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Sontag PT, Godfrey LV, Fraser WR, Hinke JT, Reinfelder JR. Influence of migration range and foraging ecology on mercury accumulation in Southern Ocean penguins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175154. [PMID: 39153634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175154] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
In order to evaluate mercury (Hg) accumulation patterns in Southern Ocean penguins, we measured Hg concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios in body feathers of adult Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae), gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), and chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) penguins living near Anvers Island, West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) collected in the 2010/2011 austral summer. With these and data from Pygoscelis and other penguin genera (Eudyptes and Aptenodytes) throughout the Southern Ocean, we modelled Hg variation using δ13C and δ15N values. Mean concentrations of Hg in feathers of Adélie (0.09 ± 0.05 μg g-1) and gentoo (0.16 ± 0.08 μg g-1) penguins from Anvers Island were among the lowest ever reported for the Southern Ocean. However, Hg concentrations in chinstrap penguins (0.80 ± 0.20 μg g-1), which undertake relatively broad longitudinal winter migrations north of expanding sea ice, were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those in gentoo or Adélie penguins. δ13C and δ15N values for feathers from all three Anvers Island populations were also the lowest among those previously reported for Southern Ocean penguins foraging within Antarctic and subantarctic waters. These observations, along with size distributions of WAP krill, suggest foraging during non-breeding seasons as a primary contributor to higher Hg accumulation in chinstraps relative to other sympatric Pygoscelis along the WAP. δ13C values for all Southern Ocean penguin populations, alone best explained feather Hg concentrations among possible generalized linear models (GLMs) for populations grouped by either breeding site (AICc = 36.9, wi = 0.0590) or Antarctic Frontal Zone (AICc = 36.9, wi = 0.0537). Although Hg feather concentrations can vary locally by species, there was an insignificant species-level effect (wi < 0.001) across the full latitudinal range examined. Therefore, feeding ecology at breeding locations, as tracked by δ13C, control Hg accumulation in penguin populations across the Southern Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Sontag
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Linda V Godfrey
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Jefferson T Hinke
- Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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2
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Bertram J, Bichet C, Moiron M, Schupp PJ, Bouwhuis S. Sex- and age-specific mercury accumulation in a long-lived seabird. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172330. [PMID: 38599409 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Mercury levels in the environment are increasing, such that they are also expected to accumulate in top-predators, but individual-based longitudinal studies required to investigate this are rare. Between 2017 and 2023, we therefore collected 1314 blood samples from 588 individual common terns (Sterna hirundo) to examine how total blood mercury concentration changed with age, and whether this differed between the sexes. Blood mercury concentrations were highly variable, but all exceeded toxicity thresholds above which adverse health effects were previously observed. A global model showed blood mercury to be higher in older birds of both sexes. Subsequent models partitioning the age effect into within- and among-individual components revealed a linear within-individual accumulation with age in females, and a decelerating within-individual accumulation with age in males. Time spent at the (particularly contaminated) breeding grounds prior to sampling, as well as egg laying in females, were also found to affect mercury concentrations. As such, our study provides evidence that male and female common terns differentially accumulate mercury in their blood as they grow older and calls for further studies of the underlying mechanisms as well as its consequences for fitness components, such as reproductive performance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Bertram
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen DE 26386, Germany.
| | - Coraline Bichet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Maria Moiron
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen DE 26386, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Department for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Terramare, Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen DE 26382, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg DE 26129, Germany
| | - Sandra Bouwhuis
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen DE 26386, Germany
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3
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Jung S, Besnard L, Li ML, R Reinfelder J, Kim E, Kwon SY, Kim JH. Interspecific Variations in the Internal Mercury Isotope Dynamics of Antarctic Penguins: Implications for Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6349-6358. [PMID: 38531013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring requires a precise understanding of the internal processes contributing to disparities between the Hg sources in the environment and the Hg measured in the biota. In this study, we investigated the use of Hg stable isotopes to trace Hg accumulation in Adélie and emperor penguin chicks from four breeding colonies in Antarctica. Interspecific variation of Δ199Hg in penguin chicks reflects the distinct foraging habitats and Hg exposures in adults. Chicks at breeding sites where adult penguins predominantly consumed mesopelagic prey showed relatively lower Δ199Hg values than chicks that were primarily fed epipelagic krill. Substantial δ202Hg variations in chick tissues were observed in both species (Adélie: -0.11 to 1.13‰, emperor: -0.27 to 1.15‰), whereas only emperor penguins exhibited the lowest δ202Hg in the liver and the highest in the feathers. Our results indicate that tissue-specific δ202Hg variations and their positive correlations with % MeHg resulted from MeHg demethylation in the liver and kidneys of emperor penguin chicks, whereas Adélie penguin chicks showed different internal responses depending on their exposure to dietary MeHg. This study highlights the importance of considering intra- and interspecific variations in adult foraging ecology and MeHg demethylation when selecting penguin chicks for Hg biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saebom Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Mi-Ling Li
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Eunhee Kim
- Citizens' Institute for Environmental Studies (CIES), Seoul 03039, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Incheon 21983, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, South Korea
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4
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Padilha JAG, Santos S, Willems T, Souza-Kasprzyk J, Leite A, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa AR, Eens M, E P, Torres JPM, Das K, Lepoint G, Dorneles PR, Bervoets L, Groffen T. Assessing the trophic ecology and migration on the exposure of cape petrels and Wilson's storm petrels from Antarctica to perfluoroalkylated substances, trace and major elements. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117827. [PMID: 38072112 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117827] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pollution is a global concern as contaminants are transported and reach even the remote regions of Antarctica. Seabirds serve as important sentinels of pollution due to their high trophic position and wide distribution. This study examines the influence of migration and trophic ecology on the exposure of two Antarctic seabirds, Wilson's storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus - Ooc), and Cape petrel (Daption capense - Dca), to chemical elements and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Our methodology involved assessing the concentration of these pollutants in feather samples obtained from carcasses, offering a practical means for monitoring contamination. Trace and major element concentrations were comparable in both species, suggesting that migratory patterns have a minimal impact on exposure levels. However, Ooc had higher concentration of PFAS compared to Dca (mean, ng g-1dry weight, PFOA: Ooc:0.710, Dca:0.170; PFTrDA: Ooc:0.550, Dca:0.360, and PFTeDA: Ooc:1.01, Dca:0.190), indicating that migration to the more polluted Northern Hemisphere significantly affects PFAS exposure. Furthermore, while no strong associations were found between either trace elements or PFAS and the three stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S), a negative association was observed between PFUnDA and δ15N, hinting at potential biodilution. The research concludes that the migratory patterns of these seabird species affect their PFAS exposure, underscoring the critical need for further exploration and understanding of these relationships to better inform conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A G Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - S Santos
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - T Willems
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Souza-Kasprzyk
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Leite
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - L S T Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Environment and Sustainability, State University of Rio Grande do Sul, Assis Brasil Street, 842, Downtown, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R Pessôa
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Prinsen E
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Trophic and Isotope Ecology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Peterson SH, Peterson MG, Ackerman JT, Debier C, Goetsch C, Holser RR, Hückstädt LA, Johnson JC, Keates TR, McDonald BI, McHuron EA, Costa DP. Foraging behavior and age affect maternal transfer of mercury to northern elephant seal pups. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4693. [PMID: 38409311 PMCID: PMC10897339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep ocean foraging northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) consume fish and squid in remote depths of the North Pacific Ocean. Contaminants bioaccumulated from prey are subsequently transferred by adult females to pups during gestation and lactation, linking pups to mercury contamination in mesopelagic food webs (200-1000 m depths). Maternal transfer of mercury to developing seal pups was related to maternal mercury contamination and was strongly correlated with maternal foraging behavior (biotelemetry and isotopes). Mercury concentrations in lanugo (hair grown in utero) were among the highest observed worldwide for young pinnipeds (geometric mean 23.01 μg/g dw, range 8.03-63.09 μg/g dw; n = 373); thus, some pups may be at an elevated risk of sub-lethal adverse health effects. Fetal mercury exposure was affected by maternal foraging geographic location and depth; mercury concentrations were highest in pups of the deepest diving, pelagic females. Moreover, pup lanugo mercury concentrations were strongly repeatable among successive pups of individual females, demonstrating relative consistency in pup mercury exposure based on maternal foraging strategies. Northern elephant seals are biosentinels of a remote deep-sea ecosystem. Our results suggest that mercury within North Pacific mesopelagic food webs may also pose an elevated risk to other mesopelagic-foraging predators and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Peterson
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 Business Park Drive Suite D, Dixon, CA, USA.
