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van der Schyff V, Kalina J, Govarts E, Gilles L, Schoeters G, Castaño A, Esteban-López M, Kohoutek J, Kukučka P, Covaci A, Koppen G, Andrýsková L, Piler P, Klánová J, Jensen TK, Rambaud L, Riou M, Lamoree M, Kolossa-Gehring M, Vogel N, Weber T, Göen T, Gabriel C, Sarigiannis DA, Sakhi AK, Haug LS, Murinova LP, Fabelova L, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Melymuk L. Exposure to flame retardants in European children - Results from the HBM4EU aligned studies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114070. [PMID: 36442457 PMCID: PMC9758617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many legacy and emerging flame retardants (FRs) have adverse human and environmental health effects. This study reports legacy and emerging FRs in children from nine European countries from the HBM4EU aligned studies. Studies from Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Norway conducted between 2014 and 2021 provided data on FRs in blood and urine from 2136 children. All samples were collected and analyzed in alignment with the HBM4EU protocols. Ten halogenated FRs were quantified in blood, and four organophosphate flame retardants (OPFR) metabolites quantified in urine. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were infrequently detected (<16% of samples). BDE-47 was quantified in blood from Greece, France, and Norway, with France (0.36 ng/g lipid) having the highest concentrations. BDE-153 and -209 were detected in <40% of samples. Dechlorane Plus (DP) was quantified in blood from four countries, with notably high median concentrations of 16 ng/g lipid in Slovenian children. OPFR metabolites had a higher detection frequency than other halogenated FRs. Diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) was quantified in 99% of samples across 8 countries at levels ∼5 times higher than other OPFR metabolites (highest median in Slovenia of 2.43 ng/g lipid). FR concentrations were associated with lifestyle factors such as cleaning frequency, employment status of the father of the household, and renovation status of the house, among others. The concentrations of BDE-47 in children from this study were similar to or lower than FRs found in adult matrices in previous studies, suggesting lower recent exposure and effectiveness of PBDE restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiři Kalina
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Liese Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, 2400, Belgium,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jiři Kohoutek
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kukučka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Lenka Andrýsková
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Piler
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Loic Rambaud
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency (ANSP), Saint-Maurice, 94415, France
| | - Margaux Riou
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency (ANSP), Saint-Maurice, 94415, France
| | - Marja Lamoree
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Chemistry for Environment & Health, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Till Weber
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- IPASUM - Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Henkestrasse 9-11, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Catherine Gabriel
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece,Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Advanced Study, Palazzo del Broletto, Piazza Della Vittoria 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amrit Kaur Sakhi
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Lucia Fabelova
- Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, 833 03, Slovakia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Lisa Melymuk
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic,Corresponding author.
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2
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Tong Y, Zhao X, Li H, Pei Y, Ma P, You J. Using homing pigeons to monitor atmospheric organic pollutants in a city heavily involving in coal mining industry. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135679. [PMID: 35839993 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Coal is the most extensively used fossil fuel in China. It is well documented that coal combustion detrimentally affected air quality, yet the contribution of coal mining activity to air pollution is still largely unknown. Homing pigeons have been applied to assess the occurrence of atmospheric pollutants within cities. Herein, we sampled homing pigeons from both urban and mining areas in a typical coal industry city (Datong, China) as biomonitors for assessing local air pollution. Target organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were frequently detected in lung, liver, and fat tissues of the pigeons. The pollutants were predominately accumulated in lung, validating that respiration was the main accumulation route for these compounds in homing pigeons. In addition, pathological damage examination in lung and liver tissues revealed that the exposure to atmospheric pollutants impaired pigeon health. While the concentrations of PCBs and OCPs were similar in pigeons from urban and mining areas, the concentrations of PAHs were higher in pigeons from urban area. In contrast, more elevated levels of PBDEs (particularly BDE-209) were found in the mining area, which was consistent with the greater pathological damages and particulate matter levels. Unlike coal combustion, coal mining activities did not increase atmospheric PAH exposure to homing pigeons, but intensified PBDE contamination along with increasing emission of particulate matters. Overall, homing pigeons are promising biomonitors for assessing the respiratory exposure and risk of atmospheric pollutants within cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Tong
