations in various seabird species to reflect spatiotemporal patterns and exposure risks of major PFAS on a global ocean scale. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most studied PFAS in seabirds, which showed the highest level in eggs of common guillemots (U. aalge) from the Baltic Sea, followed by great cormorants (P. carbo) from the North Sea and double-crested cormorants (P.auritus) from the San Francisco Bay, whereas the lowest were those reported for Antarctic seabirds. The temporal pattern showed an overall higher level of PFOS in the late 1990s and early 2000s, consistent with the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride-based products. Maximum liver PFOS concentrations in several species such as cormorants and fulmars from Europe and North America exceeded the estimated toxicity reference values. Systematic evaluations using representative species and long time-series are necessary to understand contamination patterns in seabirds in South America, Africa, and Asia where information is lacking. In addition, limited research has been conducted on the identification and toxic effects of novel substitutes such as fluorotelomers and ether PFAS (F-53B, Gen-X etc.) in seabirds. Further research, including multi-omics analysis, is needed to comprehensively characterize the exposure and toxicological profiles of PFAS in seabirds and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
| | - Lingling Xing
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiansong Chu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
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11
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Does environmental pollution affect male reproductive system in naturally exposed vertebrates? A systematic review. Theriogenology 2023; 198:305-316. [PMID: 36634444 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to environmental contamination, the environment constantly receives pollutants from various anthropic actions. These pollutants put ecological health at risk due to contamination and accumulation in living organisms, including wild animals and humans. Exposure can cause physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes in living beings. In this context, laboratory studies have frequently investigated how environmental contaminants affect the male reproductive system and gametes. However, few studies have examined how these contaminants affect male reproduction in naturally exposed animals. To better understand this topic, we conducted a systematic review of the effects of exposing male vertebrate animals to polluted environments on their reproductive functions. After an extensive search using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 39 studies met our inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review. This study showed that reproductive damages were frequent in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals exposed to contaminated environments. Wild animals are exposed mainly to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), toxic metals, and radiation. Exposure to pollutants causes a reduction in androgen levels, impaired spermatogenesis, morphological damage to reproductive organs, and decreased sperm quality, leading to reduced fertility and population decline. Although several species have been studied, the number of studies is limited for some groups of vertebrates. Wildlife has proven valuable to our understanding of the potential effects of environmental contaminants on human and ecosystem health. Thus, some recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review also creates a baseline for the understanding state of the art in reproductive toxicology studies.
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La Sorte FA, Lepczyk CA, Aronson MFJ. Light pollution enhances ground-level exposure to airborne toxic chemicals for nocturnally migrating passerines. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:57-68. [PMID: 36281768 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities generate different forms of environmental pollution, including artificial light at night (ALAN) and airborne toxic chemicals (ATCs). Nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN during migration and if ALAN occurs in unison with ATC, the chances of ground-level ATC contamination occurring at stopover sites could increase. Here, we document the relationship between ALAN and ATC within the contiguous United States based on 479 toxic chemicals from 15,743 releasing facilities. Using weekly diurnal estimates of relative abundance for 165 nocturnally migrating passerine (NMP) bird species, we assess how the species richness and relative abundance of NMP species are correlated with ALAN and ATC across the annual cycle. The concentration of ATC increased with increasing ALAN levels, except at the highest ALAN levels. The species richness of NMP species was positively correlated with ATC during the non-breeding season and migration, and negatively correlated during the breeding season. The relative abundance of NMP species was negatively correlated with ATC during the breeding and non-breeding seasons and the correlation did not differ from zero during migration. Through the disorienting influence of ALAN, our findings suggest large numbers of NMP species are being exposed to higher ATC concentrations at stopover sites. Outside of migration, large numbers of NMP species that winter along the US Gulf Coast are being exposed for an extended period of time to higher ATC concentrations. Initiatives designed to decrease ALAN during migration have the potential to reduce the acute and chronic effects of ATC contamination, lower the maternal transfer of toxic chemicals to eggs, and decrease the biologically mediated transport of toxic chemicals across regions. However, these initiatives will not benefit species that experience prolonged ATC exposure during the non-breeding season along the US Gulf Coast, a region that could be a significant source of ATC contamination for North American birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A La Sorte
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Christopher A Lepczyk
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Myla F J Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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ÖZKOÇ ÖÜ. Breeding and Migratory Bird Diversity in Iğdır Province (Eastern Anatolia). COMMAGENE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.31594/commagene.1190796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of avian diversity and breeding species in Türkiye. Observations were carried out in Iğdır Province within a total of 40 days spread throughout the migration and breeding periods of 2017-2018. Regional status and breeding codes were determined for each species. Some winter visitors have also been observed during the early stages of the spring migration. In the study, 192 species were identified belonging to 50 families from 20 orders and 58 residents, 83 summer visitors, 11 winter visitors, and 40 transit migratory birds. According to the result of the recording breeding behavior, 52 bird species were classified as confirmed breeders, 36 as probable breeders, and 70 as possible breeders. According to IUCN Red List, 10 globally threatened species (Haematopus ostralegus, Vanellus vanellus, Numenius arquata, Gallinago media, Gypaetus barbatus, Aegypius monachus, Circus macrourus, Aythya ferina, Streptopelia turtur, Neophron percnopterus) were observed. Aras Valley and Aralık-Karasu Wetlands are the most important areas for birds. The conservation of these areas is of high importance in the region for migratory birds.
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Variations in Avian Species and Functional Diversity in Different Habitat Types in a Vulnerable Savannah Ecosystem in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/4923892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Most research on avian functional diversity in the tropics is focused on forest and agroecosystems, leaving a gap in knowledge about the effects of habitat types on functional diversity in savannah landscapes. Savanna ecosystems are fragile and are under threat of anthropogenic destruction, particularly in developing Sub-Saharan Africa and could be eliminated in the face of the ever-increasing human population exacerbated by the changing climate. This study investigated the influence of the three major habitat types (grassland, riparian forest, woodland) on bird species and functional diversity in the Mole National Park (MNP) in Ghana. We used the line transect method to survey birds along 39 transects, each 1 km in length, and collected data on environmental variables along the same transects. Data from these surveys was used to estimate species and functional diversity indicators. We found significant variations in species and functional diversity measures between the three habitat types in the MNP. These variations were significantly influenced by species abundance and environmental covariates. Diversity measures were particularly higher in the riparian forest habitats compared to the woodland and grassland, with the latter being the least diverse habitat both functionally and species wise. The results of this study suggest that the avifauna assemblages in MNP are largely influenced by the riparian forest and are important for ecosystem function and stability. We recommend management efforts to intensify the protection of such vital habitats of the Mole National Park from illegal human activities, especially the rising removal and export of rosewoods (Dalbergia nigra) around the park. Further research on the avian community composition and structure in the MNP is recommended.
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Antibiotic resistance, virulence, and phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli strains isolated from free-living birds in human habitats. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262236. [PMID: 35020771 PMCID: PMC8754294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds can be colonized by bacteria, which are often resistant to antibiotics and have various virulence profiles. The aim of this study was to analyze antibiotic resistance mechanisms and virulence profiles in relation to the phylogenetic group of E. coli strains that were isolated from the GI tract of wildfowl. Out of 241 faecal samples, presence of E. coli resistant to a cephalosporin (ESBL/AmpC) was estimated for 33 isolates (13,7%). Based on the analysis of the coexistence of 4 genes encoding ESBLs/AmpC (blaCTX-M, blaTEM,blaSHV, blaAmpC) and class 1 and 2 integrons genes (intI1, intI2) a subset of two resistance profiles was observed among the investigated E. coli isolates carrying blaAmpC, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M, blaTEM, class 1 and 2 integrons, respectively. The E. coli isolates were categorized into 4 phylogenetic groups A (39.4%), B2 (24.25%), D (24.25%) and B1 (12.1%). The pathogenic B2 and D groups were mainly typical for the Laridae family. Among the 28 virulence factors (Vfs) detected in pathogenic phylogenetic groups B2 and D, 7 were exclusively found in those groups (sfa, vat, tosA, tosB, hly, usp, cnf), while 4 VFs (fecA, fyuA, irp2, kspMTII) showed a statistically significant association (P≤0.05) with phylogroups A and B1. Our results indicated that strains belonging to commensal phylogroups A/B1 possess extensive iron acquisition systems (93,9%) and autotransporters (60,6%), typical for pathogens, hence we suggest that these strains evolve towards higher levels of virulence. This study, which is a point assessment of the virulence and drug resistance potential of wild birds, confirms the importance of taking wild birds as a reservoir of strains that pose a growing threat to humans. The E. coli analyzed in our study derive from different phylogenetic groups and possess an arsenal of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to their ability to cause diseases.