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Michael G Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 Business Park Drive Suite D, Dixon, CA, USA
| | - Cathy Debier
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Chandra Goetsch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- CSS, Inc, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Rachel R Holser
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Luis A Hückstädt
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Jennifer C Johnson
- Moss Landing Marine Labs, San Jose State University, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Theresa R Keates
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A McHuron
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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6
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Gimeno M, Rossell L, Julià L, Giménez J, Sanpera C, Coll M, Bustamante P, Ramírez F. Assessing mercury contamination in Southern Hemisphere marine ecosystems: The role of penguins as effective bioindicators. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123159. [PMID: 38104761 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123159] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant known for its significant bioaccumulation and biomagnification capabilities, posing a particular threat to marine environments. Seabirds have been recognized as effective bioindicators of marine pollution, and, among them, penguins present a unique opportunity to serve as a single taxonomic group (Sphenisciformes) for monitoring Hg across distinct marine ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of Hg concentrations, and performed a meta-analysis that took into account the various sources of uncertainty associated with Hg contamination in penguins. Beyond intrinsic species-specific factors shaping Hg levels, our results showed that the penguin community effectively reflects spatial patterns of Hg bioavailability. We identified geographic Hg hotspots in Australia, the Indian Ocean, and Tierra del Fuego, as well as coldspots in Perú and the South Atlantic. Furthermore, specific penguin species, namely the Southern Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome) and Macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus), are highlighted as particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of Hg. Additionally, we identified knowledge gaps in geographic areas such as the Galápagos Islands, South Africa, and the coast of Chile, as well as in species including Fiordland (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus), Snares (Eudyptes robustus), Erect-crested (Eudyptes sclateri), Royal (Eudyptes schlegeli), Yellow-eyed (Megadyptes antipodes), and Galápagos (Spheniscus mendiculus) penguins. Overall, our study contributes to the growing body of literature emphasizing the role of penguins as bioindicators of Hg pollution, but it also highlights areas where further research and data collection are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of Hg contamination in marine ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Gimeno
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av/Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Rossell
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Julià
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Giménez
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanografico de Málaga (COMA), Fuengirola, Spain
| | - Carolina Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av/Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coll
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS, La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Francisco Ramírez
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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Korejwo E, Panasiuk A, Wawrzynek-Borejko J, Jędruch A, Bełdowski J, Paturej A, Bełdowska M. Mercury concentrations in Antarctic zooplankton with a focus on the krill species, Euphausia superba. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167239. [PMID: 37742970 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic is the most isolated region in the world; nevertheless, it has not avoided the negative impact of human activity, including the inflow of toxic mercury (Hg). Hg deposited in the Antarctic marine environment can be bioavailable and accumulate in the food web, reaching elevated concentrations in high-trophic-level biota, especially if methylated. Zooplankton, together with phytoplankton, are critical for the transport of pollutants, including Hg to higher trophic levels. For the Southern Ocean ecosystem, one of the key zooplankton components is the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba, the smaller euphausiid Thysanoessa macrura, and the amphipod Themisto gaudichaudii - a crucial food source for most predatory fish, birds, and mammals. The main goal of this study was to determine the Hg burden, as well as the distribution of different Hg forms, in these dominant Antarctic planktonic crustaceans. The results showed that the highest concentrations of Hg were found in T. gaudichaudii, a typically predatory taxon. Most of the Hg in the tested crustaceans was labile and potentially bioavailable for planktivorous organisms, with the most dangerous methylmercury (MeHg) accounting for an average of 16 % of the total mercury. Elevated Hg concentrations were observed close to the land, which is influenced by the proximity to penguin and pinniped colonies. In areas near the shore, volcanic activity might be a possible cause of the increase in mercury sulfide (HgS) content. The total Hg concentration increased with the trophic position and ontogenetic stage of predation, specific to adult organisms. In contrast, the proportion of MeHg decreased with age, indicating more efficient demethylation or elimination. The Hg magnification kinetics in the study area were relatively high, which may be related to climate-change induced alterations of the Antarctic ecosystem: additional food sources and reshaped trophic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Korejwo
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry, and Biochemistry, ul. Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland.
| | - Anna Panasiuk
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography Laboratory of Marine Plankton Biology, Division of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Justyna Wawrzynek-Borejko
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Ecosystems Functioning, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jędruch
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry, and Biochemistry, ul. Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry, and Biochemistry, ul. Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Alicja Paturej
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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8
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Padilha JAG, Souza-Kasprzyk J, Pinzoni M, Prohaska G, Espejo W, Leite A, Santos S, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa AR, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Mercury exposure in Antarctic seabirds: Assessing the influence of trophic position and migration patterns. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139871. [PMID: 37611760 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139871] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Although naturally present in the environment, mercury (Hg) input is significantly amplified by anthropogenic activities on a global scale, leading to a growing concern about the recent increase in Hg levels observed in Antarctica. This study investigated total mercury (THg) concentrations in feathers and eggs of resident and migratory Antarctic seabirds. Stable isotope data (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were employed to ascertain the key factors influencing the exposure of these species to Hg. We gathered feathers and eggs from three resident species - Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as five migratory species - Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, Southern Giant Petrel, Kelp Gull, and South Polar Skua. These samples were collected from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, in the Antarctica Peninsula. For all species, THg concentrations were higher in feathers (mean ± SD: 2267 ± 2480 ng g-1 dw) than in eggs (906 ± 1461 ng g-1 dw). Species occupying higher trophic positions, such as the Southern Giant Petrel (5667 ± 1500 ng g-1 dw) and South Polar Skua (4216 ± 1101 ng. g-1 dw), exhibited higher THg levels in their feathers than those at lower positions, like Antarctic Tern (1254 ± 400 ng g-1 dw) and Chinstrap Penguin (910 ± 364 ng g-1 dw). The δ15N values, which serve as a proxy for the trophic position, significantly correlated with THg concentrations. These findings reveal that trophic position influences THg concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Migration did not appear to significantly affect the exposure of seabirds to THg, contrary to initial expectations. This research highlights the importance of evaluating the impacts of THg contamination on the Antarctic ecosystem by considering a variety of species. This multi-species approach offers critical insights into the factors that may potentially influence the exposure of these species to contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A G Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - J Souza-Kasprzyk
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Pinzoni
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - G Prohaska
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A Leite
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - S Santos
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade. Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - K Das
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
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9
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Cusset F, Bustamante P, Carravieri A, Bertin C, Brasso R, Corsi I, Dunn M, Emmerson L, Guillou G, Hart T, Juáres M, Kato A, Machado-Gaye AL, Michelot C, Olmastroni S, Polito M, Raclot T, Santos M, Schmidt A, Southwell C, Soutullo A, Takahashi A, Thiebot JB, Trathan P, Vivion P, Waluda C, Fort J, Cherel Y. Circumpolar assessment of mercury contamination: the Adélie penguin as a bioindicator of Antarctic marine ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1024-1049. [PMID: 37878111 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02709-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Due to its persistence and potential ecological and health impacts, mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant of major concern that may reach high concentrations even in remote polar oceans. In contrast to the Arctic Ocean, studies documenting Hg contamination in the Southern Ocean are spatially restricted and large-scale monitoring is needed. Here, we present the first circumpolar assessment of Hg contamination in Antarctic marine ecosystems. Specifically, the Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) was used as a bioindicator species, to examine regional variation across 24 colonies distributed across the entire Antarctic continent. Mercury was measured on body feathers collected from both adults (n = 485) and chicks (n = 48) between 2005 and 2021. Because penguins' diet represents the dominant source of Hg, feather δ13C and δ15N values were measured as proxies of feeding habitat and trophic position. As expected, chicks had lower Hg concentrations (mean ± SD: 0.22 ± 0.08 μg·g‒1) than adults (0.49 ± 0.23 μg·g‒1), likely because of their shorter bioaccumulation period. In adults, spatial variation in feather Hg concentrations was driven by both trophic ecology and colony location. The highest Hg concentrations were observed in the Ross Sea, possibly because of a higher consumption of fish in the diet compared to other sites (krill-dominated diet). Such large-scale assessments are critical to assess the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Owing to their circumpolar distribution and their ecological role in Antarctic marine ecosystems, Adélie penguins could be valuable bioindicators for tracking spatial and temporal trends of Hg across Antarctic waters in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Cusset
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Alice Carravieri
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Clément Bertin
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Rebecka Brasso
- Department of Zoology, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, USA
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Louise Emmerson
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australian Antarctic Division, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Tom Hart
- Department of Biological and Medicinal Sciences, Oxford Brooke University, Oxford, UK
| | - Mariana Juáres
- Departamento Biología de Predadores Tope, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Akiko Kato
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Candice Michelot
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
- Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, Pêches et Océans Canada, Mont-Joli, QC, Canada
| | - Silvia Olmastroni
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
- Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Thierry Raclot
- Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178 du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67087, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mercedes Santos
- Departamento Biología de Predadores Tope, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Colin Southwell
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australian Antarctic Division, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alvaro Soutullo
- Centro Universitario Regional del Este, Universidad de la República, Maldonado, Uruguay
| | - Akinori Takahashi
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo, 190-8518, Japan
| | - Jean-Baptiste Thiebot
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo, 190-8518, Japan
- Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Minato-cho 3-1-1, Hakodate, 041-8611, Japan
| | | | - Pierre Vivion
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | | | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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10
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Jarzynowska M, Saniewska D, Fudala K, Wilman B, Balazy P, Płońska P, Saniewski M. Mercury and methylmercury in birds and marine mammals inhabiting the coastal zone of the two King George Island's bays: Admiralty and King George Bay (maritime Antarctic). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115237. [PMID: 37421914 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic is particularly sensitive to mercury (Hg) pollution and even low levels of Hg may cause significant damage in this fragile environment. The aim of this study was to investigate routes of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) elimination by animals inhabiting the maritime Antarctic. The results showed that organisms at the highest trophic level (elephant seal) have the highest concentrations of THg and MeHg in both excrement and fur samples. Interspecies differences in mercury levels were observed in materials sourced from penguins of the genus Pysgocelis.13C and 15N values confirmed differences in the diets and foraging areas, which may affect Hg concentration in the tissues we analyzed. Time variations in THg and MeHg concentrations were observed in the excrement of the penguin species, which may be due to periods of fasting and intense feeding closely related to egg laying and moulting stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Jarzynowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Fudala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Wilman
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Piotr Balazy
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712, Sopot, Poland
| | - Patrycja Płońska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
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11
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Monserrate-Maggi L, Serrano-Mena L, Delahaye L, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Ruiz-Barzola O, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Microorganisms isolated from seabirds feathers for mercury bioremediation. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by mercury has received increasing attention in recent years. Several studies have warned of the high rates of biomagnification in superior levels of marine food networks affecting seabirds. Although seabird feathers are reported as bioindicators of mercury, the possibility of using the microbiota associated with them for the bioremediation of this metal has not been considered. Despite the potential of the seabird feather microbiota, the cultivable microorganisms from this sample matrix have not been identified. In this study, we isolated and identified the organisms in the feathers from three types of seabirds, two species of penguins (Pygoscelis antartica and Pygoscelis papua) and the brown skua bird (Catharacta lonnbergi) through poisoned media a final concentration of 10 mg / L Hg2+ in the culture medium for the microbial consortia. Yeast isolates belonged to the genus Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, and Rhodotorula, and fungi genera Leiotrametes, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, and Cladosporium were identified. Adult bird feathers with high mercury concentrations can serve as a matrix to isolate microorganisms capable of removing mercury.