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhao
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Academic of Environmental Science, Guangzhou, 510045, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Pei
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Institute, Guangzhou, 510040, China
| | - Ping Ma
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Eco-engineering, Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Jing You
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Androulakakis A, Alygizakis N, Gkotsis G, Nika MC, Nikolopoulou V, Bizani E, Chadwick E, Cincinelli A, Claßen D, Danielsson S, Dekker RWRJ, Duke G, Glowacka N, Jansman HAH, Krone O, Martellini T, Movalli P, Persson S, Roos A, O'Rourke E, Siebert U, Treu G, van den Brink NW, Walker LA, Deaville R, Slobodnik J, Thomaidis NS. Determination of 56 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in top predators and their prey from Northern Europe by LC-MS/MS. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:131775. [PMID: 34509025 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of emerging substances that have proved to be persistent and highly bioaccumulative. They are broadly used in various applications and are known for their long-distance migration and toxicity. In this study, 65 recent specimens of a terrestrial apex predator (Common buzzard), freshwater and marine apex predators (Eurasian otter, harbour porpoise, grey seal, harbour seal) and their potential prey (bream, roach, herring, eelpout) from northern Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden) were analyzed for the presence of legacy and emerging PFAS, employing a highly sensitive liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. 56 compounds from 14 classes were measured; 13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), 7 perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids (PFSAs), 3 perfluorooctane sulfonamides (FOSAs), 4 perfluoroalkylphosphonic acids (PFAPAs), 3 perfluoroalkylphosphinic acids (PFPi's), 5 telomer alcohols (FTOHs), 2 mono-substituted polyfluorinated phosphate esters (PAPs), 2 di-substituted polyfluorinated phosphate esters (diPAPs), 6 saturated fluorotelomer acids (FTAS), 3 unsaturated fluorotelomer acids (FTUAs), 2 N-Alkyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanols (FOSEs), 3 fluorotelomer sulphonic acids (FTSAs), 2 perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) and 1 chlorinated perfluoroether sulphonic acid (Cl-PFESA). All samples were lyophilized before analysis, in order to enhance extraction efficiency, improve the precision and achieve lower detection limits. The analytes were extracted from the dry matrices through generic methods of extraction, using an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), followed by clean-up through solid phase extraction (SPE). Method detection limits and method quantification limits ranged from 0.02 to 1.25 ng/g wet weight (ww) and from 0.05 to 3.79 ng/g (ww), respectively. Recovery ranged from 40 to 137%. Method precision ranged from 3 to 20 %RSD. The sum of PFAS concentration in apex predators livers ranged from 0.2 to 20.2 μg/g (ww), whereas in the fish species muscle tissues it ranged from 16 to 325 ng/g (ww). All analyzed specimens were primarily contaminated with PFOS, while the three PFPi's included in this study exhibited frequency of appearance (FoA) 100 %. C9 to C13 PFCAs were found at high concentrations in apex predator livers, while the overall PFAS levels in fish fillets also exceeded ecotoxicological thresholds. The findings of our study show a clear association between the PFAS concentrations in apex predators and the geographical origin of the specimens, with samples that were collected in urban and agricultural zones being highly contaminated compared to samples from pristine or semi-pristine areas. The high variety of PFAS and the different PFAS composition in the apex predators and their prey (AP&P) samples is alarming and strengthens the importance of PFAS monitoring across the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Androulakakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikiforos Alygizakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece; Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241, Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Georgios Gkotsis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Christina Nika
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Varvara Nikolopoulou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Erasmia Bizani
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Elizabeth Chadwick
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Sara Danielsson
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Guy Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, 3 South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Glowacka
- Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241, Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Hugh A H Jansman
- Wageningen Environmental Research, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Persson
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Roos
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily O'Rourke
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761, Buesum, Germany
| | | | - Nico W van den Brink
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, 6700EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
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4
