1
|
Szapu JS, Cserkész T, Pirger Z, Kiss C, Lanszki J. Exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii) and European polecat (Mustela putorius) in central Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174282. [PMID: 38960164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174282] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Poisoning caused by coumarin-type anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) stands as the predominant method for controlling rodents globally. ARs, through secondary poisoning, pose a significant threat to predators due to their lethal and sublethal effects. We examined the concentration of accumulated ARs in liver samples of mostly road-killed steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii) and European polecats (M. putorius) collected throughout Hungary between 2005 and 2021. The steppe polecat samples were found mainly from Eastern Hungary, while European polecats from Western Hungary. We measured the concentration of six residues by HPLC-FLD. Our analysis revealed the presence of one first-generation and four second-generation ARs in 53% of the steppe polecat (36) and 39% of the European polecat (26) samples. In 17 samples we detected the presence of at least two AR compounds. Although we did not find significant variance in AR accumulation between the two species, steppe polecats displayed greater prevalence and maximum concentration of ARs, whereas European polecat samples exhibited a more diverse accumulation of these compounds. Brodifacoum and bromadiolone were the most prevalent ARs; the highest concentrations were 0.57 mg/kg and 0.33 mg/kg, respectively. The accumulation of ARs was positively correlated with human population density and negatively correlated with the extent of the more natural habitats in both species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in steppe polecats globally, and for European polecats in Central European region. Although the extent of AR accumulation in European polecat in Hungary appears comparatively lower than in many other European countries, the issue of secondary poisoning remains a serious problem as these ARs intrude into food webs. Reduced and more prudent usage of pesticides would provide several benefits for wildlife, included humans. However, we advocate a prioritization of ecosystem services through the complete prohibition of the toxicants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Szulamit Szapu
- Doctoral School of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Cserkész
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross utca 13, 1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kunó utca 3, 8237 Tihany, Hungary; National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kunó utca 3, 8237 Tihany, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Kiss
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eszterházy tér 1, 3300 Eger, Hungary.
| | - József Lanszki
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kunó utca 3, 8237 Tihany, Hungary; Institute of Animal Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guba Sándor út 40, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
George S, Sharp E, Campbell S, Giela A, Senior C, Melton LM, Vyas D, Mocogni L, Galloway M. Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in common buzzards: Impact of new rules for rodenticide use. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173832. [PMID: 38879042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Rodenticides are a key component of rodent management strategies, but birds of prey are susceptible to non-target exposure. New rules on sale and use of rodenticide products were introduced across the UK in 2016 in an industry-led stewardship scheme, with the aim of reducing this risk. To determine if this intervention has achieved its aim, exposure to second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) was measured in buzzards. Liver samples from 790 buzzards collected between 2005 and 2022 (excluding 2016 and 2017 samples) were analyzed and the percentage presence and concentrations of SGARs from pre-stewardship and post-stewardship samples were compared. There was no statistically significant decrease in the percentage of buzzards exposed to bromadiolone, difenacoum or combined SGAR residues after the introduction of stewardship. The percentage of buzzards exposed to brodifacoum increased significantly post-stewardship, from 8 % to 27 %. There were no significant decreases in the concentrations of individual SGARs post-stewardship but concentration of combined SGARs increased significantly post-stewardship. Individual buzzards were significantly more likely to be exposed to multiple SGARs post-stewardship. Rodenticide poisoning was recorded as the cause of death for 5 % of pre- and post-stewardship buzzards with detectable levels of SGARs, and 90 % of these had combined SGAR residues >0.1 mg/kg. These findings suggest that the industry-led stewardship scheme has not yet had the intended impact of reducing SGAR exposure in non-target wildlife. The study highlights a substantial increase in exposure of buzzards to brodifacoum and to multiple SGARs post-stewardship, indicating that further changes to the stewardship scheme may be necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila George
- Wildlife Management Unit, Diagnostics, Wildlife Management and Molecular Biology, SASA, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - E Sharp
- Chemistry Dept, SASA, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Campbell
- Wildlife Management Unit, Diagnostics, Wildlife Management and Molecular Biology, SASA, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Giela
- Chemistry Dept, SASA, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Senior
- Chemistry Dept, SASA, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - D Vyas
- Chemistry Dept, SASA, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spadetto L, Gómez-Ramírez P, Zamora-Marín JM, León-Ortega M, Díaz-García S, Tecles F, Fenoll J, Cava J, Calvo JF, García-Fernández AJ. Active monitoring of long-eared owl (Asio otus) nestlings reveals widespread exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides across different agricultural landscapes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170492. [PMID: 38307270 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170492] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) poses a worldwide threat to farmland wildlife. These compounds accumulate in tissues of both target and non-target species, potentially endangering both direct consumers and their predators. However, investigations on ARs in blood of free-ranging predatory birds are rare. Here, the long-eared owl (Asio otus) has been used as a model predator to assess AR exposure in different agricultural landscapes from a Mediterranean semiarid region. A total of 69 owlets from 38 nests were blood-sampled over 2021 and 2022, aiming to detect AR residues and explore factors that determine their exposure, such as land uses. In addition, prothrombin time (PT) test was conducted to assess potential effects of AR contamination. Overall, nearly all the samples (98.6 %) tested positive for at least one compound and multiple ARs were found in most of the individuals (82.6 %). Among the ARs detected, flocoumafen was the most common compound (88.4 % of the samples). AR total concentration (ΣARs) in blood ranged from 0.06 to 34.18 ng mL-1, detecting the highest levels in the most intensively cultivated area. The analysis of owl pellets from 19 breeding territories showed relevant among-site differences in the contribution of rodents and birds into the diet of long-eared owls, supporting its high dietary plasticity and indicating AR presence at multiple trophic levels. Moreover, a positive and significant correlation was found between ΣARs and PT (Rho = 0.547, p < 0.001), which demonstrates the direct effect of ARs on free-living nestlings. Our results provide a preliminary overview of AR exposure in a little-studied owl species inhabiting agricultural and rural landscapes. Despite the low detected levels, these findings indicate widespread exposure -often to multiple compounds- from early life stages, which raises concern and draws attention to an ongoing and unresolved contamination issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Spadetto
- Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Zamora-Marín
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain; Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Mario León-Ortega
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Sarah Díaz-García
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Tecles
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Fenoll
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, IMIDA, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Cava
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, IMIDA, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Francisco Calvo
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fourel I, Roque F, Orabi P, Augiron S, Couzi FX, Puech MP, Chetot T, Lattard V. Stereoselective bioaccumulation of chiral anticoagulant rodenticides in the liver of predatory and scavenging raptors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170545. [PMID: 38296081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170545] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are persistent chiral pesticides used to control rodent populations. Raptors are protected species and may be exposed through the ingestion of rodents contaminated with SGARs. Commercial formulations of SGARs are a mixture of four stereoisomers (E1, E2, E3, E4): the cis- and trans-diastereoisomers are each a racemic mixture of two enantiomers. In this study, the residue levels of all SGARs (bromadiolone, difenacoum, brodifacoum, difethialone, flocoumafen) were evaluated in the liver of 529 raptor carcasses. All species (n = 18) and 75 % of individuals (n = 396) were SGAR positive and 29 % (n = 154) had summed hepatic concentrations above 100 ng/g ww. Concentrations were higher for predators with facultative scavenging behaviors than for predators and obligate scavengers. Bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum had equivalent hepatic prevalence (between 48.9 and 49.9 %), and difethialone was detected less frequently (31.7 %). Concentrations and enantiomeric fractions of the four stereoisomers of all SGARs are described in to demonstrate the biological enantioselectivity of these chiral pesticides in the food chain. A difference was observed between the proportions of SGARs diastereoisomers and stereoisomers in the liver of all raptor species and in commercial baits. The enantioselective bioaccumulation of E1-trans-bromadiolone, E3-cis-brodifacoum, E1-cis-difenacoum and E3-cis-difethialone was characterized and represented 96.8 % of total SGARs hepatic residues. While hepatic concentrations were heterogeneous, the proportions of stereoisomers and diastereoisomers were homogeneous with no inter-individual or inter-species differences (only E1-trans-bromadiolone is present in hepatic residues). However, proportions of brodifacoum stereoisomers and diastereoisomers were more scattered, probably due to their slower elimination. This could provide an opportunity to date the exposure of individuals to brodifacoum. We highlight the need to consider each SGAR as four molecular entities (four stereoisomers) rather than one. These findings suggest new commercial formulations with the less persistent stereoisomers could reduce secondary exposure of non-target species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Florence Roque
- CNITV, VetAgro Sup, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Pascal Orabi
- French Bird Protection League (LPO France), France
| | - Steve Augiron
- SEOR, 13 ruelle des Orchidées, 97440 Saint-André, La Réunion, France
| | | | | | - Thomas Chetot
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martín-Cruz B, Cecchetti M, Simbaña-Rivera K, Rial-Berriel C, Acosta-Dacal A, Zumbado-Peña M, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Gallo-Barneto R, Cabrera-Pérez MÁ, Melián-Melián A, Suárez-Pérez A, Luzardo OP. Potential exposure of native wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): Evidence from residue analysis of the invasive California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168761. [PMID: 37996022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168761] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), particularly second-generation compounds (SGARs), are extensively used in pest management, impacting non-target wildlife. The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), an invasive species in Gran Canaria, is under a control plan involving capture and euthanasia. This research aimed to detect 10 different ARs in these snakes, explore geographical and biometrical factors influencing AR exposure, and assess their potential as sentinel species for raptors, sharing similar foraging habits. Liver samples from 360 snakes, euthanized between 2021 and 2022, were analysed for ARs using LC-MS/MS. Results showed all detected rodenticides were SGARs, except for one instance of diphacinone. Remarkably, 90 % of the snakes tested positive for ARs, with over half exposed to multiple compounds. Brodifacoum was predominant, found in over 90 % of AR-positive snakes, while bromadiolone and difenacoum were also frequently detected but at lower levels. The study revealed that larger snakes and those in certain geographic areas had higher AR concentrations. Snakes in less central or more peripheral areas showed lower levels of these compounds. This suggests a correlation between the snakes' size and distribution with the concentration of ARs in their bodies. The findings indicate that the types and prevalence of ARs in California kingsnakes on Gran Canaria mirror those in the island's raptors. This similarity suggests that the kingsnake could serve as a potential sentinel species for monitoring ARs in the ecosystem. However, further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness in this role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martín-Cruz
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Martina Cecchetti
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter. Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Simbaña-Rivera
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado-Peña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Ramón Gallo-Barneto
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Cabrera-Pérez
- General Directorate to Combat Climate Change and the Environment, Biodiversity Service, Canary Islands Government, Plaza de los Derechos Humanos, 22, 35071 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ayose Melián-Melián
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alejandro Suárez-Pérez