Keywords: Antarctica, bioremediation, feathers, mercury, microorganisms
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Monserrate-Maggi
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Lizette Serrano-Mena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Louise Delahaye
- VIVES University CollegePost-graduate International Cooperation North-South, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Paola Calle
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Ruiz-Barzola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; ; . 4 Universidad de Salamanca, Departamento de Estadística; Campus Miguel de Unamuno. 37007, Salamanca -España;
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil ; Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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12
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Pessôa ARL, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Trace elements in migratory species arriving to Antarctica according to their migration range. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114693. [PMID: 36773589 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The levels of eighteen trace elements (TEs) were evaluated in association with stable isotopes (δ15N, δ34S, and δ13C) in feathers and eggs of five migratory species breeding on the Antarctic Peninsula to test the factors that influence their exposure to contaminants. The feathers of seabirds migrating to the Northern Hemisphere (South polar skua) have concentrations (mean ± SD, μg. g-1) of Li (1.71 ± 2.08) and Mg (1169.5 ± 366.8) one order of magnitude higher than southern migrants, such as Snowy sheathbill Li (0.01 ± 0.005) and Mg (499.6 ± 111.9). Feathers had significantly higher concentrations for 11 of a total of 18 metals measured compared to eggs. South polar skua have higher concentrations of all TEs in eggs compared to antarctic tern. Therefore, the present study showed that migration and trophic ecology (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) influence Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se concentrations in feathers of Antarctic seabirds. The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Rb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr are higher than previously reported, which may be due to increased local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Soils and Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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13
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Lois NA, Balza U, Brasso R, Dodino S, Pütz K, Polito MJ, Riccialdelli L, Ciancio J, Quillfeldt P, Mahler B, Rey AR. Mercury and stable isotopes portray colony-specific foraging grounds in southern rockhopper penguins over the Patagonian Shelf. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114137. [PMID: 36183510 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114137] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution is a serious global environmental issue and the characterization of its distribution and its driving forces should be urgently included in research agendas. We report unusually high mercury (Hg) concentrations (>5 μg/g) along with stable isotopes values in feathers of southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) from colonies in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. We found a highly heterogenous prevalence of Hg throughout the study area and over a three-fold higher mean Hg concentration in southernmost colonies. Variation in Hg concentrations among colonies is primarily explained by site, rather than by trophic position. We provide further support to the existence of a Hg hotspot in the food web of the Patagonian Shelf and spatially restrict it to the southern tip of South America. Our findings highlight the need for regional and colony-based seabird conservation management when high local variability and plasticity in foraging habits is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás A Lois
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ulises Balza
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Rebecka Brasso
- Weber State University, Ogden, UT, United States of America
| | - Samanta Dodino
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | | | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Luciana Riccialdelli
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Javier Ciancio
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Bettina Mahler
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (ICPA-UNTdF), Ushuaia, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Padilha J, de Carvalho GO, Willems T, Lepoint G, Cunha L, Pessoa ARL, Eens M, Prinsen E, Costa E, Torres JP, Dorneles P, Das K, Bervoets L, Groffen T. Perfluoroalkylated compounds in the eggs and feathers of resident and migratory seabirds from the Antarctic Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114157. [PMID: 36027956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated factors that influence the differences in exposure of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from eight species of Antarctic seabirds, including Pygoscelis penguins, Stercorarius maccormicki, and Macronectes giganteus. We analyzed the relationship between foraging ecology (based on δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values) and PFAAs accumulated in eggs and breast feathers. Ten out of 15 targeted PFAAs were detected in eggs compared to eight in feathers. Mean ∑PFAA concentrations in feathers ranged from 0.47 in P. antarcticus to 17.4 ng/g dry weight (dw) in S. maccormicki. In eggs, ∑PFAA concentrations ranged from 3.51 in P. adeliae to 117 ng/g dw in S. maccormicki. The highest concentrations of most PFAAs were found in trans-equatorial migrators such as S. maccormicki, probably due their high trophic position and higher concentrations of PFAAs in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Based on stable isotopes correlations, our results suggest that the trophic position (δ15N) and the foraging area (δ13C and δ34S) influence PFAAs concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Our results point to the possibility that long-distance migratory birds may have as bio-vectors in the transport of pollutants, including PFCAs, in Antarctic environments, although this must be further confirmed in future studies using a mass balanced approach, such as extractable organofluorine (EOF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeide Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel O de Carvalho
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tim Willems
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Larissa Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana R L Pessoa
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Els Prinsen
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erli Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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15
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Ibañez AE, Mills WF, Bustamante P, McGill RAR, Morales LM, Palacio FX, Torres DS, Haidr NS, Mariano-Jelicich R, Phillips RA, Montalti D. Variation in blood mercury concentrations in brown skuas (Stercorarius antarcticus) is related to trophic ecology but not breeding success or adult body condition. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113919. [PMID: 35816822 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113919] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a pervasive environmental contaminant that can negatively impact seabirds. Here, we measure total mercury (THg) concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) from breeding brown skuas (Stercorarius antarcticus) (n = 49) at Esperanza/Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. The aims of this study were to: (i) analyse RBCs THg concentrations in relation to sex, year and stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N); and (ii) examine correlations between THg, body condition and breeding success. RBC THg concentrations were positively correlated with δ15N, which is a proxy of trophic position, and hence likely reflects the biomagnification process. Levels of Hg contamination differed between our study years, which is likely related to changes in diet and distribution. RBC THg concentrations were not related to body condition or breeding success, suggesting that Hg contamination is currently not a major conservation concern for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Ibañez
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert. Museo de la Plata (FCNyM-UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - W F Mills
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - P Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Societes (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - R A R McGill
- Stable Isotope Ecology Lab, Natural Environment Isotope Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF, UK
| | - L M Morales
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert. Museo de la Plata (FCNyM-UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F X Palacio
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert. Museo de la Plata (FCNyM-UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D S Torres
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert. Museo de la Plata (FCNyM-UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N S Haidr
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo (CONICET - FML), San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - R Mariano-Jelicich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), UNMdP-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - R A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - D Montalti
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert. Museo de la Plata (FCNyM-UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Antártico Argentino, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Quadri-Adrogué A, Gómez-Ramírez P, García-Fernández AJ, García GO, Seco-Pon JP, Miglioranza KSB. Feather mercury levels in beached Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in northern Argentina during the non-breeding season. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:24793-24801. [PMID: 34826079 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17539-7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a great concern for marine environments. Bird feathers have been widely used to assess Hg pollution. In this study, we determine mercury concentrations in body feathers of juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southeastern sector of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, during a non-breeding season, considering both sexes. Hg levels, considering both females and males together, ranged between 265.5 and 1515.52 ng/g. These levels are well below the concentrations in feathers suggested for taking actions focused on the protection of seabirds. Non-significant differences between sexes regarding Hg levels were found, probably because juveniles were sexually immature and females did not excrete Hg by egg laying yet. Hg concentrations found in this study were an order of magnitude higher than those reported 10 years ago for the species in breeding areas on the Argentine coast. Thus, the present study provides relevant information indicating a possible increase of Hg pollution in the southwestern region of the Atlantic Ocean and thus trigger for the development of monitoring programs and regional strategies to improve the conservation status of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Quadri-Adrogué
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Germán Oscar García
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Seco-Pon
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Karina Silvia Beatriz Miglioranza
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
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17
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Mills WF, Ibañez AE, Bustamante P, Carneiro APB, Bearhop S, Cherel Y, Mariano-Jelicich R, McGill RAR, Montalti D, Votier SC, Phillips RA. Spatial and sex differences in mercury contamination of skuas in the Southern Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118841. [PMID: 35026328 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antarctic marine ecosystems are often considered to be pristine environments, yet wildlife in the polar regions may still be exposed to high levels of environmental contaminants. Here, we measured total mercury (THg) concentrations in blood samples from adult brown skuas Stercorarius antarcticus lonnbergi (n = 82) from three breeding colonies south of the Antarctic Polar Front in the Southern Ocean (southwest Atlantic region): (i) Bahía Esperanza/Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula; (ii) Signy Island, South Orkney Islands; and, (iii) Bird Island, South Georgia. Blood THg concentrations increased from the Antarctic Peninsula towards the Antarctic Polar Front, such that Hg contamination was lowest at Bahía Esperanza/Hope Bay (mean ± SD, 0.95 ± 0.45 μg g-1 dw), intermediate at Signy Island (3.42 ± 2.29 μg g-1 dw) and highest at Bird Island (4.47 ± 1.10 μg g-1 dw). Blood THg concentrations also showed a weak positive correlation with δ15N values, likely reflecting the biomagnification process. Males had higher Hg burdens than females, which may reflect deposition of Hg into eggs by females or potentially differences in their trophic ecology. These data provide important insights into intraspecific variation in contamination and the geographic transfer of Hg to seabirds in the Southern Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F Mills