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Hong SH, Reiner JL, Jang M, Schuur SS, Han GM, Kucklick JR, Shim WJ. Levels and profiles of perfluorinated alkyl acids in liver tissues of birds with different habitat types and trophic levels from an urbanized coastal region of South Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151263. [PMID: 34715217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Contamination status and characteristics of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) including perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) was examined using liver tissue of birds - black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris), domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica), pacific loons (Gavia pacifica), herons (Ardea cinerea), and egrets (Egretta garzetta and Ardea alba) - with different trophic levels, habitat types and migratory behaviors from an industrialized coastal region of South Korea. A wide range of PFAAs (1.09 ng/g to 1060 ng/g; median = 52.6 ng/g) were detected in bird livers from the Korean coasts with high detection frequency. Accumulation features of PFAAs in birds indicated that primarily trophic position and secondly habitat type influence the levels and composition of PFAAs, e.g., relatively high PFAA levels and high composition of odd-numbered long carbon chain PFCAs (perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriDA)) and PFOS in higher trophic and marine birds. The prevalence of long carbon chain (≥14) PFCAs likely implies a wide use of fluorotelomer-based substances in Korea. Interspecies comparison in the accumulation profile of persistent organic pollutants (including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and PFAAs) reveals relatively high load of PFAAs in inland (pigeons) and estuarine (egrets/herons) species compared to marine bird species, indicating wide use of PFAAs in the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Stacy S Schuur
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Dulsat-Masvidal M, Lourenço R, Lacorte S, D'Amico M, Albayrak T, Andevski J, Aradis A, Baltag E, Berger-Tal O, Berny P, Choresh Y, Duke G, Espín S, García-Fernández AJ, Gómez-Ramírez P, Hallgrimsson GT, Jaspers V, Johansson U, Kovacs A, Krone O, Leivits M, Martínez-López E, Mateo R, Movalli P, Sánchez-Virosta P, Shore RF, Valkama J, Vrezec A, Xirouchakis S, Walker LA, Wernham C. A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148599. [PMID: 34328978 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COST Action 'European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility' (ERBFacility) aims to develop pan-European raptor biomonitoring in support of better chemicals management in Europe, using raptors as sentinel species. This presents a significant challenge involving a range of constraints that must be identified and addressed. The aims of this study were to: (1) carry out a comprehensive review of the constraints that may limit the gathering in the field of raptor samples and contextual data, and assess their relative importance across Europe; and (2) identify and discuss possible solutions to the key constraints that were identified. We applied a participatory approach to identify constraints and to discuss feasible solutions. Thirty-one constraints were identified, which were divided into four categories: legal, methodological, spatial coverage, and skills constraints. To assess the importance of the constraints and their possible solutions, we collected information through scientific workshops and by distributing a questionnaire to stakeholders in all the countries involved in ERBFacility. We obtained 74 answers to the questionnaire, from 24 of the 39 COST participating countries. The most important constraints identified were related to the collection of complex contextual data about sources of contamination, and the low number of existing raptor population national/regional monitoring schemes and ecological studies that could provide raptor samples. Legal constraints, such as permits to allow the collection of invasive samples, and skills constraints, such as the lack of expertise to practice necropsies, were also highlighted. Here, we present solutions for all the constraints identified, thus suggesting the feasibility of establishing a long-term European Raptor Sampling Programme as a key element of the planned European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dulsat-Masvidal
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rui Lourenço
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, LabOr - Laboratory of Ornithology, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marcello D'Amico
- CIBIO-InBIO (University of Porto and University of Lisbon), Tapada da Ajuda Campus, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Tamer Albayrak
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Lab of Ornithology, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Jovan Andevski
- Vulture Conservation Foundation, Wuhrstrasse 12, 8003 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Arianna Aradis
- Area Avifauna Migratrice - Avian Migration Team, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00144 Roma, Italy.
| | - Emanuel Baltag
- Marine Biological Station "Prof. Dr. Ioan Borcea" Agigea, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Romania.
| | - Oded Berger-Tal
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
| | | | - Yael Choresh
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Israel.
| | - Guy Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK.
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Gunnar T Hallgrimsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Veerle Jaspers
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ulf Johansson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Zoology, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andras Kovacs
- University of Debrecen, Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Egyetem Sq. 1., Hungary.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Madis Leivits
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC, UCLMJCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Richard F Shore
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Jari Valkama
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Al Vrezec
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Prešernova 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Stavros Xirouchakis
- University of Crete, School of Sciences & Engineering. Natural History Museum, University Campus (Knosos), Heraklion, P.C. 71409, Crete, Greece.
| | - Lee A Walker
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Chris Wernham
- British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland), Unit 15 Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, FK9 4NF, Scotland, UK.