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrera A, Navas I, María-Mojica P, García-Fernández AJ. Greater predisposition to second generation anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) weakened by suspected infectious disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167780. [PMID: 37865245 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167780] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure in wild carnivores is a current and global concern due to continuous and widespread use worldwide. We studied the prevalence of ARs in liver samples of 25 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 3 European badgers (Meles meles) and 2 genets (Genneta genneta) from Alicante (Spanish Levante region) obtained in 2021 and 2022. In addition to trauma, poisoning by pesticides is the most frequent cause of death in wild carnivores in this region. The present research aims to explain a possible association between the fact of suffering from an infectious disease and the increase in ARs concentrations in the affected animals. Both first- and second-generation ARs were analysed by HPLC/MS/TOF in liver samples. Apart from the cause of death, the influence of other variables such as age, sex and body weight were also assessed on AR liver concentrations. Potential health risks for individuals and populations in the study area have also been studied. Our research detected higher AR concentrations in the group of red foxes clinically diagnosed with infectious disease compared to the group of apparently healthy red foxes, mostly killed by trauma. Furthermore, our results lead us to suggest that red fox could be considered a good sentinel species for the risk of exposure to ARs in other wild mammals. All the livers analysed contained ARs and the most detected compounds in red fox were difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, present in all the samples analysed, and flocoumafen (in 96 %). Additionally, 53 % of the animals had at least one second generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) above the threshold value reported as triggering adverse health effects (200 ng/g). Regarding this, the level of risk in red fox in this area might be classified as high and worrying. Moreover, we suggest that individuals and populations with weakened health due to other diseases (for example, infectious or parasitic diseases) might be more prone to high exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides and, very probably, would be more sensitive to suffering serious effects at lower doses of ARs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Carrera
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud El Palmar, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Santa Faz (Alicante), VAERSA-Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Servicio de Toxicología y Veterinaria Forense, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud El Palmar, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Regnery J, Rohner S, Bachtin J, Möhlenkamp C, Zinke O, Jacob S, Wohlsein P, Siebert U, Reifferscheid G, Friesen A. First evidence of widespread anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Germany. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167938. [PMID: 37866608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) has been extensively documented for species directly or indirectly linked to pest rodents via the terrestrial food web. Recently, the scientific focus extended to a former blind spot, namely AR emissions to the aquatic environment, and provided clear evidence of AR residues in freshwater fish. As second-generation ARs are likely to be transferred along the aquatic food chain, a total of 122 Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) individuals found dead in Germany between 2005 and 2021 were investigated to shed more light on resultant environmental risks. Target analytes comprised one pharmaceutical and eight biocidal anticoagulants, as well as one suspected bait impurity. Notably, all target compounds were detected in the analyzed livers of otters, a primarily piscivorous top predator and indicator species for the aquatic environment, strictly protected by conservation laws. In regions with pronounced rodent control measures, otters were frequently exposed to biocidal ARs. The elevated AR levels measured in multiple otters, compared to freshwater fish, hinted at biomagnification of second-generation ARs within the aquatic food web. The results indicated that risk mitigation measures implemented in Germany within the biocidal product authorization may not be sufficient to protect aquatic non-target wildlife from AR exposure, challenging the effectiveness of current regulatory measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Regnery
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Simon Rohner
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Julia Bachtin
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Christel Möhlenkamp
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Olaf Zinke
- Museum of the Westlausitz Kamenz, Department of Zoology, 01917 Kamenz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jacob
- German Environment Agency, Section IV 1.2 Biocides, 06844 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Department of Pathology, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Anton Friesen
- German Environment Agency, Section IV 1.2 Biocides, 06844 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giergiel M, Campbell S, Giela A, Sharp E, Casali F, Śniegocki T, Sell B, Jedziniak P. Residues of an anthelmintic veterinary drug (closantel) detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Scotland. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114651. [PMID: 36801542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114651] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of the environment by some veterinary medicines and their impact on wild animals is of increasing concern. However, there is a lack of information about their residues in wildlife. The sentinel animals most commonly used for monitoring the level of environmental contamination are birds of prey, and information on other carnivores and scavengers scarce. This study examined the livers from 118 foxes for residues of a range of 18 veterinary medicines (16 anthelmintic agents and 2 metabolites) used on farm livestock. The samples were collected from foxes, primarily in Scotland, shot during legal pest control activities conducted between 2014 and 2019. Closantel residues were detected in 18 samples, and the concentrations found ranged from 6.5 µgkg-1 to 1383 µgkg-1. No other compounds were found in significant quantities. The results show a surprising frequency and level of closantel contamination, raising concerns about both the route of contamination and the potential impacts on wild animals and the environment, such as the potential for significant wildlife contamination to contribute to the development of closantel-resistant parasites. The results also suggest that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) could be a useful sentinel species for detecting and monitoring some veterinary medicine residues in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giergiel
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
| | - Steve Campbell
- SASA, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Giela
- The Scottish Government, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fabio Casali
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Śniegocki
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Bartosz Sell
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Piotr Jedziniak