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González-Rubio S, Ballesteros-Gómez A, Asimakopoulos AG, Jaspers VLB. A review on contaminants of emerging concern in European raptors (2002-2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 760:143337. [PMID: 33190891 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Raptors (birds of prey and owls) have been widely used as suitable bioindicators of environmental pollution. They occupy the highest trophic positions in their food chains and are documented to bioaccumulate high concentrations of persistent pollutants such as toxic metals and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs).Whereas raptors played a critical role in developing awareness of and policy for chemical pollution, they have thus far played a much smaller role in current research on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Given the critical knowledge obtained from monitoring 'legacy contaminants' in raptors, more information on the levels and effects of CECs on raptors is urgently needed. This study critically reviews studies on raptors from Europe reporting the occurrence of CECs with focus on the investigated species, the sampled matrices, and the bioanalytical methods applied. Based on this, we aimed to identify future needs for monitoring CECs in Europe. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), novel flame retardants (NFRs), and to a lesser extent UV-filters, neonicotinoids, chlorinated paraffins, parabens and bisphenols have been reported in European raptors. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) were the most frequently studied raptor species. Among matrices, eggs, feathers and plasma were the most widely employed, although the potential role of the preen gland as an excretory organ for CECs has recently been proposed. This review highlights the following research priorities for pollution research on raptors in Europe: 1) studies covering all the main classes of CECs; 2) research in other European regions (mainly East Europe); 3) identification of the most suitable matrices and species for the analysis of different CECs; and 4) the application of alternative sample treatment strategies (e.g. QuEChERS or pressurized liquid extraction) is still limited and conventional solvent-extraction is the preferred choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad González-Rubio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ana Ballesteros-Gómez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alexandros G Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, 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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Abstract
AbstractThe number of wildlife-vehicle collisions has an obvious value in estimating the direct effects of roads on wildlife, i.e. mortality due to vehicle collisions. Given the nature of the data—species identification and location—there is, however, much wider ecological knowledge that can be gained by monitoring wildlife roadkill. Here, we review the added value and opportunities provided by these data, through a series of case studies where such data have been instrumental in contributing to the advancement of knowledge in species distributions, population dynamics, and animal behaviour, as well as informing us about health of the species and of the environment. We propose that consistently, systematically, and extensively monitoring roadkill facilitates five critical areas of ecological study: (1) monitoring of roadkill numbers, (2) monitoring of population trends, (3) mapping of native and invasive species distributions, (4) animal behaviour, and (5) monitoring of contaminants and disease. The collection of such data also offers a valuable opportunity for members of the public to be directly involved in scientific data collection and research (citizen science). Through continuing to monitor wildlife roadkill, we can expand our knowledge across a wide range of ecological research areas, as well as facilitating investigations that aim to reduce both the direct and indirect effects of roads on wildlife populations.
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Mo L, Zheng X, Sun Y, Yu L, Luo X, Xu X, Qin X, Gao Y, Mai B. Selection of passerine birds as bio-sentinel of persistent organic pollutants in terrestrial environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 633:1237-1244. [PMID: 29758876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A broad suite of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, were analyzed in pectoral muscle of eight terrestrial passerine bird species from an extensive e-waste recycling site in South China. Concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs in bird samples ranged from 1260-279,000, 121-14,200, and 31-7910ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Insectivorous birds had significantly higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs than those in granivorous birds. Concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds were significantly greater than those in migrant insectivorous birds. PCBs were the predominant pollutants in all bird species from the e-waste site, followed by PBDEs and DDTs, indicating that PCBs were mainly derived from e-wastes. The granivorous birds had higher proportions of hepta-CBs in total PCBs and higher proportions of octa- to deca-BDEs in total PBDEs compared with the insectivorous birds. The various dietary sources, migration behavior, and possible biotransformation were suspected as reasons of the distinct profiles of POPs in different bird species. The δ15N values were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds, but not in other passerine bird species, suggesting the influence of trophic levels on bioaccumulation of POPs in resident insectivorous birds. The resident insectivorous birds seem to be promising bio-sentinel of POPs in terrestrial environment around the e-waste sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Mo
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 510100, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiaobo Zheng
- College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yuxin Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