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Andrés E Ibañez
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP, CONICET), Museo de La Plata, Paseo Del Bosque S/n, B1900FWA-La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ana P B Carneiro
- BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke St, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 Du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Rocío Mariano-Jelicich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), UNMdP-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar Del Plata, Mar Del Plata, Argentina
| | - Rona A R McGill
- Stable Isotope Ecology Lab, Natural Environment Isotope Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride, G75 0QF, UK
| | - Diego Montalti
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP, CONICET), Museo de La Plata, Paseo Del Bosque S/n, B1900FWA-La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Antartico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, (B1650HMK) San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Richard A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
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18
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Carravieri A, Vincze O, Bustamante P, Ackerman JT, Adams EM, Angelier F, Chastel O, Cherel Y, Gilg O, Golubova E, Kitaysky A, Luff K, Seewagen CL, Strøm H, Will AP, Yannic G, Giraudeau M, Fort J. Quantitative meta-analysis reveals no association between mercury contamination and body condition in birds. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1253-1271. [PMID: 35174617 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mercury contamination is a major threat to the global environment, and is still increasing in some regions despite international regulations. The methylated form of mercury is hazardous to biota, yet its sublethal effects are difficult to detect in wildlife. Body condition can vary in response to stressors, but previous studies have shown mixed effects of mercury on body condition in wildlife. Using birds as study organisms, we provide the first quantitative synthesis of the effect of mercury on body condition in animals. In addition, we explored the influence of intrinsic, extrinsic and methodological factors potentially explaining cross-study heterogeneity in results. We considered experimental and correlative studies carried out in adult birds and chicks, and mercury exposure inferred from blood and feathers. Most experimental investigations (90%) showed a significant relationship between mercury concentrations and body condition. Experimental exposure to mercury disrupted nutrient (fat) metabolism, metabolic rates, and food intake, resulting in either positive or negative associations with body condition. Correlative studies also showed either positive or negative associations, of which only 14% were statistically significant. Therefore, the overall effect of mercury concentrations on body condition was null in both experimental (estimate ± SE = 0.262 ± 0.309, 20 effect sizes, five species) and correlative studies (-0.011 ± 0.020, 315 effect sizes, 145 species). The single and interactive effects of age class and tissue type were accounted for in meta-analytic models of the correlative data set, since chicks and adults, as well as blood and feathers, are known to behave differently in terms of mercury accumulation and health effects. Of the 15 moderators tested, only wintering status explained cross-study heterogeneity in the correlative data set: free-ranging wintering birds were more likely to show a negative association between mercury and body condition. However, wintering effect sizes were limited to passerines, further studies should thus confirm this trend in other taxa. Collectively, our results suggest that (i) effects of mercury on body condition are weak and mostly detectable under controlled conditions, and (ii) body condition indices are unreliable indicators of mercury sublethal effects in the wild. Food availability, feeding rates and other sources of variation that are challenging to quantify likely confound the association between mercury and body condition in natura. Future studies could explore the metabolic effects of mercury further using designs that allow for the estimation and/or manipulation of food intake in both wild and captive birds, especially in under-represented life-history stages such as migration and overwintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France
| | - Orsolya Vincze
- Centre for Ecological Research-DRI, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, 18/C Bem tér, Debrecen, 4026, Hungary.,Evolutionary Ecology Group, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor street, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, U.S.A
| | - Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, U.S.A
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 405 Route de Prissé la Charrière, Villiers-en-Bois, 79360, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 405 Route de Prissé la Charrière, Villiers-en-Bois, 79360, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 405 Route de Prissé la Charrière, Villiers-en-Bois, 79360, France
| | - Olivier Gilg
- UMR 6249 CNRS-Chrono-environnement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, Besançon, 25000, France.,Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique (GREA), 16 rue de Vernot, Francheville, 21440, France
| | - Elena Golubova
- Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique (GREA), 16 rue de Vernot, Francheville, 21440, France.,Institute of Biological Problems of the North, Russian Academy of Sciences, Portovaya Str., 18, Magadan, RU-685000, Russia
| | - Alexander Kitaysky
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2140 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, U.S.A
| | - Katelyn Luff
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Chad L Seewagen
- Great Hollow Nature Preserve and Ecological Research Center, 225 State Route 37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, U.S.A
| | - Hallvard Strøm
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway
| | - Alexis P Will
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2140 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, U.S.A
| | - Glenn Yannic
- Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique (GREA), 16 rue de Vernot, Francheville, 21440, France.,UMR 5553 CNRS-Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, 2233 Rue de la Piscine, Saint-Martin d'Hères, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France.,Centre de Recherches en Écologie et en Évolution de la Santé (CREES), MIVEGEC, UMR IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université de Montpellier, Domaine La Valette, 900 rue Breton, Montpellier, 34090, France
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France
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19
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Dodino S, Riccialdelli L, Polito MJ, Pütz K, Brasso RL, Raya Rey A. Mercury exposure driven by geographic and trophic factors in Magellanic penguins from Tierra del Fuego. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113184. [PMID: 34856432 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Penguins accumulate mercury due to their long-life span together with their high trophic position. We sampled adult and juveniles' feathers from three colonies of Spheniscus magellanicus from Tierra del Fuego along an inshore-offshore corridor. We integrated toxicological information (mercury concentrations) and foraging biomarkers (δ13C, δ15N) into a common data analysis framework (isotopic niche analysis) to evaluate the influence of age, location, and foraging behaviors on mercury concentrations. Adults had higher feather mercury concentrations, δ13C, and δ15N values compared to juveniles. Also, adult and juvenile feather mercury concentrations differed between colonies, with lower mercury concentrations at the nearest inshore colony relative to the farther offshore colonies. Trophic position and the isotopic niche analyses suggest that this geographic gradient in mercury concentrations is due to differences in colonies' foraging areas. Understanding penguins' exposure to mercury derived from local food webs is a crucial first step in evaluating the impacts of this heavy metal on their conservation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Dodino
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
| | - Luciana Riccialdelli
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, United States of America
| | | | | | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Sparaventi E, Rodríguez-Romero A, Barbosa A, Ramajo L, Tovar-Sánchez A. Trace elements in Antarctic penguins and the potential role of guano as source of recycled metals in the Southern Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131423. [PMID: 34329144 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Penguins dominate the Antarctic avifauna. As key animals in the Antarctic ecosystem, they are monitored to evaluate the ecological status of this pristine and remote region and specifically, they have been used as effective bioindicators suitable for long-term monitoring of metals in the Antarctic environment. However, studies about the role of this emblematic organism could play in the recycling of trace metals (TMs) in the Antarctic ecosystem are very limited. In this study we evaluate, using the peer review research articles already published and our own findings, the distribution of metals (i.e., Ca, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Mg, Cu, K, Cd, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, V, Ba, Co, La, Ag, Rb, Hf, Sc, Au and Cs) and metalloids (As and Sb), measured in different biotic matrices, with emphasis on guano, of the Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus), Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguins. Regarding bioactive metals, the high concentrations (μg g-1 dry weight) of Cu (2.0 ± 1.4) x 102, Fe (4.1 ± 2.9) x 102, Mn (30 ± 34) and Zn (210 ± 90) reported in the guano from all the penguin species studied including our data, are of the same order of magnitude as those reported for whale feces (μg g-1 dry weight): Cu (2.9 ± 2.4) x 102, Fe (1.5 ± 1.4) x 102, Mn (28 ± 17) and Zn (6.2 ± 4.3) x 102, and one order of magnitude higher than the metal contents in krill (μg g-1 dry weight) of Cu (10.2 ± 5.5), Fe (24 ± 29) and Zn (13.5 ± 1.7). This suggest that penguin's excretion products could be an important source of these essential elements in the surface water, with an estimated annual release on a breeding season for Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn respectively of 28, 56, 4 and 29 tons, for the Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins. The results provide evidence on the potential influence of penguins recycling TMs in the surface layer of the water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sparaventi
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, ICMAN (CSIC), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Araceli Rodríguez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry. Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro, Puerto Real, 11510, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Andrés Barbosa
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Ramajo
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Avenida Ossandón 877, Coquimbo, Chile; Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia (CR)(2), Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Antonio Tovar-Sánchez
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, ICMAN (CSIC), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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21
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Bengtson Nash SM, Casa MV, Kawaguchi S, Staniland I, Bjerregaard P. Mercury levels in humpback whales, and other Southern Ocean marine megafauna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112774. [PMID: 34364143 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a known potent neurotoxin. The biogeochemical cycle of mercury in the remote Antarctic region is still poorly understood, with Polar climate change contributing added complexity. Longitudinal biomonitoring of mercury accumulation in Antarctic marine megafauna can contribute top-down insight into the bio-physical drivers of wildlife exposure. The bioaccumulative nature of organic mercury renders high trophic predators at the greatest risk of elevated exposure. Humpback whales represent secondary consumers of the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem and an ideal biomonitoring species for persistent and bioaccumulative compounds due to their extended life-spans. This study provides the first results of mercury accumulation in humpback whales, and places findings within the context of mercury accumulation in both prey, as well as six other species of Antarctic marine megafauna. Combined, these findings contribute new baseline information regarding mercury exposure to Antarctic wildlife, and highlights methodological prerequisites for routine mercury biomonitoring in wildlife via non-lethally biopsied superficial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Maria Valeria Casa