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Broughton RK, Searle KR, Walker LA, Potter ED, Pereira MG, Carter H, Sleep D, Noble DG, Butler A, Johnson AC. Long-term trends of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) show widespread contamination of a bird-eating predator, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in Britain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120269. [PMID: 36162558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are widely used to control rodents around the world. However, contamination by SGARs is detectable in many non-target species, particularly carnivorous mammals or birds-of-prey that hunt or scavenge on poisoned rodents. The SGAR trophic transfer pathway via rodents and their predators/scavengers appears widespread, but little is known of other pathways of SGAR contamination in non-target wildlife. This is despite the detection of SGARs in predators that do not eat rodents, such as specialist bird-eating hawks. We used a Bayesian modelling framework to examine the extent and spatio-temporal trends of SGAR contamination in the livers of 259 Eurasian Sparrowhawks, a specialist bird-eating raptor, in regions of Britain during 1995-2015. SGARs, predominantly difenacoum, were detected in 81% of birds, with highest concentrations in males and adults. SGAR concentrations in birds were lowest in Scotland and higher or increasing in other regions of Britain, which had a greater arable or urban land cover where SGARs may be widely deployed for rodent control. However, there was no overall trend for Britain, and 97% of SGAR residues in Eurasian Sparrowhawks were below 100 ng/g (wet weight), which is a potential threshold for lethal effects. The results have potential implications for the population decline of Eurasian Sparrowhawks in Britain. Fundamentally, the results indicate an extensive and persistent contamination of the avian trophic transfer pathway on a national scale, where bird-eating raptors and, by extension, their prey appear to be widely exposed to SGARs. Consequently, these findings have implications for wildlife contamination worldwide, wherever these common rodenticides are deployed, as widespread exposure of non-target species can apparently occur via multiple trophic transfer pathways involving birds as well as rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Broughton
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Kate R Searle
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Lee A Walker
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Elaine D Potter
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - M Glória Pereira
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Heather Carter
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Darren Sleep
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - David G Noble
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Adam Butler
- BioSS, James Clerk Maxwell Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
| | - Andrew C Johnson
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fernandez-de-Simon J, Díaz-Ruiz F, Jareño D, Domínguez JC, Lima-Barbero JF, de Diego N, Santamaría AE, Herrero-Villar M, Camarero PR, Olea PP, García JT, Mateo R, Viñuela J. Weasel exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide bromadiolone in agrarian landscapes of southwestern Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155914. [PMID: 35569667 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155914] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) commonly used as a plant protection product (PPP) against rodent pests in agricultural lands. ARs can be transferred trophically to predators/scavengers when they consume intoxicated live or dead rodents. ARs exposure in weasels Mustela nivalis, small mustelids specialized on rodent predation, is poorly known in southern Europe. Moreover, in this species there is no information on bioaccumulation of AR diastereomers e.g., cis- and trans-bromadiolone. Trans-bromadiolone is more persistent in the rodent liver and thus, is expected to have a greater probability of trophic transfer to predators. Here, we report on bromadiolone occurrence, total concentrations and diastereomers proportions (trans- and cis-bromadiolone) in weasels from Castilla y León (north-western Spain) collected in 2010-2017, where bromadiolone was irregularly applied to control outbreaks of common voles Microtus arvalis mainly with cereal grain bait distributed by the regional government. We also tested variables possibly associated with bromadiolone occurrence and concentration, such as individual features (e.g., sex), spatio-temporal variables (e.g., year), and exposure risk (e.g., vole outbreaks). Overall bromadiolone occurrence in weasels was 22% (n = 32, arithmetic mean of concentration of bromadiolone positives = 0.072 mg/kg). An individual showed signs of bromadiolone intoxication (i.e., evidence of macroscopic hemorrhages or hyperaemia and hepatic bromadiolone concentration > 0.1 mg/kg). All the exposed weasels (n = 7) showed only trans-bromadiolone diastereomer in liver, whilst a single analyzed bait from those applied in Castilla y León contained trans- and cis-bromadiolone at 65/35%. Bromadiolone occurrence and concentration in weasels varied yearly. Occurrence was higher in 2012 (100% of weasels), when bromadiolone was widely distributed, compared to 2016-2017 (2016: 20%; 2017: 8.33%) when bromadiolone was exceptionally permitted. The highest concentrations happened in 2014 and 2017, both years with vole outbreaks. Our findings indicate that specialist rodent predators could be exposed to bromadiolone in areas and periods with bromadiolone treatments against vole outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernandez-de-Simon
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DITEG Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de Carlos III s/n., 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Francisco Díaz-Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Dept. Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel Jareño
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Julio C Domínguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José F Lima-Barbero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Sabiotec, Camino de Moledores s/n., 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Noelia de Diego
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ana E Santamaría
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Herrero-Villar
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús T García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Enantiomer fraction evaluation of the four stereoisomers of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in biological matrices with polysaccharide-based chiral selectors and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1676:463209. [PMID: 35717864 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous cases of wildlife exposure to five second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides have been reported worldwide, and residues of these chiral pesticides in biological matrices are still quantified by achiral liquid chromatography methods. However, they are a mixture of cis- and trans-diastereomers, thus a mixture of four stereoisomers. Their persistence must be evaluated in a differentiated way in the food chain of concerned predator species in order to reduce the environmental impact. This article presents an evaluation of the chiral selectivity of five polysaccharide-based chiral selectors for the four stereoisomers of bromadiolone, difenacoum, brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone. Different chromatographic parameters, influencing the chiral separation, such as organic modifier (acetonitrile, methanol), percentage of formic acid and water content in the mobile phase are systematically tested for all columns. It was shown that little amount of water added to the acetonitrile mobile phase may influence the retention behaviors between reversed phase and HILIC-like modes, and consequently the enantiomer elution order of the four stereoisomers. On the contrary, reversed phase is always the observed mode for the methanol water mobile phase. A suitable combination of all these parameters is presented for each second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide with a description of the enantioresolution, the enantiomer elution order and the retention times of the respective stereoisomers. A method is validated for all stereoisomers of each second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide with chicken liver and according to an official bioanalytical guideline. As an example, the enantiomer fraction is evaluated in the liver of a raptor species (rodent predator) exposed to bromadiolone and difenacoum. The results showed that only one enantiomer of trans-bromadiolone and one enantiomer of cis-difenacoum is present in hepatic residues, although all four stereoisomers are present in bromadiolone and difenacoum rodenticide baits.