| | - Lehuan Yu
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, Guangzhou 510303, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xiaoquan Qin
- College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongli Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Equipment Public Service Center, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Lisón F, Espín S, Aroca B, Calvo JF, García-Fernández AJ. Assessment of mercury exposure and maternal-foetal transfer in Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from southeastern Iberian Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:5497-5508. [PMID: 28028704 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8271-z] [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: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic and widely distributed metal that is bioaccumulated in insectivorous mammals and may cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. Bats are considered excellent Hg bioindicators due to their wide distribution, life span, trophic position, metabolic rate and food intake. However, few studies have analysed Hg residues in bats, and to the best of our knowledge, no studies have been made in the Iberian Peninsula. The main aim of this study was to undertake the first ever assessment of Hg exposure in Schreiber's bent-winged bats inhabiting a natural cave in the southeast of Spain. The findings suggest that Schreiber's bent-winged bats in the sampling area are chronically exposed to low levels of Hg. The Hg concentrations found in different tissues (fur, kidney, liver, muscle and brain) were below the threshold levels associated with toxic effects in mammals. Non-gestating females showed Hg concentrations in the brain and muscle that doubled those found in gestating females. This could be due to Hg mobilization from the mother to the foetus in gestating females, although other factors could contribute to explain this result such as variations in hunting areas and the insect-prey consumed and/or different energetic needs and average food consumption during the breeding season. Hg levels were 1.7 times higher, although not significant, in foetus' brains than in the maternal brains, and Hg concentration in foetus' brain was significantly correlated with levels in the corresponding mothers' kidney. These results suggest that there could be an active mother-to-foetus transfer of Hg in bats, which would be of special relevance in a scenario of higher Hg exposure than that found in this study. However, further research is needed to support this view due to the limited number of samples analysed. Given the scarce ecotoxicological data available for bats and their protected status, we encourage further opportunistic studies using carcasses found in the field, the validation of non-destructive samples such as fur and guano for Hg monitoring, and new modelling approaches that will increase the data needed for proper ecological risk assessment in bat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulgencio Lisón
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje Forestal, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, P.O. Box-54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - Silvia Espín
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Bárbara Aroca
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José F Calvo
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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8
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Espín S, García-Fernández AJ, Herzke D, Shore RF, van Hattum B, Martínez-López E, Coeurdassier M, Eulaers I, Fritsch C, Gómez-Ramírez P, Jaspers VLB, Krone O, Duke G, Helander B, Mateo R, Movalli P, Sonne C, van den Brink NW. Tracking pan-continental trends in environmental contamination using sentinel raptors-what types of samples should we use? ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:777-801. [PMID: 26944290 PMCID: PMC4823350 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1636-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring using birds of prey as sentinel species has been mooted as a way to evaluate the success of European Union directives that are designed to protect people and the environment across Europe from industrial contaminants and pesticides. No such pan-European evaluation currently exists. Coordination of such large scale monitoring would require harmonisation across multiple countries of the types of samples collected and analysed-matrices vary in the ease with which they can be collected and the information they provide. We report the first ever pan-European assessment of which raptor samples are collected across Europe and review their suitability for biomonitoring. Currently, some 182 monitoring programmes across 33 European countries collect a variety of raptor samples, and we discuss the relative merits of each for monitoring current priority and emerging compounds. Of the matrices collected, blood and liver are used most extensively for quantifying trends in recent and longer-term contaminant exposure, respectively. These matrices are potentially the most effective for pan-European biomonitoring but are not so widely and frequently collected as others. We found that failed eggs and feathers are the most widely collected samples. Because of this ubiquity, they may provide the best opportunities for widescale biomonitoring, although neither is suitable for all compounds. We advocate piloting pan-European monitoring of selected priority compounds using these matrices and developing read-across approaches to accommodate any effects that trophic pathway and species differences in accumulation may have on our ability to track environmental trends in contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Espín
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - D Herzke