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - So Kawaguchi
- Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia
| | - Iain Staniland
- British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge CB3 0ET, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Poul Bjerregaard
- Department of Biology, The University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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22
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McKenzie AC, Silvestro AM, Marti LJ, Emslie SD. Intraspecific Variation in Mercury, δ 15 N, and δ 13 C Among 3 Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) Populations in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula Region. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2791-2801. [PMID: 34265110 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5166] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental contaminant that accumulates in the organs and tissues of seabirds at concentrations capable of causing acute or long-term adverse health effects. In the present study, Hg concentrations in Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) egg membranes and chick feathers served as a proxy for Hg bioavailability in the marine environment surrounding the northern Antarctic Peninsula. Stable isotopes were measured in conjunction with Hg to infer information regarding feeding habits (δ15 N, diet/trophic level; δ13 C, foraging habitat). The Hg concentrations were low relative to toxicity benchmark values associated with adverse health effects in birds and ranged between 0.006 and 0.080 µg g-1 dry weight (n = 65) in egg membranes and 0.140 to 1.05 µg g-1 fresh weight (n = 38) in feathers. Egg membrane δ15 N signatures suggested that females from different breeding colonies had similar diets consisting of lower and higher trophic prey prior to arrival to breeding grounds. In contrast, δ15 N signatures in feathers indicated that chick diet varied by colony. The Hg concentrations demonstrated significant positive relationships with δ15 N, providing support for the hypothesis of Hg biomagnification up the food chain. The δ13 C signatures in both tissue types provided evidence of foraging habitat segregation among populations. The differences in Hg exposure and foraging ecology suggest that each colony has localized foraging behaviors by breeding adults that warrant additional investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2791-2801. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C McKenzie
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anahí M Silvestro
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas J Marti
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad CAECE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Steven D Emslie
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
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Mercury Levels in Feathers of Penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula Area: Geographical and Inter-Specific Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189918. [PMID: 34574839 PMCID: PMC8471030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Polar regions, symbols of wilderness, have been identified as potential sinks of mercury coming from natural and anthropogenic sources at lower latitudes. Changes in ice coverage currently occurring in some areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula could enhance these phenomena and their impacts on local biota. As long-lived species at the top of food chains, seabirds are particularly sensitive to this highly toxic metal with the capacity to be biomagnified. Specifically, their feathers can be useful for Hg monitoring since they mainly accumulate its most toxic and persistent form, methyl-Hg. To that end, feathers of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) (n = 108) were collected by passive sampling in seven different locations throughout the Antarctic Peninsula area and analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave-digestion. More than 93% of the samples showed detectable Hg levels (range: 6.3–12,529.8 ng g−1 dry weight), and the highest ones were found in the feathers of chinstrap penguins from King George Island. Hg bioconcentration and biomagnification seem to be occurring in the Antarctic food web, giving rise to high but non-toxic Hg levels in penguins, similar to those previously found in Arctic seabirds.
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Souza JS, Pizzochero AC, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa ARL, Almeida AP, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Michel LN, Das K, Dorneles PR. Factors that influence trace element levels in blood and feathers of Pygoscelis penguins from South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117209. [PMID: 33932832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant levels are lower in Antarctica than elsewhere in the world because of its low anthropogenic activities. However, the northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula, is close to South America and experiences the greatest anthropogenic pressure in Antarctica. Here, we investigated, in two Antarctic Peninsula islands, intra and interspecific factors that influence the concentrations of 17 trace elements (TEs) in blood and feathers of three penguin species breeding sympatrically in relation to their trophic ecology assessed via a stable isotopic approach (C, N and S). Geographical location, foraging zone (δ13C and δ34S) and diet influences the interspecific difference, and sex and maturity stage diet influence the intraspecific difference of Pygoscelis penguins. Penguins from Livingston showed higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dry weight - dw) of Zn (103), Mn (0.3), and Fe (95) than those from King George Island (Zn: 80, Mn: 1.9, and Fe: 11). Gender-related differences were observed, as males showed significantly higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Rb (3.4) and δ15N in blood of gentoo, and Ca (1344) in Adélie feathers. Chicks of gentoo and Adélie presented higher Zn, Mg, Ca, and Sr and lower 13C values in blood than adults. The highest concentrations (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Cd (0.2) and Cu (26), and the lowest δ15N values were found in chinstrap. Geographical, intraspecific (i.e., ontogenetic and gender-related) and interspecific differences in feeding seemed to have influenced TE and stable isotope values in these animals. The TE bioaccumulation by penguins may have also been influenced by natural enrichment in environmental levels of these elements, which seems to be the case for Fe, Zn, and Mn. However, the high level of some of the TEs (Mn, Cd, and Cr) may reflect the increase of local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - J S Souza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - A C Pizzochero
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A P Almeida
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - L N Michel
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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25
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Moyo S, Bennadji H, Laguaite D, Pérez-Umphrey AA, Snider AM, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Olin JA, Stouffer PC, Taylor SS, López-Duarte PC, Roberts BJ, Hooper-Bui L, Polito MJ. Stable isotope analyses identify trophic niche partitioning between sympatric terrestrial vertebrates in coastal saltmarshes with differing oiling histories. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11392. [PMID: 34316388 PMCID: PMC8288111 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioindicator species are commonly used as proxies to help identify the ecological effects of oil spills and other stressors. However, the utility of taxa as bioindicators is dependent on understanding their trophic niche and life history characteristics, as these factors mediate their ecological responses. Seaside sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) are two ubiquitous terrestrial vertebrates that are thought to be bioindicators of oil spills in saltmarsh ecosystems. To improve the utility of these omnivorous taxa as bioindicators, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to quantify their trophic niches at saltmarshes in coastal Louisiana with differing oiling histories. We found that rats generally had lower trophic positions and incorporated more aquatic prey relative to seaside sparrows. The range of resources used (i.e.,trophic niche width) varied based on oiling history. Seaside sparrows had wider trophic niches than marsh rice rats at unoiled sites, but not at oiled sites. Trophic niche widths of conspecifics were less consistent at oiled sites, although marsh rice rats at oiled sites had wider trophic niches than rats at unoiled sites. These results suggest that past oiling histories may have imparted subtle, yet differing effects on the foraging ecology of these two co-occurring species. However, the temporal lag between initial oiling and our study makes identifying the ultimate drivers of differences between oiled and unoiled sites challenging. Even so, our findings provide a baseline quantification of the trophic niches of sympatric seaside sparrows and marsh rice rats that will aid in the use of these species as indicators of oiling and other environmental stressors in saltmarsh ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Moyo
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America.,Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, United States of America
| | - Hayat Bennadji
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Laguaite
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Anna A Pérez-Umphrey
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Allison M Snider
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Jill A Olin
- Great Lakes Research Center, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, United States of America
| | - Philip C Stouffer
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Sabrina S Taylor
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Paola C López-Duarte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States of America
| | - Brian J Roberts
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA, United States of America
| | - Linda Hooper-Bui
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
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Carravieri A, Warner NA, Herzke D, Brault-Favrou M, Tarroux A, Fort J, Bustamante P, Descamps S. Trophic and fitness correlates of mercury and organochlorine compound residues in egg-laying Antarctic petrels. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110518. [PMID: 33245882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the drivers and effects of exposure to contaminants such as mercury (Hg) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in Antarctic wildlife is still limited. Yet, Hg and OCs have known physiological and fitness effects in animals, with consequences on their populations. Here we measured total Hg (a proxy of methyl-Hg) in blood cells and feathers, and 12 OCs (seven polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, and five organochlorine pesticides, OCPs) in plasma of 30 breeding female Antarctic petrels Thalassoica antarctica from one of the largest colonies in Antarctica (Svarthamaren, Dronning Maud Land). This colony is declining and there is poor documentation on the potential role played by contaminants on individual physiology and fitness. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values measured in the females' blood cells and feathers served as proxies of their feeding ecology during the pre-laying (austral spring) and moulting (winter) periods, respectively. We document feather Hg concentrations (mean ± SD, 2.41 ± 0.83 μg g-1 dry weight, dw) for the first time in this species. Blood cell Hg concentrations (1.38 ± 0.43 μg g-1 dw) were almost twice as high as those reported in a recent study, and increased with pre-laying trophic position (blood cell δ15N). Moulting trophic ecology did not predict blood Hg concentrations. PCB concentrations were very low (Σ7PCBs, 0.35 ± 0.31 ng g-1 wet weight, ww). Among OCPs, HCB (1.02 ± 0.36 ng g-1 ww) and p, p'-DDE (1.02 ± 1.49 ng g-1 ww) residues were comparable to those of ecologically-similar polar seabirds, while Mirex residues (0.72 ± 0.35 ng g-1 ww) were higher. PCB and OCP concentrations showed no clear relationship with pre-laying or moulting feeding ecology, indicating that other factors overcome dietary drivers. OC residues were inversely related to body condition, suggesting stronger release of OCs into the circulation of egg-laying females upon depletion of their lipid reserves. Egg volume, hatching success, chick body condition and survival were not related to maternal Hg or OC concentrations. Legacy contaminant exposure does not seem to represent a threat for the breeding fraction of this population over the short term. Yet, exposure to contaminants, especially Mirex, and other concurring environmental stressors should be monitored over the long-term in this declining population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France.