Collapse
|
12
|
Shifting dietary habits linked with contrasting population trends of two sympatric mustelids (Martes foina and Mustela putorius) over 16 years. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
13
|
Pay JM, Katzner TE, Hawkins CE, Barmuta LA, Brown WE, Wiersma JM, Koch AJ, Mooney NJ, Cameron EZ. Endangered Australian top predator is frequently exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147673. [PMID: 34022576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147673] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) used to control mammalian pest populations cause secondary exposure of predatory species throughout much of the world. It is important to understand the drivers of non-target AR exposure patterns as context for assessing long-term effects and developing effective mitigation for these toxicants. In Australia, however, little is known about exposure and effects of ARs on predators. We detected AR residues in 74% of 50 opportunistically collected carcasses of the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), an endangered apex predator. In 22% of birds tested, or 31% of those exposed, liver concentrations of second generation ARs (SGARs) were >0.1 mg/kg ww. Eagles were exposed to flocoumafen, a toxicant only available from agricultural suppliers, at an exceptionally high rate (40% of birds tested). Liver SGAR concentrations were positively associated with the proportion of agricultural habitat and human population density in the area around where each eagle died. The high exposure rate in a species not known to regularly prey upon synanthropic rodents supports the hypothesis that apex predators are vulnerable to SGARs. Our results indicate that AR exposure constitutes a previously unrecognized threat to Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles and highlight the importance of efforts to address non-target AR exposure in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Todd E Katzner
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Clare E Hawkins
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - William E Brown
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jason M Wiersma
- Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Amelia J Koch
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Nick J Mooney
- Birdlife Australia Raptor Group, Birldlife Australia, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elissa Z Cameron
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, CHC, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fourel I, Couzi FX, Lattard V. Monitoring the hepatic residues of cis- and trans-diastereoisomers of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides reveals a different bioaccumulation of diastereoisomers in the food chain of the Réunion harrier (Circus maillardi). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146287. [PMID: 33752022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Réunion harrier is an endangered raptor and endemic species to the Réunion Island. Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are widely used pesticides on the island in order to control rodent populations. The latter are responsible for the transmission of leptospirosis to humans, the damage of sugarcane crops, and the decline of endemic endangered birds. SGARs are very persistent chiral pesticides and consequent secondary exposure or poisoning of the Réunion harrier has been observed (73% of prevalence in a group of 58 harriers). Commercial formulations of SGARs are a mixture of trans- and cis-diastereoisomers. Both diastereoisomers of all SGARs have been shown to inhibit coagulation function with the same potency. On the other hand, they have been shown to have a significant difference in terms of tissue-persistence. This difference has led to residue levels in rats with a significantly lower proportion of one of the isomers compared to the bait composition. In this study, residue levels of the diastereoisomers of all SGARs were evaluated in the livers of 58 harrier carcasses. The respective concentrations and proportions of cis- and trans- diastereoisomers of all SGARs are presented. cis-Brodifacoum and trans-bromadiolone had the highest concentrations (up to 438 and 573 ng/g ww respectively), while trans-brodifacoum was less than 46 ng/g and cis-bromadiolone was barely detected. cis-Difenacoum showed the highest prevalence and the highest concentration was 82 ng/g ww, while trans-difenacoum was never detected. This study demonstrated that only cis-brodifacoum and trans-bromadiolone (and cis-difethialone, but with a low prevalence) had hepatic concentrations above a toxic threshold. The cis- and trans-diastereoisomers of SGARs had differential bioaccumulation in the food chain of the Réunion harrier compared to commercial baits. This suggests that a change of the proportions of SGARs diastereoisomers in baits could reduce the risk of secondary poisoning of predators, but maintain primary toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | | | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Acosta-Dacal A, Rial-Berriel C, Díaz-Díaz R, Bernal-Suárez MDM, Zumbado M, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP. An Easy Procedure to Quantify Anticoagulant Rodenticides and Pharmaceutical Active Compounds in Soils. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9040083. [PMID: 33920262 PMCID: PMC8068861 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction was validated for the extraction of seven coumarin anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) and 36 pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) residues in soil samples using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The aim of this work was to develop a method for the monitoring of these compounds in agricultural lands as well as in forensic applications for the determination of ARs poisoning. As far as is known, this is the first time that a QuEChERS-based method is used for the extraction of ARs in soil, as well as on such a quantity of PhACs. A matrix effect study was carried out on samples of soil devoted to agriculture in the midland area of the Canary Islands (clay loam type). It was in house validated (accuracy, precision, and linearity) at seven spiked levels between 0.5 and 50 ng g−1. The limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged between 0.5 and 50.0 ng g−1 and the limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.024 to 6.25 ng g−1. The method was then successfully used for both the determination of the target analytes in the soils from the agricultural plots that had been irrigated with regenerated water, and in the soil collected from underneath wild bird carcasses (which had been the subject of forensic investigation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (C.R.-B.); (M.Z.); (L.A.H.-H.)