- FRAM-High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - R F Shore
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - B van Hattum
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Deltares, Marine and Coastal Systems, P.O. Box 177, 2600 MH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - E Martínez-López
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Coeurdassier
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University Bourgogne Franche-Comté/CNRS Usc INRA, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - I Eulaers
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Bioscience, Artic Research Centre (ARC), Århus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - C Fritsch
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University Bourgogne Franche-Comté/CNRS Usc INRA, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - P Gómez-Ramírez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - V L B Jaspers
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, EU2-169, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - O Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - G Duke
- Centre for the Environment, Oxford University Environmental Change Institute, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
| | - B Helander
- Environmental Research & Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - P Movalli
- Department of Collections, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Artic Research Centre (ARC), Århus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - N W van den Brink
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, PO Box 8000, NL-6700EA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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9
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van den Brink NW, Arblaster JA, Bowman SR, Conder JM, Elliott JE, Johnson MS, Muir DCG, Natal-da-Luz T, Rattner BA, Sample BE, Shore RF. Use of terrestrial field studies in the derivation of bioaccumulation potential of chemicals. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2016; 12:135-145. [PMID: 26436822 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1717] [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: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Field-based studies are an essential component of research addressing the behavior of organic chemicals, and a unique line of evidence that can be used to assess bioaccumulation potential in chemical registration programs and aid in development of associated laboratory and modeling efforts. To aid scientific and regulatory discourse on the application of terrestrial field data in this manner, this article provides practical recommendations regarding the generation and interpretation of terrestrial field data. Currently, biota-to-soil-accumulation factors (BSAFs), biomagnification factors (BMFs), and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) are the most suitable bioaccumulation metrics that are applicable to bioaccumulation assessment evaluations and able to be generated from terrestrial field studies with relatively low uncertainty. Biomagnification factors calculated from field-collected samples of terrestrial carnivores and their prey appear to be particularly robust indicators of bioaccumulation potential. The use of stable isotope ratios for quantification of trophic relationships in terrestrial ecosystems needs to be further developed to resolve uncertainties associated with the calculation of terrestrial trophic magnification factors (TMFs). Sampling efforts for terrestrial field studies should strive for efficiency, and advice on optimization of study sample sizes, practical considerations for obtaining samples, selection of tissues for analysis, and data interpretation is provided. Although there is still much to be learned regarding terrestrial bioaccumulation, these recommendations provide some initial guidance to the present application of terrestrial field data as a line of evidence in the assessment of chemical bioaccumulation potential and a resource to inform laboratory and modeling efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah R Bowman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason M Conder
- Geosyntec Consultants, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | | | - Mark S Johnson
- US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland
| | | | - Tiago Natal-da-Luz
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Barnett A Rattner
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, Maryland
| | | | - Richard F Shore
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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10
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Dornbos P, Chernyak S, Rutkiewicz J, Cooley T, Strom S, Batterman S, Basu N. Hepatic polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels in Wisconsin river otters ( Lontra canadensis) and Michigan bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus). JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH 2015; 41:222-227. [PMID: 25745277 PMCID: PMC4347902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent and toxic flame-retardant chemicals widespread in the Great Lakes ecosystem. These chemicals are now being regulated and phased-out of the region; therefore it remains important to understand the extent of contamination in order to track the efficacy of recent actions. Here, Σ4PBDE congeners (PBDE-47, 99, 100, 153;wetweight basis unless indicated)were determined in liver tissues from Wisconsin river otters (Lontra canadensis; n = 35; 2009-2010) and Michigan bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus; n = 33; 2009-2011). In otters, Σ4PBDE ranged from0.5 to 72.9 ng/g, with a mean (±SD) and median (25th-75th percentile inter-quartile range) of 16.3 ± 16.4 ng/g and 11.3 (5.6-18.9) ng/g, respectively. The mean lipid-adjusted Σ4PBDE was 1377 ± 1485 ng/g. In eagles, Σ4PBDE ranged from 0 to 1,538.8 ng/g, with a mean and median of 74.3 ± 266.7 ng/g and 21.2 (5.7-28.9) ng/g, respectively. The mean lipid-adjusted Σ4PBDE was 5274.5 ± 19,896.1 ng/g. In both species, PBDE-47 accounted for >50% of the Σ4PBDE, followed by PBDE-99 and PBDE-100 (each ~17-19% of the total). The PBDE levels reported here in otters are similar to mammalian wildlife elsewhere, though the levels in eagles are among the highest worldwide across studied birds. The findings indicate that apex Great Lakes wildlife remain exposed to appreciable levels of PBDEs and more work is needed to understand whether such exposures are associated with adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dornbos