| | - Nicholas A Warner
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9037, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9037, Norway
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France
| | - Arnaud Tarroux
- NINA-Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, La Rochelle, 17000, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, Paris, 75005, France
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27
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Mills WF, Bustamante P, McGill RAR, Anderson ORJ, Bearhop S, Cherel Y, Votier SC, Phillips RA. Mercury exposure in an endangered seabird: long-term changes and relationships with trophic ecology and breeding success. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202683. [PMID: 33352077 PMCID: PMC7779510 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant which, at high concentrations, can negatively influence avian physiology and demography. Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) have higher Hg burdens than all other avian families. Here, we measure total Hg (THg) concentrations of body feathers from adult grey-headed albatrosses (Thalassarche chrysostoma) at South Georgia. Specifically, we (i) analyse temporal trends at South Georgia (1989-2013) and make comparisons with other breeding populations; (ii) identify factors driving variation in THg concentrations and (iii) examine relationships with breeding success. Mean ± s.d. feather THg concentrations were 13.0 ± 8.0 µg g-1 dw, which represents a threefold increase over the past 25 years at South Georgia and is the highest recorded in the Thalassarche genus. Foraging habitat, inferred from stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), significantly influenced THg concentrations-feathers moulted in Antarctic waters had far lower THg concentrations than those moulted in subantarctic or subtropical waters. THg concentrations also increased with trophic level (δ15N), reflecting the biomagnification process. There was limited support for the influence of sex, age and previous breeding outcome on feather THg concentrations. However, in males, Hg exposure was correlated with breeding outcome-failed birds had significantly higher feather THg concentrations than successful birds. These results provide key insights into the drivers and consequences of Hg exposure in this globally important albatross population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F Mills
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rona A R McGill
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF, UK
| | - Orea R J Anderson
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Inverdee House, Baxter Street, Aberdeen AB11 9QA, UK
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Richard A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
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Sun Y, Lu Z, Xiao K, Zeng L, Wang J, Gabrielsen GW. Antarctic Adélie penguin feathers as bio-indicators of geographic and temporal variations in heavy metal concentrations in their habitats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111135. [PMID: 32866890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111135] [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: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabird feathers are effective indicators of heavy metal contamination. To propose a biological detection method suitable for the long-term monitoring of heavy metals in the Antarctic environment, eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Adélie penguin feathers from different body parts, years, and molting grounds in the Antarctic were investigated in this study. It is found that the concentrations of heavy metals in the feathers showed differences among the body part of origin. The levels of the eight elements in the abdomen and back feathers were approximately the same, but some elements of them were significantly higher than those in the tail feathers. The Hg and Cd concentrations in the abdomen and back feathers increased from root to tip, regardless of the sampling year or molting ground. Based on a structural analysis of the feathers, Hg and Cd were mainly distributed in the feather vane rather than the shaft. The methylmercury content accounted for 83%-97% of the total mercury content in all feather samples, regardless of location, year, or body part, thereby supporting the assumption that mercury entering the feather was predominantly methylated and indicating that a relatively toxic form of Hg is excreted through the feathers. The heavy metals in feathers from the same molting ground showed significant differences over the sampling years. The average concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn increased significantly from 2015 to 2019, whereas those of Cd, Hg, and Pb tended to decrease. The concentrations of the eight elements in Adélie feathers from three molting grounds varied greatly, possibly in relation to their living areas and dietary structures. Feathers from the Ross Sea site had the highest Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn concentrations, the highest As and Cr concentrations were detected in feathers from the Zhongshan site, and feathers from the Great Wall site showed higher Pb concentrations than those from the other two sites. This study established a long-term, nondestructive, and efficient method for monitoring heavy metal contamination in the polar environment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Zhibo Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Kaiyan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lingyun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Juan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Souza JS, Kasper D, da Cunha LST, Soares TA, de Lira Pessoa AR, de Carvalho GO, Costa ES, Niedzielski P, Torres JPM. Biological factors affecting total mercury and methylmercury levels in Antarctic penguins. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 261:127713. [PMID: 32738710 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Penguins in Antarctica occupy high trophic levels, thus accumulating high amounts of mercury (Hg) through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Blood reflects the current levels of contaminants circulating in the body, while feathers are known as the main route of Hg elimination in birds. Studies sampling chicks and adults can provide a comprehensive picture of bioaccumulation and local contamination. Three pygoscelid species (Pygoscelis adeliae, Pygoscelis antarcticus and Pygoscelis papua) have circumpolar distributions being the ideal sentinels of Antarctic environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess Hg contamination of the pristine Antarctic region using non-destructive penguin samples. Fieldwork was carried out during the austral summer of 2013/2014 in the South Shetland Islands, off the north-west Antarctic Peninsula. Concentrations of total Hg (ng.g-1 dw) in blood ranged from 39 to 182 in chicks and 45 to 581 in adults, while concentrations in feathers ranged from 73 to 598 in chicks and 156 to 1648 in adults. Most Hg in feathers (about 70%) is accumulated in the form of methylmercury. Differences were demonstrated in mercury bioaccumulation were related to species and age, but not to sex. To our knowledge this is the first study to report MeHg levels in both juvenile and adult pygoscelid penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Silva Souza
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Daniele Kasper
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Larissa Schmauder Teixeira da Cunha
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tuany Alves Soares
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Rodrigues de Lira Pessoa
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Oliveira de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erli Schneider Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, Unidade Universitária Hortênsias, Rua Assis Brasil 842, 95400-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Przemysław Niedzielski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bestley S, Ropert-Coudert Y, Bengtson Nash S, Brooks CM, Cotté C, Dewar M, Friedlaender AS, Jackson JA, Labrousse S, Lowther AD, McMahon CR, Phillips RA, Pistorius P, Puskic PS, Reis AODA, Reisinger RR, Santos M, Tarszisz E, Tixier P, Trathan PN, Wege M, Wienecke B. Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean: Birds and Marine Mammals in a Changing Climate. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.566936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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31
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Santos CSA, Sotillo A, Gupta T, Delgado S, Müller W, Stienen EWM, de Neve L, Lens L, Soares AMVM, Monteiro MS, Loureiro S. Mercury Uptake Affects the Development of Larus fuscus Chicks. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:2008-2017. [PMID: 32678941 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Current emission and mobilization rates of mercury (Hg) in the environment pose extensive threats to both wildlife and human health. Assessing the exposure risk and effects of Hg contamination in model species such as seabirds is essential to understand Hg risks at the population and ecosystem levels. The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), a generalist seabird species, is an excellent model species because it forages in both marine and terrestrial habitats, which in turn differ in their Hg exposure risk. To identify possible deleterious effects of Hg exposure on developing L. fuscus chicks, a dietary experiment was carried out and chicks were provided a marine, terrestrial, or mixed diet. The effects of embryonic and dietary Hg exposure on chick body condition and physiological state were assessed at different developmental stages until fledging age (30 d). Overall physiological condition was lower in chicks fed a predominantly marine diet, which coincided with higher Hg loads in blood and primary feathers. However, no effect of dietary uptake of Hg was observed on body condition or in terms of genotoxic damage. Body condition and genotoxic damage correlated instead with Hg exposure during embryonic development, which seems to indicate that embryonic exposure to Hg may result in carry-over effects on later chick development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2008-2017. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia S A Santos
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alejandro Sotillo
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Trisha Gupta
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sergio Delgado
- Department of Ornithology, Aranzadi Sciences Society, Donostia, Spain
| | - Wendt Müller
- Behavioral Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Liesbeth de Neve
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Lens
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marta S Monteiro
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana Loureiro
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
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Kalvakaalva R, Clucas G, Herman RW, Polito MJ. Late Holocene variation in the Hard prey remains and stable isotope values of penguin and seal tissues from the Danger Islands, Antarctica. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02728-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Pilcher N, Gaw S, Eisert R, Horton TW, Gormley AM, Cole TL, Lyver PO. Latitudinal, sex and inter-specific differences in mercury and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie and Emperor penguins in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 154:111047. [PMID: 32319892 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine mercury (Hg) and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) breast feathers from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and relate those concentrations to the trophic position and the habitats in which each of these species forage. Adélie penguin feathers from the southern Ross Sea colonies were higher in Hg than those sampled further north in the Ross Sea, potentially due to greater exposure to local sources, such as volcanism. Female Adélie penguins had lower feather total Hg concentrations than males. This may reflect female penguin's capacity to eliminate Hg through the egg development and laying process, or the larger and/or older prey items that male birds can consume, reflected by their higher trophic position. Emperor penguins have higher Hg concentrations than Adélie penguins which is also partially explained by Adélie penguins feeding at lower trophic levels than emperor penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Pilcher
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Regina Eisert
- Gateway Antarctica, Department of Geography, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Travis W Horton
- Department of Geology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Andrew M Gormley
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
| | - Theresa L Cole
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Phil O'B Lyver
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand.