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (C.R.-B.); (M.Z.); (L.A.H.-H.)
| | - Ricardo Díaz-Díaz
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Technological Institute of the Canary Islands, C/Los Cactus No 68, Polígono Industrial de Arinaga, Agüimes, 35118 Las Palmas, Spain; (R.D.-D.); (M.d.M.B.-S.)
| | - María del Mar Bernal-Suárez
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Technological Institute of the Canary Islands, C/Los Cactus No 68, Polígono Industrial de Arinaga, Agüimes, 35118 Las Palmas, Spain; (R.D.-D.); (M.d.M.B.-S.)
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (C.R.-B.); (M.Z.); (L.A.H.-H.)
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (C.R.-B.); (M.Z.); (L.A.H.-H.)
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio P. Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (C.R.-B.); (M.Z.); (L.A.H.-H.)
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-928-451-424; Fax: +34-928-451-416
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rattner BA, Harvey JJ. Challenges in the interpretation of anticoagulant rodenticide residues and toxicity in predatory and scavenging birds. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:604-610. [PMID: 33052019 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are part of the near billion-dollar rodenticide industry. Numerous studies have documented the presence of ARs in nontarget wildlife, with evidence of repeated exposure to second-generation ARs. While birds are generally less sensitive to ARs than target rodent species, in some locations predatory and scavenging birds are exposed by consumption of such poisoned prey and, depending on dose and frequency of exposure, exhibit effects of intoxication that can result in death. Evidence of hemorrhage in conjunction with summed hepatic AR residues >0.1-0.2 mg kg-1 liver wet weight are often used as criteria to diagnose ARs as the likely cause of death. In this review focusing on birds of prey and scavengers, we discuss AR potency, coagulopathy, toxicokinetics and long-lasting effects of residues, and the role of nutrition and vitamin K status on toxicity, and identify some research needs. A more complete understanding of the factors affecting AR toxicity in nontarget wildlife could enable regulators and natural resource managers to better predict and even mitigate risk. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnett A Rattner
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Joel J Harvey
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, US Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Walther B, Geduhn A, Schenke D, Schlötelburg A, Jacob J. Baiting location affects anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of non-target small mammals on farms. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:611-619. [PMID: 32633096 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commensal rodents such as Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.), black rats (R. rattus L.) and house mice (Mus musculus L.) damage stored produce and infrastructure, cause hygienic problems and transmit zoonotic pathogens to humans. The management of commensal rodents relies mainly on the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). ARs are persistent and bio-accumulative, which can cause exposure of non-target species. We compared the baiting strategies to use brodifacoum (BR) in bait boxes indoors only versus in and around buildings in replicated field trials at livestock farms to assess resulting BR residues in non-target small mammals. RESULTS When bait was used indoors only, the percentage of trapped non-target small mammals with BR residues as well as BR concentration in liver tissue was about 50% lower in comparison to bait application in and around buildings. These effects occurred in murid rodents and shrews but not in voles that were generally only mildly exposed. During the baiting period, BR concentration in murids was stable but decreased by about 50% in shrews. CONCLUSION Restricting the application of BR bait to indoors only can reduce exposure of non-target species. The positive effect of this baiting strategy on non-target species needs to be balanced with the need for an effective pest rodent management within a reasonable time. More research is needed to clarify which management approaches strike this balance best.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Walther
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| | - Anke Geduhn
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| | - Detlef Schenke
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Schlötelburg
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Regnery J, Schulz RS, Parrhysius P, Bachtin J, Brinke M, Schäfer S, Reifferscheid G, Friesen A. Heavy rainfall provokes anticoagulant rodenticides' release from baited sewer systems and outdoor surfaces into receiving streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:139905. [PMID: 32563868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Prevalent findings of anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) residues in liver tissue of freshwater fish recently emphasized the existence of aquatic exposure pathways. Thus, a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant and surface water monitoring campaign was conducted at two urban catchments in Germany in 2018 and 2019 to investigate potential emission sources of ARs into the aquatic environment. Over several months, the occurrence and fate of all eight ARs authorized in the European Union as well as two pharmaceutical anticoagulants was monitored in a variety of aqueous, solid, and biological environmental matrices during and after widespread sewer baiting with AR-containing bait. As a result, sewer baiting in combined sewer systems, besides outdoor rodent control at the surface, was identified as a substantial contributor of these biocidal active ingredients in the aquatic environment. In conjunction with heavy or prolonged precipitation during bait application in combined sewer systems, a direct link between sewer baiting and AR residues in wastewater treatment plant influent, effluent, and the liver of freshwater fish was established. Moreover, study results confirmed insufficient removal of anticoagulants during conventional wastewater treatment and thus indirect exposure of aquatic organisms in receiving streams via tertiary treated effluents and combined sewer overflows. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine the ecological implications and risks for aquatic organisms as well as fish-eating predators from chronic AR exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Regnery
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Robert S Schulz
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Pia Parrhysius
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Julia Bachtin