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sergei Chernyak
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer Rutkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thomas Cooley
- Wildlife Disease Lab, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI 48190, USA
| | - Sean Strom
- Bureau of Wildlife Management, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI 53707, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, H9X 3V9
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Shore RF, Taggart MA, Smits J, Mateo R, Richards NL, Fryday S. Detection and drivers of exposure and effects of pharmaceuticals in higher vertebrates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2014; 369:20130570. [PMID: 25405960 PMCID: PMC4213583 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are highly bioactive compounds now known to be widespread environmental contaminants. However, research regarding exposure and possible effects in non-target higher vertebrate wildlife remains scarce. The fate and behaviour of most pharmaceuticals entering our environment via numerous pathways remain poorly characterized, and hence our conception and understanding of the risks posed to wild animals is equally constrained. The recent decimation of Asian vulture populations owing to a pharmaceutical (diclofenac) offers a notable example, because the exposure route (livestock carcasses) and the acute toxicity observed were completely unexpected. This case not only highlights the need for further research, but also the wider requirement for more considered and comprehensive 'ecopharmacovigilance'. We discuss known and potential high risk sources and pathways in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems where pharmaceutical exposure in higher vertebrate wildlife, principally birds and mammals, may occur. We examine whether approaches taken within existing surveillance schemes (that commonly target established classes of persistent or bioaccumulative contaminants) and the risk assessment approaches currently used for pesticides are relevant to pharmaceuticals, and we highlight where new approaches may be required to assess pharmaceutical-related risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Judit Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada AB T2N 4Z6
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ngaio L Richards
- Working Dogs for Conservation, 52 Eustis Road, Three Forks, MT 59752, USA
| | - Steve Fryday
- Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
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12
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Pereira MG, Murk AJ, Van den Berg H, Walker LA, Shore RF. How much do PCB toxic equivalents account for PHAH toxicity in predatory birds? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 193:240-246. [PMID: 25062280 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Various diffuse polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) exert common toxicity through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Apex predators spatially and temporally integrate diffuse contamination and simultaneous exposure can cause additive toxicity. We investigated the extent to which PCBs, still amongst the most prevalent PHAHs accumulated by predators, accounted for total PHAH toxicity in raptors and fish eating birds from Britain. We analysed egg or liver extracts from six species and compared chemically determined ΣPCB-TEQs concentrations with total AhR-mediated toxicity determined using the chemical-activated luciferase gene expression bioassay (CALUX-TEQ). Dioxin-like PCB profiles in eggs and livers were dominated by congeners 118, 105 and 167. ΣPCB-TEQ and CALUX-TEQ concentrations were positively associated but not in a 1:1 relationship. ΣPCB-TEQ were broadly similar to CALUX-TEQ concentrations in eggs and livers with CALUX-TEQ concentrations >50-80 and 160-320 pg g(-1) lipid respectively, but were lower than CALUX-TEQ concentrations in less contaminated samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glória Pereira
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - A J Murk
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
| | - H Van den Berg
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
| | - Lee A Walker
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Richard F Shore
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
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13