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Miller SC, Wiethase JH, Motove Etingue A, Franklin E, Fero M, Wolfe JD, Gonder MK, Powell LL. Interactive effects of elevation and newly paved road on avian community composition in a scientific reserve, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Miller
- Department of Biology Drexel University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Joris H. Wiethase
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Amancio Motove Etingue
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
- Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial Malabo Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Maximilliano Fero
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
- Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial Malabo Equatorial Guinea
| | - Jared D. Wolfe
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
- Michigan Tech College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Mary K. Gonder
- Department of Biology Drexel University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Luke L. Powell
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
- CIBIO‐InBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources University of Porto Vairão Portugal
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19
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Sun J, Letcher RJ, Waugh CA, Jaspers VLB, Covaci A, Fernie KJ. Influence of perfluoroalkyl acids and other parameters on circulating thyroid hormones and immune-related microRNA expression in free-ranging nestling peregrine falcons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145346. [PMID: 33736417 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to certain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) can have considerable effects on the endocrine and immune systems, although such effects remain largely uncharacterized in wildlife. Using an apex avian predator, we investigated possible relationships of thyroid hormones (THs), specifically free (F) and total (T) thyroxine (FT4; TT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3; TT3), and the expression of an immune-related microRNA biomarker (i.e., miR-155), with the concentrations of 11 PFAAs in nestling peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Nestling peregrines (n = 56; usually two chicks of each sex per nest) were blood sampled when 23 ± 4 days old in urban and rural regions of the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin (Ontario, Canada) in 2016 and 2018. The circulating concentrations of several PFAAs were significantly associated with THs and estimated thyroid gland activity (TT3:TT4; FT3:FT4), including PFHxS (FT3; FT3:FT4), PFDS (TT3; TT3:TT4), PFOA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFTeDA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFHxDA (TT4; TT3:TT4) and ΣPFCAs (TT4). Our novel evaluation of miR-155 in peregrine nestlings identified significantly negative relationships of plasma miR-155 counts with PFHxS and PFOA concentrations, indicating potential down-regulation of miR-155 expression and impaired immunity. Several PFAA homologues significantly predicted the variation in THs and miR-155 in conjunction with year (e.g., inter-annual differences in weather, ambient temperature, rainfall), region (urban/rural), nestling age, and/or diet (trophic position; δ15N), which suggests that multiple environmental and biological stressors, including PFAA exposure, influenced thyroid activity and immune function in these nestlings. Further research is warranted to identify the mechanisms and additional impacts of PFAA-related thyroid and immune disruption on the growth, development, and health risks in developing birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, CN-510632 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, K1A 0H3 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney A Waugh
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, L7S 1A1 Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
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Sullivan SMP, Corra JW, Hayes JT. Urbanization mediates the effects of water quality and climate on a model aerial insectivorous bird. ECOL MONOGR 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Mažeika P. Sullivan
- Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park School of Environment & Natural Resources The Ohio State University 2021 Coffey Road Columbus Ohio43210USA
| | - Joseph W. Corra
- Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park School of Environment & Natural Resources The Ohio State University 2021 Coffey Road Columbus Ohio43210USA
| | - Jeffry T. Hayes
- Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park School of Environment & Natural Resources The Ohio State University 2021 Coffey Road Columbus Ohio43210USA
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Sun J, Letcher RJ, Eens M, Covaci A, Fernie KJ. Perfluoroalkyl acids and sulfonamides and dietary, biological and ecological associations in peregrine falcons from the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110151. [PMID: 32882236 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110151] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, diverse group of chemicals and several perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are known environmental contaminants. Wildlife exposure to PFAAs and precursors has been shown, but less is known regarding replacements such as shorter-chain PFAS. In the present study, exposure to a suite of PFAAs and associations with dietary, biological and ecological factors were investigated in populations of a sentinel apex species - the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Nestling blood (n = 57) and sibling eggs (n = 9) were sampled in 2016 and 2018 from nests in rural and urban regions across the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin, Canada. PFSAs (perfluorinated sulfonic acids) including PFHxS, PFOS, and PFDS were detected in most egg and plasma samples, whereas 11 PFCAs (perfluorinated carboxylic acids; C5-C14, C16) compared to eight PFCAs (C8-C14, C16) were detected in most eggs and plasma, respectively. Shorter-chain C8-C10 PFCAs were more dominant in plasma and longer-chain C12-C14 PFCAs in eggs, but profiles were similar for PFOS, PFDS, PFUdA and PFHxDA. The exposure to PFAAs in peregrine falcons is likely mediated by dietary factors such as foraging location (δ13C and δ34S) and trophic position (δ15N) given the associations observed in eggs and nestling plasma, respectively. Moreover, significant relationships were observed for circulating ΣPFCAs and region (rural/urban), and nestling body condition after adjusting for sampling year and dietary tracers, suggesting that compared to rural nestlings, urban nestlings may be more exposed to ΣPFCAs and prone to their potential physiological impacts. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating dietary, biological and ecological factors when studying PFAS exposure in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, CN-510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, BE-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, K1A 0H3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, BE-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, L7S 1A1, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
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Marteinson SC, Verreault J. Changes in plasma biochemistry in breeding ring-billed gulls: Effects of anthropogenic habitat use and contaminant exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 135:105416. [PMID: 31864027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gulls (Larids) have become successful at exploiting anthropogenic areas for foraging. However, little is known on the health implications of using anthropogenic habitats and on the associated exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly with respect to plasma biochemistry that is routinely used to diagnose physiological disorders and diseases. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of anthropogenic habitat use and exposure to ubiquitous halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) on plasma biochemistry of urban-breeding ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) from one of the largest colonies in North America. Miniature GPS dataloggers were used to characterize foraging habitat use of individual gulls (n = 39) at the regional scale (urban, waste management facilities, agricultural fields, and St. Lawrence River) in the Montreal area (QC, Canada), and plasma was analyzed for a suite of biochemical measures (waste products, lipids, glucose, ions, proteins, and enzymes) and HFRs. Several confounding biological and environmental variables were also assessed including sex, body condition, time spent fasting while incubating, plasma thyroid hormone levels, time of day, capture date, and ambient temperature. As ring-billed gulls (males and females combined) spent more time foraging in urban areas, their plasma concentrations of cholesterol, albumin and activity of alkaline phosphatase increased significantly. Moreover, as the gulls spent more time foraging in agricultural fields, their plasma concentrations of phosphorous and activity of aspartate aminotransferase increased significantly. Only the activity of aspartate aminotransferase was significantly positively related to plasma HFR concentrations (PBDEs and dechlorane-related compounds). Time spent fasting while incubating, plasma thyroid hormone levels, body condition, time of day, and capture date were significantly related to certain plasma biochemical measures. The present results suggest that both the use of anthropogenic habitats for foraging and exposure to HFRs may affect the plasma biochemistry of ring-billed gulls breeding in the densely-populated Montreal area, suggesting potential adverse health effects for avian wildlife living in highly urbanized environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Marteinson
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
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23
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Løseth ME, Flo J, Sonne C, Krogh AKH, Nygård T, Bustnes JO, Jenssen BM, Jaspers VLB. The influence of natural variation and organohalogenated contaminants on physiological parameters in white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings from Norway. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108586. [PMID: 31377582 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs), even at low concentrations, may cause detrimental effects on the development and health of wild birds. The present study investigated if environmental exposure to OHCs may influence the variation of multiple physiological parameters in Norwegian white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings. Plasma and feather samples were obtained from 70 nestlings at two archipelagos in Norway in 2015 and 2016. The selected physiological parameters were plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, T4 and triiodothyronine, T3), plasma proteins (prealbumin, albumin, α1-, α2-, β- and γ-globulins) and selected blood clinical chemical parameters (BCCPs) associated with liver and kidney functioning. Feather concentrations of corticosterone (CORTf) were also included to investigate the overall stress level of the nestlings. Concentrations of all studied physiological parameters were within the ranges of those found in other species of free-living birds of prey nestlings and indicated that the white-tailed eagle nestlings were in good health. Our statistical models indicated that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and legacy OHCs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinated pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, influenced only a minor fraction of the variation of plasma thyroid hormones, prealbumin and CORTf (5-15%), and partly explained the selected BCCPs (<26%). Most of the variation in each studied physiological parameter was explained by variation between nests, which is most likely due to natural physiological variation of nestlings in these nests. This indicates the importance of accounting for between nest variation in future studies. In the present nestlings, OHC concentrations were relatively low and seem to have played a secondary role compared to natural variation concerning the variation of physiological parameters. However, our study also indicates a potential for OHC-induced effects on thyroid hormones, CORTf, prealbumin and BCCPs, which could be of concern in birds exposed to higher OHC concentrations than the present white-tailed eagle nestlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Engvig Løseth
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jørgen Flo
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University (AU), DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anne Kirstine Havnsøe Krogh