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Marvin Brinke
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Sabine Schäfer
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Anton Friesen
- Section IV 1.2 Biocides, German Environment Agency, 06813 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Alabau E, Mentaberre G, Camarero PR, Castillo-Contreras R, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Conejero C, Fernández-Bocharán MS, López-Olvera JR, Mateo R. Accumulation of diastereomers of anticoagulant rodenticides in wild boar from suburban areas: Implications for human consumers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:139828. [PMID: 32534275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We studied the prevalence of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in liver and muscle tissues of wild boar captured in the urban area of Barcelona, the suburban area of Collserola Natural Park and the rural area of Santa Quiteria, next to Cabañeros National Park, in Spain. The objective was to assess the influence of both urbanisation and wild boar (Sus scrofa) trophic opportunism on the accumulation of these compounds. We have also evaluated the risk for human consumers of this game meat. Wild boars from Barcelona city showed the highest prevalence of ARs detection (60.8%), followed by the adjoining suburban area of Collserola N.P. (40%) and the rural distant area of Santa Quiteria (7.7%). Liver bioaccumulated ARs (45.2%) more frequently than muscle (11.9%). A significant proportion (13.7%) of wild boar captured in Barcelona city exceeded 200 ng/g of total ARs in liver, a threshold for adverse effects on blood clotting. For difenacoum, there was a predominance of cis isomer, while for brodifacoum and bromadiolone cis and trans isomers appeared in a similar proportion. According to the scarce available information on ARs toxicity in humans, the risk of acute poisoning from game meat consumption seems to be low. However, repeated exposure through liver consumption should be considered in further risk assessments because of the high concentration detected in some samples (up to 0.68 mg/kg).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alabau
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Serra Hunter Fellow, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H) and Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agraria, Universidad de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Raquel Castillo-Contreras
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carles Conejero
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María S Fernández-Bocharán
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fourel I, Benoit E, Lattard V. Enantiomeric fraction evaluation of the four stereoisomers of difethialone in biological matrices of rat by two enantioselective liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods: Chiral stationary phase or derivatization. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1618:460848. [PMID: 31932088 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The need for the control of rodent populations with anticoagulant rodenticides remains actual, and enantioselective analytical methods are mandatory to understand ecotoxicity issues of those chiral pesticides. This study presents two enantioselective methods to achieve the residue levels and differentiated persistence of the four stereoisomers of difethialone (called in this work E1-trans, E2-cis, E3-cis and E4-trans), which is one of the most toxic second generation anticoagulant rodenticide. Their enantiomeric fraction evaluation in biological matrices of rats was determined by two LC-MS/MS methods. The first one (chiral-LC-MS/MS) combined a chiral column employed in reversed-phase mode (with acetonitrile-water mobile phase) to be compatible with mass spectrometry detection. The second one was also a LC-MS/MS method but with a reversed phase column after a derivatization step with (1S)-(-)-camphanic chloride. Extraction process combined Solid-Liquid extraction and sorbent cartridges. The methods were fully validated. The chiral column was chosen as a reference method for our laboratory because it was quicker and cheaper, and enantioresolution and sensitivity were better. This chiral-LC-MS/MS method was used to measure the enantiomeric fraction of the four stereoisomers of difethialone in rodent biological matrices (liver, plasma, blood and feces) of female rats treated with 3.5 mg/kg of difethialone. The results showed that metabolism is not the same for all the stereoisomers: cis-E3-difethialone was the most persistent, and E4-trans-difethialone was the most quickly eliminated. This chiral-LC-MS/MS method will be used to study the pharmacokinetics of the four stereoisomers of difethialone, and for ecotoxicological surveillance to evaluate the specific persistence of each stereoisomer of difethialone in case of secondary exposure of wildlife non-target species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRA, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRA, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRA, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Harrington LA, Birks J, Chanin P, Tansley D. Current status of American mink
Neovison vison
in Great Britain: a review of the evidence for a population decline. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Harrington
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford Recanati‐Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Abingdon Oxford OX13 5QL UK
| | - Johnny Birks
- Swift Ecology West Malvern Worcester WR14 4BQ UK
| | | | - Darren Tansley
- Essex Wildlife Trust Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, Colchester Essex C05 7RZ UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Regnery J, Parrhysius P, Schulz RS, Möhlenkamp C, Buchmeier G, Reifferscheid G, Brinke M. Wastewater-borne exposure of limnic fish to anticoagulant rodenticides. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 167:115090. [PMID: 31553930 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) in the aquatic environment emphasizes the relevance and impact of aquatic exposure pathways during rodent control. Pest control in municipal sewer systems of urban and suburban areas is thought to be an important emission pathway for AR to reach wastewater and municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), respectively. To circumstantiate that AR will enter streams via effluent discharges and bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms despite very low predicted environmental emissions, we conducted a retrospective biological monitoring of fish tissue samples from different WWTP fish monitoring ponds exclusively fed by municipal effluents in Bavaria, Germany. At the same time, information about rodent control in associated sewer systems was collected by telephone survey to assess relationships between sewer baiting and rodenticide residues in fish. In addition, mussel and fish tissue samples from several Bavarian surface waters with different effluent impact were analyzed to evaluate the prevalence of anticoagulants in indigenous aquatic organisms. Hepatic AR residues were detected at 12 out of 25 WWTP sampling sites in the low μg/kg range, thereof six sites with one or more second-generation AR (i.e., brodifacoum, difenacoum, bromadiolone). 