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Chételat J, Ackerman JT, Eagles-Smith CA, Hebert CE. Methylmercury exposure in wildlife: A review of the ecological and physiological processes affecting contaminant concentrations and their interpretation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135117. [PMID: 31831233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) can result in detrimental health effects in wildlife. With advances in ecological indicators and analytical techniques for measurement of MeHg in a variety of tissues, numerous processes have been identified that can influence MeHg concentrations in wildlife. This review presents a synthesis of theoretical principals and applied information for measuring MeHg exposure and interpreting MeHg concentrations in wildlife. Mercury concentrations in wildlife are the net result of ecological processes influencing dietary exposure combined with physiological processes that regulate assimilation, transformation, and elimination. Therefore, consideration of both physiological and ecological processes should be integrated when formulating biomonitoring strategies. Ecological indicators, particularly stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, compound-specific stable isotopes, and fatty acids, can be effective tools to evaluate dietary MeHg exposure. Animal species differ in their physiological capacity for MeHg elimination, and animal tissues can be inert or physiologically active, act as sites of storage, transformation, or excretion of MeHg, and vary in the timing of MeHg exposure they represent. Biological influences such as age, sex, maternal transfer, and growth or fasting are also relevant for interpretation of tissue MeHg concentrations. Wildlife tissues that represent current or near-term bioaccumulation and in which MeHg is the predominant mercury species (such as blood and eggs) are most effective for biomonitoring ecosystems and understanding landscape drivers of MeHg exposure. Further research is suggested to critically evaluate the use of keratinized external tissues to measure MeHg bioaccumulation, particularly for less-well studied wildlife such as reptiles and terrestrial mammals. Suggested methods are provided to effectively use wildlife for quantifying patterns and drivers of MeHg bioaccumulation over time and space, as well as for assessing the potential risk and toxicological effects of MeHg on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Craig E Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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Carravieri A, Bustamante P, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Chastel O, Cherel Y. Trace elements and persistent organic pollutants in chicks of 13 seabird species from Antarctica to the subtropics. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105225. [PMID: 31711015 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds from remote regions are mainly exposed to environmental contaminants from non-point contamination of their food webs. Pre-fledging seabird chicks are fed by their parents with marine prey captured in the vicinity of breeding colonies. Contaminant concentrations in tissues of pre-fledging chicks can thus be mostly related to local dietary sources, and have the potential to unravel spatial patterns of environmental contamination in marine ecosystems. Here, mercury (Hg), 13 other trace elements, and 18 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were quantified in blood of chicks across four breeding locations that encompass a large latitudinal range in the southern Indian Ocean (from Antarctica, through subantarctic areas, to the subtropics), over a single breeding season. Thirteen species of penguins, albatrosses and petrels were studied, including endangered and near-threatened species, such as Amsterdam albatrosses and emperor penguins. Blood Hg burdens varied widely between species, with a factor of ~50 between the lowest and highest concentrations (mean ± SD, 0.05 ± 0.01 and 2.66 ± 0.81 µg g-1 dry weight, in thin-billed prions and Amsterdam albatrosses, respectively). Species relying on Antarctic waters for feeding had low Hg exposure. Concentrations of POPs were low in chicks, with the exception of hexachlorobenzene. Contaminant concentrations were mainly explained by species differences, but feeding habitat (inferred from δ13C values) and chicks' body mass also contributed to explain variation. Collectively, our findings call for further toxicological investigations in Amsterdam albatrosses and small petrel species, because they were exposed to high and diverse sources of contaminants, and in macaroni penguins, which specifically showed very high selenium concentrations. CAPSULE: Seabird chicks from four distant sites in the southern Indian Ocean had contrasted blood metallic and organic contaminant patterns depending on species, feeding habitat and body mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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Sontag PT, Steinberg DK, Reinfelder JR. Patterns of total mercury and methylmercury bioaccumulation in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) along the West Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 688:174-183. [PMID: 31229815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examined mercury (Hg) accumulation in juvenile and adult subpopulations of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) collected west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Samples were collected along a northern cross-shelf transect beginning near Anvers Island and farther south near the sea ice edge in the austral summers of 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Regardless of geographical position, mean concentrations of total Hg and methylmercury (MeHg), the form of Hg that biomagnifies in marine food webs, were significantly higher in juvenile than adult krill in all years. In 2013, juvenile Antarctic krill collected along the coast near Anvers Island had significantly higher MeHg concentrations than krill collected farther offshore, and in 2013 and 2014, coastal juvenile krill exhibited some of the highest MeHg concentrations of all subpopulations sampled. Across all sampling years, collection in northern (sea ice-free) or southern (sea ice edge) transects did not affect MeHg concentrations of juvenile or adult krill, suggesting similar levels and routes of MeHg exposure across the latitudes sampled. Developmental stage, feeding near the coast, and annual variations in sea ice-driven primary and export production were identified as potentially important factors leading to greater MeHg accumulation in juvenile than adult krill. Krill-dependent predators feeding primarily on juveniles may thus accumulate more MeHg than consumers foraging on older krill. These results report MeHg concentrations in Antarctic krill and will be useful for predicting Hg biomagnification in higher-level consumers in this productive Antarctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Sontag
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Deborah K Steinberg
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA.