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Gómez-Ramírez P, Shore RF, van den Brink NW, van Hattum B, Bustnes JO, Duke G, Fritsch C, García-Fernández AJ, Helander BO, Jaspers V, Krone O, Martínez-López E, Mateo R, Movalli P, Sonne C. An overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activities in Europe. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 67:12-21. [PMID: 24632328 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring using raptors as sentinels can provide early warning of the potential impacts of contaminants on humans and the environment and also a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures. Examples include detection of heavy metal-induced immune system impairment, PCB-induced altered reproductive impacts, and toxicity associated with lead in shot game. Authorisation of such releases and implementation of mitigation is now increasingly delivered through EU-wide directives but there is little established pan-European monitoring to quantify outcomes. We investigated the potential for EU-wide coordinated contaminant monitoring using raptors as sentinels. We did this using a questionnaire to ascertain the current scale of national activity across 44 European countries. According to this survey, there have been 52 different contaminant monitoring schemes with raptors over the last 50years. There were active schemes in 15 (predominantly western European) countries and 23 schemes have been running for >20years; most monitoring was conducted for >5years. Legacy persistent organic compounds (specifically organochlorine insecticides and PCBs), and metals/metalloids were monitored in most of the 15 countries. Fungicides, flame retardants and anticoagulant rodenticides were also relatively frequently monitored (each in at least 6 countries). Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), tawny owl (Strix aluco) and barn owl (Tyto alba) were most commonly monitored (each in 6-10 countries). Feathers and eggs were most widely analysed although many schemes also analysed body tissues. Our study reveals an existing capability across multiple European countries for contaminant monitoring using raptors. However, coordination between existing schemes and expansion of monitoring into Eastern Europe is needed. This would enable assessment of the appropriateness of the EU-regulation of substances that are hazardous to humans and the environment, the effectiveness of EU level mitigation policies, and identify pan-European spatial and temporal trends in current and emerging contaminants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gómez-Ramírez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - R F Shore
- NERC, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - N W van den Brink
- Alterra, Wageningen UR, Box 47, NL-6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - B van Hattum
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM-High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - G Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - C Fritsch
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249, University of Franche-Comté -, CNRS, Usc INRA, Place Leclerc, F-25030 Besançon Cedex, France
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - B O Helander
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Contaminant Environmental Research & Monitoring, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - V Jaspers
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; NTNU, Realfagbygget, DU2-169, Høgskoleringen 5, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - O Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - E Martínez-López
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - R Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - P Movalli
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Sonne
- Arctic Environment, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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14
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Eng ML, Williams TD, Letcher RJ, Elliott JE. Assessment of concentrations and effects of organohalogen contaminants in a terrestrial passerine, the European starling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 473-474:589-96. [PMID: 24394368 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are a valuable model species for the assessment of concentrations and effects of environmental contaminants in terrestrial birds. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are found in birds throughout the world, but relatively little is known of their concentrations or effects in free-living terrestrial passerines. We used a nest box population of European starlings to 1) measure the variation in egg concentrations of persistent organohalogen contaminants at an agricultural site, and 2) assess whether individual variation in PBDE concentrations in eggs was related to reproductive parameters, as well as maternal or nestling characteristics including body condition, thyroid hormones, oxidative stress, and hematocrit. As PBDEs were the main contaminant class of interest, we only assessed a subset of eggs for other organohalogen contaminants to establish background concentrations. Exposure to organohalogen contaminants was extremely variable over this relatively small study area. Geometric mean wet weight concentrations (range in brackets) of the major contaminants were 36.5 (12-174) ng/g ΣDDT (n=6 eggs) and 10.9 (2-307) ng/g ΣPBDEs (n=14). ΣPCBs at 3.58 (1.5-6.4) ng/g (n=6) were lower and less variable. There were low levels of other organochlorine (OC) pesticides such as dieldrin (2.02 ng/g), chlordanes (1.11 ng/g) and chlorobenzenes (0.23 ng/g). The only form of DDT detected was p,p'-DDE. The congener profiles of PBDEs and PCBs reflect those of industrial mixtures (i.e. DE-71, Aroclors 1254, 1260 and 1262). For all of the contaminant classes, concentrations detected in eggs at our study site were below levels previously reported to cause effects. Due to small sample sizes, we did not assess the relationship between ΣPCBs or ΣOCs and adult or chick condition. We observed no correlative relationships between individual variation in PBDE concentrations in starling eggs and reproductive success, maternal condition, or nestling condition in the corresponding nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Eng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - John E Elliott
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada.
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