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Frederiksberg C, DK-1870, Denmark
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NO-7034, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, NO-9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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Flo J, Løseth ME, Sonne C, Jaspers VLB, Brun-Hansen H. Plasma protein fractions in free-living white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings from Norway. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:290. [PMID: 31409365 PMCID: PMC6693235 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2022-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capillary electrophoresis of plasma proteins has shown great potential as a complementary diagnostic tool for avian species. However, reference intervals for plasma proteins are sparse or lacking for several free-living avian species. The current study reports electrophoretic patterns and concentrations of plasma proteins determined for 70 free-living white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings from two locations in Norway (Steigen and Smøla) in order to establish reference values for this subpopulation using capillary electrophoresis. The nestlings were between 44 and 87 days of age, and the plasma protein concentrations were investigated for age, sex, year (2015 and 2016) and location differences. To our knowledge, this is the first report of reference intervals of plasma proteins analysed by capillary electrophoresis in free-living white-tailed eagle nestlings. RESULTS The plasma protein concentrations (% of total protein, mean ± SE) were determined for prealbumin (13.7%, 4.34 ± 0.15 g/L), albumin (46.7%, 14.81 ± 0.24 g/L), α1-globulin (2.4%, 0.74 ± 0.03 g/L), α2-globulin (11.7%, 3.72 ± 0.06 g/L), β-globulin (15.9%, 5.06 ± 0.08 g/L) and γ-globulin (9.6%, 3.05 ± 0.09 g/L). Significant differences were found between the two locations for prealbumin, α2- and γ-globulins. No significant differences were found between the two sampling years or sexes, and no effect of age was found for any of the plasma proteins. However, prealbumin levels were several folds higher than previously reported from adults of closely related birds of prey species. There were no other studies on capillary electrophoresis of nestling plasma available for comparison. CONCLUSION Significant differences were found between sampling locations for prealbumin, α2- and γ-globulins, which may indicate differences in inflammatory or infectious status between nestlings at the two locations. Sampling year, sex or age had no significant effect on the plasma protein concentrations. These results provide novel data on plasma protein concentrations by capillary electrophoresis and may be useful for evaluation of health status in free-living white-tailed eagle nestlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen Flo
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Aarhus University, PO Box 358, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Hege Brun-Hansen
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 0454, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Godwin CM, Barclay RM, Smits JE. Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nest success and nestling growth near oil sands mining operations in northeastern Alberta, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Industrial development and contaminant exposure may affect reproductive success and food quality for birds. Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)) nesting near oil sands development in northern Alberta (Canada) potentially experience elevated environmental stressors that could influence reproduction. We measured reproductive and growth endpoints in Tree Swallows, predicting reduced reproductive success and nestling growth near oil sands operations compared with reference sites. We also identified the invertebrate prey in the stomach contents of nestlings to understand variability in the diet and its potential effect on growth and survival of nestlings. From 2012 to 2015, clutch initiation varied among years but was not influenced by proximity to oil sands operations. Hatching and fledging success decreased in response to increased precipitation, regardless of location. Measurements of nestling growth reflected the variation associated with nestling sex and possibly asynchronous hatching. The composition of the nestling diet was significantly different; birds near oil sands development consumed Odonata, whereas birds at reference sites consumed Ephemeroptera. Nestlings from all sites consumed relatively high quantities of terrestrial insects. Our results demonstrate that factors such as weather conditions, diet, hatching order, and nestling sex are important when interpreting the potential effects of oil sands development on nest success and nestling growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Godwin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Robert M.R. Barclay
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Judit E.G. Smits
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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26
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Speer RM, Wise SS, Croom-Perez TJ, Aboueissa AM, Martin-Bras M, Barandiaran M, Bermúdez E, Wise JP. A comparison of particulate hexavalent chromium cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human and leatherback sea turtle lung cells from a one environmental health perspective. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 376:70-81. [PMID: 31108106 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Evaluating health risks of environmental contaminants can be better achieved by considering toxic impacts across species. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a marine pollutant and global environmental contaminant. While Cr(VI) has been identified as a human lung carcinogen, health effects in marine species are poorly understood. Little is known about how Cr(VI) might impact humans and marine species differently. This study used a One Environmental Health Approach to compare the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of particulate Cr(VI) in human and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) lung fibroblasts. Leatherbacks may experience prolonged exposures to environmental contaminants and provide insight to how environmental exposures affect health across species. Since humans and leatherbacks may experience prolonged exposure to Cr(VI), and prolonged Cr(VI) exposure leads to carcinogenesis in humans, in this study we considered both acute and prolonged exposures. We found particulate Cr(VI) induced cytotoxicity in leatherback cells comparable to human cell data supporting current research that shows Cr(VI) impacts health across species. To better understand mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity we assessed the genotoxic effects of particulate Cr(VI) in human and leatherback cells. Particulate Cr(VI) induced similar genotoxicity in both cell lines, however, human cells arrested at lower concentrations than leatherback cells. We also measured intracellular Cr ion concentrations and found after prolonged exposure human cells accumulated more Cr than leatherback cells. These data indicate Cr(VI) is a health concern for humans and leatherbacks. The data also suggest humans and leatherbacks respond to chemical exposure differently, possibly leading to the discovery of species-specific protective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Speer
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America
| | - Sandra S Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America
| | | | - Mark Martin-Bras
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust, 138 Calle Flamboyan, Vieques 00765, Puerto Rico
| | - Mike Barandiaran
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Rd 997 km 3.2, Vieques 00765, Puerto Rico
| | - Erick Bermúdez
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Rd 997 km 3.2, Vieques 00765, Puerto Rico
| | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America.
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27
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Santos CSA, Loureiro S, Sotillo A, Müller W, Stienen EWM, De Neve L, Lens L, Monteiro MS. Assay optimisation and age-related baseline variation in biochemical markers in Lesser Black-backed gulls. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 172:246-254. [PMID: 30711859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.084] [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: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Free-ranging animals are often used as bioindicators of both short- and long-term changes in ecosystem health, mainly to detect the presence and effects of contaminants. Birds, and gulls in particular, have been used as bioindicators over a broad range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we standardise the conditions for the use of a suite of biochemical markers in non-destructive matrices of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) to facilitate future biomonitoring of marine and terrestrial contaminants. We characterized cholinesterase (ChE) in plasma and optimized assay conditions for ChE activity as a marker of neurotoxic damage. Moreover, we quantified variation in activity of ChE, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) as well as variation ranges of lipid peroxidation (LPO), in free-ranging adults and captive chicks. The main ChE form present in plasma of both adults and chicks was butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) followed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), whose relative proportion in plasma tended to decrease with increased chick age. LPO levels and GST activity in blood cells (BCs) decreased significantly with increasing chick age, while BChE and LDH activity in plasma were not age-dependent. CAT in BCs tended to decline non-significantly in older chicks. Results of this study underscore the importance of standardising assay conditions and assessing intrinsic baseline variation in biochemical markers, before biochemical quantification. Data presented here provide a foundation for future use of BChE and LDH activity in plasma, as well as oxidative stress markers (LPO, CAT and GST) in BCs, to monitor environmental stress effects in Lesser Black-backed gulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia S A Santos
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biology & CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Susana Loureiro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alejandro Sotillo
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biology & CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Wendt Müller
- Department of Biology - Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric W M Stienen
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 Bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Neve
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Lens
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marta S Monteiro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Gentry KE, Roche DP, Mugel SG, Lancaster ND, Sieving KE, Freeberg TM, Lucas JR. Flocking propensity by satellites, but not core members of mixed-species flocks, increases when individuals experience energetic deficits in a poor-quality foraging habitat. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209680. [PMID: 30625186 PMCID: PMC6326460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed-species bird flocks are complex social systems comprising core and satellite members. Flocking species are sensitive to habitat disturbance, but we are only beginning to understand how species-specific responses to habitat disturbance affect interspecific associations in these flocks. Here we demonstrate the effects of human-induced habitat disturbance on flocking species' behavior, demography, and individual condition within a remnant network of temperate deciduous forest patches in Indiana, USA. Specifically, we characterized the following properties of two core species, Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) and tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), across a secondary-forest disturbance gradient: foraging time budgets, home range size, fat scores, fledgling counts, survival rates, and abundance. We also report fat scores for two satellite species that flock with the core study species: white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) and downy woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens). Finally, we assess mixed-species flock sizes and composition, in addition to avian predator call rates, across the disturbance gradient. Foraging time budgets and home range size were highest and fat scores were lowest for core species in the most-disturbed site. Fat scores of two satellite species followed the same pattern. Additionally, the number of tufted titmice fledglings and winter survival rate of Carolina chickadees were lowest at the most-disturbed site. These results suggest that core species in the most-disturbed site experienced energetic deficits. Moreover, cumulative calling rate of raptors was lowest at the most-disturbed site, and none of the individual raptor species call rates were higher at the most-disturbed site-suggesting that perception of predation risk does not contribute to these patterns. Surprisingly, the satellites continued associating with mixed species flocks through the breeding season at the most-disturbed site. Total flock size and interspecific association patterns were otherwise consistent across the gradient. The fact that satellites continued to flock with core species during the breeding season suggests foraging niche expansion resulting from mixed-species flocking is important in disturbed sites even beyond the winter season. Our study reveals mechanisms underlying flock composition of birds surviving in remnant forest and links the mechanisms to degradation of foraging habitat. These findings offer important insight into the relative impact potential of forest disturbance on mixed-species flocks in the North Temperate Zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Gentry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Daniel P. Roche