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Gilmour ME, Holmes ND, Fleishman AB, Kriwoken LK. Temporal and interspecific variation in feather mercury in four penguin species from Macquarie Island, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:282-289. [PMID: 31232305 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.051] [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: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We measured mercury (Hg) concentrations in feathers from four penguin species collected on Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean, to 1) establish baseline Hg concentrations; and 2) compare Hg from samples collected in 2002 ("modern") and from museum specimens collected between 1937 and 1976 ("historic"). Inter-specific differences in feather Hg reflected known differences in habitats and diversity of diets: benthic-foraging Gentoo penguins and Rockhopper penguins that foraged both inshore and offshore had significantly higher feather mercury than the more pelagic, specialist foraging King and Royal penguins. Hg significantly decreased between historic and modern samples in King and Royal penguins. This decrease could be due to changes in either diet, foodwebs, or atmospheric Hg input and sources in the Southern Hemisphere. Because Macquarie Island is home to 2.8 million marine animals, these data may indicate that other species that forage and breed in this region are also exposed to low Hg concentrations in this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Gilmour
- Ocean Sciences Dept., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz 95060, CA, USA.
| | - N D Holmes
- School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia 7001; Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz 95060, CA, USA
| | - A B Fleishman
- Conservation Metrics, Inc., 145 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz 95060, CA, USA
| | - L K Kriwoken
- School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia 7001
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Álvarez-Varas R, Morales-Moraga D, González-Acuña D, Klarian SA, Vianna JA. Mercury Exposure in Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti) and Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) Penguins Throughout the Chilean Coast and Antarctica. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:75-86. [PMID: 29725722 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Penguins are reliable sentinels for environmental assessments of mercury (Hg) due to their longevity, abundance, high trophic level, and relatively small foraging areas. We analyzed Hg concentrations from blood and feathers of adult Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) and feathers of chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) from different reproductive colonies with variable degrees of urbanization and industrialization along the Chilean and Antarctic coasts. We evaluated Hg concentration differences between species, sexes (Humboldt penguins), and localities. Our results showed significantly greater levels in Humboldt penguins than in chinstrap penguins and nonsignificant differences between sexes among Humboldts. Penguin Hg concentrations showed a latitudinal pattern, with greater values of the metal at lower latitudes, independent of the species. Both studied penguin species showed elevated Hg concentrations compared to their congeners, highlighting the necessity to investigate potential negative effects on their populations. Although differences between species are possibly due to variation in diet and trophic level, our results suggest an important effect of the degree of Hg pollution adjacent to foraging areas. Further research on Hg content in prey species and environmental samples, together with a larger overall sample size, and investigation on penguin's diet and trophic level are needed to elucidate Hg bioavailability in each location and the role of local Hg pollution levels. Likewise, it is important to monitor Hg and other heavy metals of ecotoxicological importance in penguin populations in vulnerable regions of Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Álvarez-Varas
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad Molecular, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Morales-Moraga
- Centro de Cambio Global, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - Sebastián A Klarian
- Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. Quillota #980, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. Republica 440, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Análisis Isotópico, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. Quillota #980, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Juliana A Vianna
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad Molecular, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile.
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Moura JF, Tavares DC, Lemos LS, Silveira VVB, Siciliano S, Hauser-Davis RA. Variation in mercury concentration in juvenile Magellanic penguins during their migration path along the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:397-403. [PMID: 29587210 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.021] [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: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The vulnerability of seabirds related to their migratory dynamics is frequently linked to environmental problems along the migration path. In this context, Magellanic penguins (Sphenicus magellanicus) seem to be vulnerable to an extensive range of environmental disturbances during their northward migration along the Atlantic waters of South America, which include by catch, marine debris ingestion, overfishing and environmental contamination. In this study, we investigate mercury accumulation in muscle and hepatic tissues of juveniles penguins collected along the Brazilian coast during three migratory seasonal years (2006, 2008 and 2012) and three areas along a latitudinal gradient. We found significant differences in Hg levels across the years, with higher hepatic Hg levels found in tissues of penguins sampled in 2008. The higher Hg levels in samples of penguins from 2008 might be attributed to variations in body condition or Hg uptake, associated with the trophic imbalance linked to an extreme El Niño event during that year. Significant differences in Hg accumulation across the latitudinal areas were also observed. The penguins sampled at the farthest area from the breeding ground presented the higher levels of Hg and also the poorest body condition. Body condition and other traits may influence the levels of chemical pollutants and decrease the migratory success rate in the juvenile age phase, compromising population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jailson F Moura
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research - ZMT, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Davi C Tavares
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research - ZMT, Bremen, Germany
| | - Leila S Lemos
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel A Hauser-Davis
- Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Carravieri A, Fort J, Tarroux A, Cherel Y, Love OP, Prieur S, Brault-Favrou M, Bustamante P, Descamps S. Mercury exposure and short-term consequences on physiology and reproduction in Antarctic petrels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:824-831. [PMID: 29146204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive contaminant reaching Antarctic environments through atmospheric transport and deposition. Seabirds as meso to top predators can accumulate high quantities of Hg through diet. Reproduction is one of the most sensitive endpoints of Hg toxicity in marine birds. Yet, few studies have explored Hg exposure and effects in Antarctic seabirds, where increasing environmental perturbations challenge animal populations. This study focuses on the Antarctic petrel Thalassoica antarctica from Svarthamaren, Antarctica, where the world's largest breeding population is thought to be in decline. Hg and the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C, proxy of feeding habitat) and nitrogen (δ15N, trophic position/diet) were measured in red blood cells from 266 individuals over two breeding years (2012-13, 2013-14). Our aims were to 1) quantify the influence of individual traits (size and sex) and feeding ecology (foraging location, δ13C and δ15N values) on Hg exposure, and 2) test the relationship between Hg concentrations with body condition and breeding output (hatching success and chick survival). Hg concentrations in Antarctic petrels (mean ± SD, 0.84 ± 0.25, min-max, 0.42-2.71 μg g-1 dw) were relatively low when compared to other Antarctic seabirds. Hg concentrations increased significantly with δ15N values, indicating that individuals with a higher trophic level (i.e. feeding more on fish) had higher Hg exposure. By contrast, Hg exposure was not driven by feeding habitat (inferred from both foraging location and δ13C values), suggesting that Hg transfer to predators in Antarctic waters is relatively homogeneous over a large geographical scale. Hg concentrations were not related to body condition, hatching date and short-term breeding output. At present, Hg exposure is likely not of concern for this population. Nevertheless, further studies on other fitness parameters and long-term breeding output are warranted because Hg can have long-term population-level effects without consequences on current breeding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Arnaud Tarroux
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Solène Prieur
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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Cherel Y, Parenteau C, Bustamante P, Bost C. Stable isotopes document the winter foraging ecology of king penguins and highlight connectivity between subantarctic and Antarctic ecosystems. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:2752-2765. [PMID: 29531692 PMCID: PMC5838085 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The poorly known winter foraging ecology of the king penguin, a major Southern Ocean consumer, was investigated at the subantarctic Crozet Islands where the largest global population breeds. Blood δ13C and δ15N values were used as proxies of the birds' foraging habitat and diet, respectively, and circulating prolactin levels helped in determining the birds' reproductive status. Plasma prolactin concentrations showed that king penguin adults of unknown breeding status (n = 52) that were present at the colony in winter were in fact breeders and failed breeders, but were not non -breeders. Circulating prolactin was neither related to δ13C nor δ15N values, thus suggesting that both breeders and failed breeders used the same foraging habitats and fed on the same prey. Plasma and blood cell isotopic values depicted four new relevant biological features on the feeding strategies of king penguins during the critical winter period: (1) 42% of the birds foraged in the distant Antarctic Zone, but 58% fed primarily in subantarctic waters (δ13C), (2) they preyed upon myctophids in both zones (δ15N), (3) individuals were consistent in their foraging strategies over the winter months (δ13C and δ15N), and (4) a higher proportion of females (77%-80%) than males (27%-31%) favored feeding in distant Antarctic waters (δ13C). This study highlights trophic connectivity between subantarctic and Antarctic ecosystems and hence the key role of energy export from Antarctic waters to sustain breeding populations of subantarctic predators, including during the Austral winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC)UMR 7372 du CNRS‐Université de La RochelleVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC)UMR 7372 du CNRS‐Université de La RochelleVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs)UMR 7266 du CNRS‐Université de la RochelleLa RochelleFrance
| | - Charles‐André Bost
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC)UMR 7372 du CNRS‐Université de La RochelleVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
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Eagles-Smith CA, Silbergeld EK, Basu N, Bustamante P, Diaz-Barriga F, Hopkins WA, Kidd KA, Nyland JF. Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change. AMBIO 2018; 47:170-197. [PMID: 29388128 PMCID: PMC5794686 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is an urgent global health threat. The complexity of Hg in the environment can hinder accurate determination of ecological and human health risks, particularly within the context of the rapid global changes that are altering many ecological processes, socioeconomic patterns, and other factors like infectious disease incidence, which can affect Hg exposures and health outcomes. However, the success of global Hg-reduction efforts depends on accurate assessments of their effectiveness in reducing health risks. In this paper, we examine the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment. We do so within three key domains of ecological and human health risk. First, we examine how extrinsic global change drivers influence pathways of Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification through food webs. Next, we describe how extrinsic socioeconomic drivers at a global scale, and intrinsic individual-level drivers, influence human Hg exposure. Finally, we address how the adverse health effects of Hg in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change. Incorporating components of these three domains into research and monitoring will facilitate a more holistic understanding of how ecological and societal drivers interact to influence Hg health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen K. Silbergeld
- Johns Hopkin Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E6644, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204-CINE Building, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Paco Bustamante
- University of La Rochelle, laboratory of Littoral Environment and Societies, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), LIENSs UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Center for Applied Research in Environment and Health at, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Avenida Venustiano Carranza No. 2405, Col Lomas los Filtros Código Postal, 78214 San Luis Potosí, SLP Mexico
| | - William A. Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 310 West Campus Drive Virginia Tech, Cheatham Hall, Room 106 (MC 0321), Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Karen A. Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Nyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801 USA
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