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Stephen G. Mugel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Nolan D. Lancaster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kathryn E. Sieving
- Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Todd M. Freeberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey R. Lucas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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29
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Briels N, Ciesielski TM, Herzke D, Jaspers VLB. Developmental Toxicity of Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and Its Chlorinated Polyfluoroalkyl Ether Sulfonate Alternative F-53B in the Domestic Chicken. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:12859-12867. [PMID: 30351028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate F-53B is used as a mist suppressant in the Chinese electroplating industry. Because of the regulations on perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), its use is expected to increase. Until now, F-53B toxicity data have been scarce and are, to our knowledge, lacking for birds. This study therefore investigated the effects of PFOS and F-53B, separately and as mixtures, on the development of the chicken ( Gallus gallus domesticus). Compounds were injected in ovo, before incubation, at 150 and 1500 ng/g egg. At embryonic day 20, a significantly lower heart rate was observed in all treated groups compared to the control group and hatchlings exposed to the high dose of F-53B had a significantly enlarged liver (8%). Embryonic survival was not affected and no significant effects on hatchling body mass or oxidative stress parameters were found. Our results suggest that these compounds likely have different toxicity thresholds for the investigated endpoints, and/or different modes of action. This study thereby underlines the potential developmental toxicity of PFOS and F-53B at environmentally relevant concentrations. Assessment of PFOS alternatives should therefore continue, preferably prior to their large scale use, as they should be ensured to be less harmful than PFOS itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Briels
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM centre , 9007 Tromsø , Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
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30
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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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Fernie KJ, Chabot D, Champoux L, Brimble S, Alaee M, Marteinson S, Chen D, Palace V, Bird DM, Letcher RJ. Spatiotemporal patterns and relationships among the diet, biochemistry, and exposure to flame retardants in an apex avian predator, the peregrine falcon. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 158:43-53. [PMID: 28599194 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FR) are industrial chemicals and some are proven environmental contaminants that accumulate in predatory birds. Few studies have examined the influence of diet on FR profiles in nestling raptors and the possible physiological implications of such FR exposure. The objectives of this research were (1) to determine spatial patterns of ≤ 48 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and ≤ 26 non-PBDE FRs, including organophosphate esters (OPEs), in nestling peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) across the Canadian Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin (GL-SLR; 2010) and in the eastern Canadian Arctic (2007); (2) to identify temporal changes in FR concentrations from the mid-2000s to 2010 in GL-SLR peregrine nestlings; (3) to investigate the role of diet using stable isotopes on exposure patterns of quantifiable FRs; and (4) to assess possible associations between circulating FRs and total (T) thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3), tocopherol, retinol and oxidative status (isoprostanes). The summed concentrations of the top 5 PBDEs (Σ5) (BDE-47, -99, -100, -154, -153) were significantly higher in rural nestlings than urban nestlings in the GL-SLR, followed by the eastern Arctic nestlings. The PBDE congener profile of rural nestlings was dominated by BDE-99 (34‰), whereas BDE-209 (31‰) became dominant in the 2010 urban PBDE profile marking a shift since the mid-2000s. Low (ppb) concentrations of 25 novel non-PBDE FRs (e.g., 1,2-bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE)) were measured in the nestlings in at least one region, with the first report in peregrines of 15 novel non-PBDE FRs (e.g., 2-ethyl-1-hyxyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EHTBB), pentabromo allyl ether (PBPAE), tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (α-, β-DBE-DBCH)) as well as of tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) (0-7.5ng/g ww) > tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) (0.1-5.5ng/g ww) > tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (0.02-2.0ng/g ww) > tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) (0-1.0ng/g ww). Within the GL-SLR, the urban nestlings' diet had significantly more terrestrial sources (greater δ13C values) than the broader, more aquatic-based diet of rural peregrines. Dietary source (δ13C) was significantly associated with concentrations of Σ5PBDE, BDE-209, EHTBB, and 2,2-4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153), with trophic level (δ15N) also positively associated with BDE-209 levels. Compared to urban nestlings, the rural nestlings had significantly lower circulating concentrations of thyroxine (TT4), triiodothyronine (TT3), a greater proportion of TT3 relative to TT4 (TT3:TT4), tocopherol and oxidative status (isoprostanes), but higher retinol levels; the most recalcitrant PBDE congener, BDE-153, in combination with low concentrations of some novel FRs, particularly octabromotrimethylphenyllindane (OBIND), may influence circulating thyroid hormones, especially TT4, and retinol levels of peregrine falcon nestlings. These associations of FR-endocrine-biochemical measures suggest possible exposure-related changes in these birds and further study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Dominique Chabot
- Avian Science and Conservation Centre, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Champoux
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samantha Brimble
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada; Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehran Alaee
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Marteinson
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Da Chen
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Vince Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David M Bird
- Avian Science and Conservation Centre, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Blévin P, Tartu S, Ellis HI, Chastel O, Bustamante P, Parenteau C, Herzke D, Angelier F, Gabrielsen GW. Contaminants and energy expenditure in an Arctic seabird: Organochlorine pesticides and perfluoroalkyl substances are associated with metabolic rate in a contrasted manner. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 157:118-126. [PMID: 28554005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Basal metabolic rate (BMR), the minimal energetic cost of living in endotherms, is known to be influenced by thyroid hormones (THs) which are known to stimulate in vitro oxygen consumption of tissues in birds and mammals. Several environmental contaminants may act on energy expenditure through their thyroid hormone-disrupting properties. However, the effect of contaminants on BMR is still poorly documented for wildlife. Here, we investigated the relationships between three groups of contaminants (organochlorines (OCs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and mercury) with metabolic rate (MR), considered here as a proxy of BMR and also with circulating total THs (thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3)) in Arctic breeding adult black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) from Svalbard, during the chick rearing period. Our results indicate a negative relationship between the sum of all detected chlordanes (∑CHLs) and MR in both sexes whereas perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrA) and MR were positively related in females only. MR was not associated with mercury. Additionally, levels of TT3 were negatively related to ∑CHLs but not to PFTrA. The findings from the present study indicate that some OCs (in both sexes) and some PFASs (only in females) could disrupt fine adjustment of BMR during reproduction in adult kittiwakes. Importantly, highly lipophilic OCs and highly proteinophilic PFASs appear, at least in females, to have the ability to disrupt the metabolic rate in an opposite way. Therefore, our study highlights the need for ecotoxicological studies to include a large variety of contaminants which can act in an antagonistic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Blévin
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France; Norwegian Polar Research Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hugh I Ellis
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, NILU, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Geir W Gabrielsen
- Norwegian Polar Research Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Cunha MV, Azorín B, Peñuela RG, Albuquerque T, Botelho A. Exposure of Threatened Accipitridae to Mycobacterium bovis Calls for Active Surveillance. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:310-317. [PMID: 28258525 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have cumulatively led to the dramatic decline of world populations of vultures that currently face serious survival challenges in several regions of the world. In Portugal, the three resident species qualify as endangered and are under conservation efforts, mainly in the central east and south-east regions, where habitat protection and artificial feeding stations were implemented. Concurrently, the areas under protection are highly affected by tuberculosis (TB) in cattle and wild ungulates, whose potentially infected carcasses may naturally or artificially be used as feed by local vultures. In this work, we opportunistically surveyed populations of Eurasian griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) for the presence of Mycobacterium bovis. Nine pathogenic mycobacteria, including one M. bovis isolate, were cultured from the oropharynx of nine of the surveyed vultures (n = 55), sampled in recovery centres or in artificial feeding stations. Genotyping of the M. bovis strain indicated spoligotype SB0121, the most frequent type in Portugal, and a unique MIRU-VNTR profile that differed in two loci from the profiles of SB0121 bovine and deer strains from the same geographical area. The M. bovis-positive griffon exhibited poor clinical condition when admitted to the recovery centre; however, clinical evidence of TB was not present. Although the significance of M. bovis isolation in this vulture specimen could not be ascertained and despite the accepted notion that vultures are naturally resistant to microbial pathogens, the sanitary follow-up of Accipitridae vulture populations in TB-hotspot areas is essential to safeguard ongoing conservation efforts and also to evaluate the suitability of standing legislation on deliberate supplementary feeding schemes for menaced birds of prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica V Cunha
- INIAV, I.P. - National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655, Vairão, Portugal.
- Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (Ce3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C2, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Azorín
- CERAS - Centro de Estudos e Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Quercus ANCN, Núcleo Regional de Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Rocío G Peñuela
- CERAS - Centro de Estudos e Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Quercus ANCN, Núcleo Regional de Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Teresa Albuquerque
- INIAV, I.P. - National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, Edifício Principal, Piso 1, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Botelho
- INIAV, I.P. - National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, Edifício Principal, Piso 1, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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Gil-Jiménez E, Manzano J, Casado E, Ferrer M. The role of density-dependence regulation in the misleading effect of the Aznalcollar mining spill on the booted eagle fecundity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:440-446. [PMID: 28117149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.098] [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: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the exposure and potential effects of the toxic elements released by the Aznalcollar spillage on the fecundity of the booted eagle (Hieraetus pennatus) population of Doñana National Park. We measured As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Sb and Tl levels in the blood of 24 individuals after the accident and also used data of reproductive performance of the species from 1976 to 2000. While As, Sb and Tl were below their detection limits and only 3 samples were above detection limit for Cd (0.02-0.04μg/dl), mean levels of Cu, Zn and Pb (μg/dl) were found to be 38.736, 532.937 and 0.719, respectively, in fledglings; and 66.112, 652.571 and 1.825, respectively, in adults. These levels were higher in adults, but they did not differ significantly between age classes and were at safe levels. In addition, a positive relationship between relative fecundity and the combination of Cu, Zn and Pb was observed. Following the mining spill, the mean population fecundity was lower (0.536 fledglings per pair in the population) than before (1.093). However, the decrease in fecundity over time was also related to the increase of breeding pairs, suggesting a density-dependent regulation and nullifying the mining spillage effect. Thus, although raptors have proved to be highly valuable biomonitors of environmental pollution, we must be especially cautious and go beyond the apparent effects that sometimes we quickly believe to detect, leading us to reach mistaken conclusions that could affect our management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Manzano
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Eva Casado
- Fundación Migres, Avda. de María Luisa s/n, Pabellón de Perú, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Peruffo L, Boyd JD, Hoppes S, Brightsmith DJ. Blood Biochemical Values of Wild Scarlet Macaw ( Ara macao macao) Nestlings and Adults. J Avian Med Surg 2017; 30:227-236. [PMID: 27736226 DOI: 10.1647/2015-115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Blood biochemical values are useful as indicators of disease in veterinary practice and for health assessments of free-ranging animal populations. We analyzed blood biochemical values for free-living nestling and adult scarlet macaws ( Ara macao macao) in southeastern Peru with an Abaxis VetScan VS2 portable analyzer with Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus rotors. The resulting data were used to create provisional age-independent reference intervals for this instrument for wild scarlet macaw nestlings, calculate blood biochemical ranges for this instrument for wild adults, and examine age-related trends in nestlings. Levels of 11 parameters were studied: albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, creatine kinase, globulin, glucose, phosphorus, potassium, total protein, sodium, and uric acid. Bile acid levels were generally below the instrument detection level and were not evaluated. Most values and their trends with bird age were comparable to those observed in captive large macaw nestlings. Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, globulin, glucose, total protein, sodium, and uric acid levels increased with nestling age to adulthood. Creatine kinase, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations decreased with age to adulthood. Calcium concentrations did not change between nestlings and adults. These changes in values with age are broadly in agreement with values in other avian species and likely reflect physiologic and developmental changes as nestlings mature.
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Lamb JS, O'Reilly KM, Jodice PGR. Physical condition and stress levels during early development reflect feeding rates and predict pre- and post-fledging survival in a nearshore seabird. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow060. [PMID: 27957336 PMCID: PMC5146687 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of acute environmental stressors on reproduction in wildlife are often difficult to measure because of the labour and disturbance involved in collecting accurate reproductive data. Stress hormones represent a promising option for assessing the effects of environmental perturbations on altricial young; however, it is necessary first to establish how stress levels are affected by environmental conditions during development and whether elevated stress results in reduced survival and recruitment rates. In birds, the stress hormone corticosterone is deposited in feathers during the entire period of feather growth, making it an integrated measure of background stress levels during development. We tested the utility of feather corticosterone levels in 3- to 4-week-old nestling brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) for predicting survival rates at both the individual and colony levels. We also assessed the relationship of feather corticosterone to nestling body condition and rates of energy delivery to nestlings. Chicks with higher body condition and lower corticosterone levels were more likely to fledge and to be resighted after fledging, whereas those with lower body condition and higher corticosterone levels were less likely to fledge or be resighted after fledging. Feather corticosterone was also associated with intracolony differences in survival between ground and elevated nest sites. Colony-wide, mean feather corticosterone predicted nest productivity, chick survival and post-fledging dispersal more effectively than did body condition, although these relationships were strongest before fledglings dispersed away from the colony. Both reproductive success and nestling corticosterone were strongly related to nutritional conditions, particularly meal delivery rates. We conclude that feather corticosterone is a powerful predictor of reproductive success and could provide a useful metric for rapidly assessing the effects of changes in environmental conditions, provided pre-existing baseline variation is monitored and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet S. Lamb
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, and South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, G-27 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Kathleen M. O'Reilly
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Boulevard, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Patrick G. R. Jodice
- US Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, G-27 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Monzalvo-Santos K, Alfaro-De la Torre MC, Chapa-Vargas L, Castro-Larragoitia J, Rodríguez-Estrella R. Arsenic and lead contamination in soil and in feathers of three resident passerine species in a semi-arid mining region of the Mexican plateau. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2016; 51:825-832. [PMID: 27220419 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2016.1181451] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed at quantifying arsenic and lead in feathers from three passerine species that are residents from areas exposed to mining activities (Toxostoma curvirostre, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, and Melozone fusca). Lead and As contents in bird feathers and in superficial soil samples were measured with AAS. Levels of these metals were compared between sites exposed and unexposed to mining. Possible correlations of As and Pb between superficial soil and bird feathers were also investigated. Soil metal concentrations were significantly higher near mining sites, and metal concentrations in bird feathers showed a behavior similar to those recorded for soil samples. Individual birds from polluted sites had higher mean feather metal concentrations in comparison with non-polluted sites; no differences in metal concentrations were recorded among bird species. This work constitutes a basis for monitoring contaminants, and for future toxicological studies attempting to understand the impact that some mining activities may have on bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Monzalvo-Santos
- a Multidisciplinary Graduate Programs in Environmental Sciences, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí , San Luis Potosí , México
| | | | - Leonardo Chapa-Vargas
- c Institute for Scientific and Technological Research of San Luis Potosí , San Luis Potosí , México
| | - Javier Castro-Larragoitia
- d Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Geology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí , San Luis Potosí , México
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Godwin CM, Smits JEG, Barclay RMR. Metals and metalloids in nestling tree swallows and their dietary items near oilsands mine operations in Northern Alberta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 562:714-723. [PMID: 27110982 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting near oilsands development in northern Alberta are potentially exposed to elevated levels of metals. The objective of this study was to determine whether levels of metals and metalloid elements in dietary items and tissues of nestling tree swallows inhabiting areas near oilsands mine operations were higher compared to those of reference sites. We hypothesized that if there was increased, industry-related exposure to metals, it would be via the diet. We identified the invertebrate prey in the stomach contents of nestlings. We also collected invertebrates using Malaise traps near nest boxes, and analyzed those taxa found in the nestling diet to understand potential variability in metal exposure. For most elements, we found no significant differences in concentrations in the liver, kidney, or stomach contents between sites near to and far from oilsands operations. Concentrations of five elements were positively correlated among tissues and stomach contents. For invertebrates collected from Malaise traps, location differences occurred in some absolute elemental concentrations, which were most often highest at reference sites away from mining operations. We found no evidence that nestling tree swallows accumulated metals approaching toxic levels. Tree swallows consumed relatively high quantities of terrestrial insects, possibly limiting exposure to water borne, food-web-related contaminants. We suggest that annual variability associated with elemental exposure and dietary levels of elements be considered when interpreting concentrations in bird tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Godwin
- University of Calgary, Department of Biological Sciences, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Judit E G Smits
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Robert M R Barclay
- University of Calgary, Department of Biological Sciences, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Hierarchical population structure in greater sage-grouse provides insight into management boundary delineation. CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Fernie KJ, Marteinson SC. Sex-specific changes in thyroid gland function and circulating thyroid hormones in nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) following embryonic exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers by maternal transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:2084-2091. [PMID: 26757407 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
High concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) accumulate in predatory birds. Several PBDE congeners are considered thyroid disruptors; however, avian studies are limited. The authors examined circulating thyroid hormones and thyroid gland function of nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) at 17 d to 20 d of age, following embryonic exposure by maternal transfer only to environmentally relevant levels of PBDEs (DE-71 technical mixture). Nestlings were exposed to in ovo sum (Σ) PBDE concentrations of 11 301 ± 95 ng/g wet weight (high exposure), 289 ± 33 ng/g wet weight (low exposure), or 3.0 ± 0.5 ng/g wet weight (controls, background exposure). Statistical comparisons are made to controls of the respective sexes and account for the relatedness of siblings within broods. Circulating concentrations of plasma total thyroxine (TT4 ) and total triiodothyronine (TT3 ) in female nestlings were significantly influenced overall by the exposure to DE-71. Following intramuscular administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the temporal response of the thyroid gland in producing and/or releasing TT4 was also significantly affected by the females' exposure to DE-71. The altered availability of T4 for conversion to T3 outside of the gland and/or changes in thyroid-related enzymatic activity may explain the lower TT3 concentrations (baseline, overall) and moderately altered temporal TT3 patterns (p = 0.06) of the treatment females. Controlling for the significant effect on TT3 levels of the delayed hatching of treatment females, baseline TT3 levels were significantly and positively correlated with body mass (10 d, 15 d, 20 d), with PBDE-exposed females generally being smaller and having lower TT3 concentrations. Given that exposure concentrations were environmentally relevant, similar thyroidal changes and associated thyroid-mediated processes relating to growth may also occur in wild female nestlings. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2084-2091. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J Fernie
- Wildlife Toxicology & Disease, Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah C Marteinson
- Wildlife Toxicology & Disease, Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Rodríguez-Estival J, Smits JEG. Small mammals as sentinels of oil sands related contaminants and health effects in northeastern Alberta, Canada. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 124:285-295. [PMID: 26555251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of bitumen in areas of northeastern Alberta (Canada) has been associated with the release of complex mixtures of metals, metalloids, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) to the environment. To mitigate effects on ecosystems, Canadian legislation mandates that disturbed areas be reclaimed to an ecologically sustainable state after active operations. However, as part of reclamation activities, exposure to, and effects on wildlife living in these areas is not generally assessed. To support successful reclamation, the development of efficient methods to assess exposure and health effects in potentially exposed wildlife is required. In the present study, we investigated the usefulness of two native mammalian species (deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus, and meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus) as sentinels of oil sands related contaminants by examining biomarkers of exposure and indicators of biological costs. Tissue residues of 31 metals and metalloids in kidneys and muscle, activity of the hepatic detoxification enzyme EROD (as a biomarker of exposure to organic contaminants), body condition, and the relative mass of liver, kidney, spleen, and testes were compared in animals from one reclaimed area and a reference site. Deer mice from the reclaimed site had higher renal levels of Co, Se and Tl compared to animals from the reference site, which was associated with reduced body condition. Lower testis mass was another feature that distinguished mice from the reclaimed site in comparison to those from the reference site. One mouse and one vole from the reclaimed site also showed increased hepatic EROD activity. In marked contrast, no changes were evident for these variables in meadow voles. Our results show that deer mouse is a sensitive sentinel species and that the biomarkers and indicators used here are efficient means to detect local contamination and associated biological effects in native mammals inhabiting reclaimed areas on active oil sands mine sites. These field-derived findings can be used by risk assessors to fill possible data gaps for mammalian wildlife in science-based environmental risk assessments for oil and gas projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6.
| | - Judit E G Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6.
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Abbasi NA, Malik RN, Frantz A, Jaspers VLB. A review on current knowledge and future prospects of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) in Asian birds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 542:411-426. [PMID: 26520266 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The release of harmful chemicals in the Asian environment has recently increased dramatically due to rising industrial and agricultural activities. About 60% of the global human population is currently living on the Asian continent and may thus be exposed to a large range of different chemicals. Different classes of organohalogen chemicals have indeed been reported in various environmental compartments from Asia including humans and wildlife, but this issue has received less attention in birds. In this article, we reviewed the available literature on levels of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and various flame retardants (FRs) in Asian avifauna to analyze the existing pool of knowledge as well as to identify the gaps that should be addressed in future research. Furthermore, we discussed the variation in levels of organohalogens based on differences in regions, trophic level, dietary sources and migratory behaviors of species including distribution patterns in different tissues of birds. Although the mass of published literature is very low and even absent in many important regions of Asia, we deduced from the reported studies that levels of almost all classes of organohalogens (OHCs) including FRs were highest in East Asian countries such as Japan, China and South Korea, except for HCHs that were found at maximum levels in birds of South India. Concentrations (ng/g LW) of different OHCs in Asian birds ranged between <LOD (limit of detection) to 14,000,000 for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), <LOD to 790,000 for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), <LOD to 12,000 for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), <LOD to 29,000 for hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), <LOD to 47,000 for chlordanes (CHLs) and <LOD to 4600 for total cyclodienes. Further, ranges (ng/g LW) of 1.1 to 150,000 for Co-PCBs; <LOD to 27 for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs); <LOD to 45 for polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 0.02 to 73 for PCDD/DFs have been reported in Asian aves. Among emerging FRs, levels of total polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), total dechlorane plus (DPs) [syn and anti DPs] and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs) oscillated between <LOD to 134,000, <LOD to 3820 [<0.1-920 and <0.1-2900], and <LOD to 11,800 ng/g LW, respectively. Corresponding ranges of novel brominated flame retardants (nBFRs) such as decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) were <LOD to 820 and <LOD to 89 ng/g LW. Other nBFRs such as tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) hexabromobenzene (HBB) and pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) in Asian avifauna have been reported in very few studies. Dependence of organohalogens on dietary sources and subsequent biomagnification in the food chain has been corroborated through δ(15)N and δ(13)C stable isotope proxies. In general, tissues with higher fat content accumulated more organohalogens and vice versa. Aspects such as maternal transfer of OHCs and temporal trends have rarely been discussed in reported literature from Asia. The mobility of birds, vicinity to sources and trans-boundary movement of pollutants were identified as key exposure routes and subsequent OHCs contamination in Asian birds. There is extreme scarcity of literature on organohalogen contamination in birds from Northern, South-eastern and west Asian countries where an industrial boom has been witnessed in the past few decades. Current scenarios suggest that levels of OHCs, particularly the FRs, are rising in birds of Asia and it would be wise to develop baseline information and to regulate the OHCs emission accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Akhtar Abbasi
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Adrien Frantz
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, F-75005, Paris, France
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Beck EM, Smits JEG, St Clair CC. Evidence of low toxicity of oil sands process-affected water to birds invites re-evaluation of avian protection strategies. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov038. [PMID: 27293723 PMCID: PMC4778453 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to water containing petroleum waste products can generate both overt and subtle toxicological responses in wildlife, including birds. Such exposure can occur in the tailings ponds of the mineable oil sands, which are located in Alberta, Canada, under a major continental flyway for waterfowl. Over the 40 year history of the industry, a few thousand bird deaths have been reported following contact with bitumen on the ponds, but a new monitoring programme demonstrated that many thousands of birds land annually without apparent harm. This new insight creates an urgent need for more information on the sublethal effects on birds from non-bitumen toxicants that occur in the water, including naphthenic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and salts. Ten studies have addressed the effects of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and none reported acute or substantial adverse health effects. Interpretive caution is warranted, however, because nine of the studies addressed reclaimed wetlands that received OSPW, not OSPW ponds per se, and differences between experimental and reference sites may have been reduced by shared sources of pollution in the surrounding air and water. Two studies examined eggs of birds nesting >100 km from the mine sites. Only one study exposed birds directly and repeatedly to OSPW and found no consistent differences between treated and control birds in blood-based health metrics. If it is true that aged forms of OSPW do not markedly affect the health of birds that land briefly on the ponds, then the extensiveness of current bird-deterrent programmes is unwarranted and could exert negative net environmental effects. More directed research on bird health is urgently needed, partly because birds that land on these ponds subsequently migrate to destinations throughout North America where they are consumed by both humans and wildlife predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Beck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Z-708, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2E9
| | - Judit E. G. Smits
- Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW 2D20, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Colleen Cassady St Clair
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Z-708, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2E9
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Cruz-Martinez L, Fernie KJ, Soos C, Harner T, Getachew F, Smits JEG. Detoxification, endocrine, and immune responses of tree swallow nestlings naturally exposed to air contaminants from the Alberta oil sands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 502:8-15. [PMID: 25240100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Changes in environmental and wildlife health from contaminants in tailings water on the Canadian oil sands have been well-studied; however, effects of air contaminants on wildlife health have not. A field study was conducted to assess biological costs of natural exposure to oil sands-related air emissions on birds. Nest boxes for tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were erected at two sites; within 5 km of active oil sands mining and extraction, and ≥ 60 km south, at one reference site. Passive air monitors were deployed at the nest boxes to measure nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Nestlings were examined at day 9 post hatching to assess T cell function and morphometry. At day 14 post hatching, a subset of nestlings was euthanized to measure detoxification enzymes, endocrine changes, and histological alterations of immune organs. Except for ozone, all air contaminants were higher at the two oil sands sites than the reference site (up to 5-fold). Adult birds had similar reproductive performance among sites (p>0.05). Nestlings from industrial sites showed higher hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (EROD) induction (p<0.0001) with lower relative hepatic mass (p=0.0001), a smaller T cell response to the phytohemagglutinin skin test (p=0.007), and smaller bursae of Fabricius (p<0.02); a low sample size for one site indicating lower body condition scores (p=0.01) at day 14 warrants cautious interpretation. There were no differences among nestlings for feather corticosterone (p>0.6), and no histological alterations in the spleen or bursa of Fabricius (p>0.05). This is the first report examining toxicological responses in wild birds exposed to air contaminants from industrial activity in the oil sands. It is also the first time that small, individual air contaminant monitors have been used to determine local contaminant levels in ambient air around nest boxes of wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cruz-Martinez
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada.
| | - Catherine Soos
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X4, Canada.
| | - Tom Harner
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - Fitsum Getachew
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Judit E G Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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Arnold KE, Boxall ABA, Brown AR, Cuthbert RJ, Gaw S, Hutchinson TH, Jobling S, Madden JC, Metcalfe CD, Naidoo V, Shore RF, Smits JE, Taggart MA, Thompson HM. Assessing the exposure risk and impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment on individuals and ecosystems. Biol Lett 2013; 9:20130492. [PMID: 23804293 PMCID: PMC3730660 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals is increasing. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of research into potential environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment. A Royal Society-supported seminar brought together experts from diverse scientific fields to discuss the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to wildlife. Recent analytical advances have revealed that pharmaceuticals are entering habitats via water, sewage, manure and animal carcases, and dispersing through food chains. Pharmaceuticals are designed to alter physiology at low doses and so can be particularly potent contaminants. The near extinction of Asian vultures following exposure to diclofenac is the key example where exposure to a pharmaceutical caused a population-level impact on non-target wildlife. However, more subtle changes to behaviour and physiology are rarely studied and poorly understood. Grand challenges for the future include developing more realistic exposure assessments for wildlife, assessing the impacts of mixtures of pharmaceuticals in combination with other environmental stressors and estimating the risks from pharmaceutical manufacturing and usage in developing countries. We concluded that an integration of diverse approaches is required to predict ‘unexpected’ risks; specifically, ecologically relevant, often long-term and non-lethal, consequences of pharmaceuticals in the environment for wildlife and ecosystems.
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Conrad PA, Meek LA, Dumit J. Operationalizing a One Health approach to global health challenges. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:211-6. [PMID: 23711930 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and ecosystem health, encourages collaboration between diverse disciplines to address complex health problems. The advantages and challenges posed by these interdisciplinary collaborations are described in this review. Learning networks where diverse participants can openly share processes, best practices, and case studies are discussed as a strategy for conducting transdisciplinary One Health research and tackling complex global health problems. The 11 papers in this special issue are also introduced as they illustrate how a One Health approach can be applied to better understand and control zoonotic pathogens, engage community stakeholders in One Health research and utilize wildlife species, most notably sea otters and birds, as sentinels of ecosystem health. Collaboration is rarely without complications; however, drawing on these insights may benefit the process of operationalizing the One Health approach to address today's global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Conrad
- One Health Institute and Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Guibert E, Prieur B, Cariou R, Courant F, Antignac JP, Pain B, Brillard JP, Froment P. Effects of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on chicken germ cells cultured in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:2771-83. [PMID: 23354615 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, many toxicological tests based on in vivo or in vitro models, mainly from mammalian (rat-mouse) and fish species, were used to assess the risks raised by contact or ingestion of molecules of pharmaceutical, agricultural, or natural origin. But no, or few, in vitro tests using other non-mammalian models such as bird have been explored despite their advantages: the embryonic gonads of birds have a high plasticity of development sensitive to estrogen, and sperm production is nearly two times faster than in rodents. Hence, we have established an in vitro culture of germ cells and somatic cells from chicken post-natal testis, and we have evaluated the sensitivity against the endocrine disruptor compound mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in comparison to previous studies using rodent and human models. After 96 h of exposure in presence of 10 μM MEHP, chicken seminiferous tubules cultures present a structural alteration, a reduction in cell proliferation and in germ cells population. Apoptosis of germ and somatic cells increases in presence of 1 μM MEHP. Furthermore, MEHP does not affect inhibin B and lactate production by Sertoli cells. These results are in accordance with previous studies using rat, mice, or human culture of testicular cells and in similar range of exposures or even better sensitivity for some "end-points" (biological parameters). In conclusion, the establishment of this postnatal testicular cells culture could be considered as an alternative method to in vivo experiments frequently used for evaluating the impact on the terrestrial wildlife species. This method could be also complementary to mammal model due to the limiting number of animals used and its elevated sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Guibert
- UMR 6175 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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