14 of 18 surveyed sites confirmed sewer baiting with AR and detected hepatic residues matched the reported active ingredients used for sewer baiting at six sites. Furthermore, second-generation AR were detected in more than 80% of fish liver samples from investigated Bavarian streams. Highest total hepatic AR concentrations in these fish were 9.1 and 8.5 μg/kg wet weight, respectively and were observed at two riverine sampling sites characterized by close proximity to upstream WWTP outfalls. No anticoagulant residues were found in fish liver samples from two lakes without known influences of effluent discharges. The findings of our study clearly show incomplete removal of anticoagulants during conventional wastewater treatment and confirm exposure of aquatic organisms via municipal effluents. Based on the demonstrated temporal and spatial coherence between sewer baiting and hepatic AR residues in effluent-exposed fish, sewer baiting in combined sewer systems contributes to the release of active ingredients into the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Regnery
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Pia Parrhysius
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Robert S Schulz
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Christel Möhlenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Georgia Buchmeier
- Unit Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Microbial Ecology, Bavarian Environment Agency, Demollstr. 31, 82407 Wielenbach, Germany
| | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Marvin Brinke
- Department of Biochemistry, Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
PREVALENCE OF ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES IN FECES OF WILD RED FOXES (VULPES VULPES) IN NORWAY. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-01-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
24
|
Serieys LEK, Bishop J, Okes N, Broadfield J, Winterton DJ, Poppenga RH, Viljoen S, Wayne RK, O'Riain MJ. Widespread anticoagulant poison exposure in predators in a rapidly growing South African city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:581-590. [PMID: 30807948 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used worldwide to control rodent populations. ARs bioaccumulate across trophic levels and threaten non-target wildlife. We investigated the prevalence of AR exposure in seven predator species in the rapidly developing Greater Cape Town region of South Africa - a mosaic of natural, urban, and agricultural areas within a global biodiversity hotspot. We focused sampling on caracals (Caracal caracal, n = 28) as part of a larger caracal ecology study, but also opportunistically sampled Cape Clawless otters (Aonyx capensis, n = 9), large-spotted genets (Genetta tigrina, n = 4), honey badger (Mellivora capensis, n = 1), water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus, n = 1), small gray mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta, n = 1), and Cape Eagle owl (Bubo capensis, n = 1). We tested livers from all species, and blood from ten caracals, for eight AR compounds to assess prevalence and amount of exposure for each compound. We used generalized linear models to test spatial, demographic, and seasonal risk factors for ten measures of AR exposure in caracals. We detected at least one of the four most toxic AR compounds in six species. Exposure was high for caracals (92%) and all species combined (81%). For caracals, proximity to vineyards was the most important AR exposure risk factor. Vineyards in Cape Town do not use ARs to protect their vines but do host commercial hospitality structures where ARs are used. Vineyards may thus link caracals that forage within vineyards to the rat poisons used in and around their commercial structures. Residue levels were unexpected in large-spotted genets and Cape Clawless otters, suggesting invertebrate vectors. ARs may present a cryptic threat to populations already vulnerable to increasing habitat loss, vehicle collisions, poachers and fire. Targeted mitigation should include a mix of environmentally responsible policies that reduce AR use, particularly in areas near wildlife habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Cape Leopard Trust, P.O. Box 31139, Tokai, Cape Town 7966, South Africa; Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, Campus Mail Stop, 1153 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Nicola Okes
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Joleen Broadfield
- Cape Leopard Trust, P.O. Box 31139, Tokai, Cape Town 7966, South Africa
| | - Deborah Jean Winterton
- Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 216, Steenberg 7947, South Africa
| | - Robert H Poppenga
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Storme Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kotthoff M, Rüdel H, Jürling H, Severin K, Hennecke S, Friesen A, Koschorreck J. First evidence of anticoagulant rodenticides in fish and suspended particulate matter: spatial and temporal distribution in German freshwater aquatic systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:7315-7325. [PMID: 29497938 PMCID: PMC6447514 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for decades for rodent control worldwide. Research on the exposure of the environment and accumulation of these active substances in biota has been focused on terrestrial food webs, but few data are available on the impact of ARs on aquatic systems and water organisms. To fill this gap, we analyzed liver samples of bream (Abramis brama) and co-located suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). An appropriate method was developed for the determination of eight different ARs, including first- and second-generation ARs, in fish liver and SPM. Applying this method to bream liver samples from 17 and 18 sampling locations of the years 2011 and 2015, respectively, five ARs were found at levels above limits of quantifications (LOQs, 0.2 to 2 μg kg-1). For 2015, brodifacoum was detected in 88% of the samples with a maximum concentration of 12.5 μg kg-1. Moreover, difenacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and flocoumafen were detected in some samples above LOQ. In contrast, no first generation AR was detected in the ESB samples. In SPM, only bromadiolone could be detected in 56% of the samples at levels up to 9.24 μg kg-1. A temporal trend analysis of bream liver from two sampling locations over a period of up to 23 years revealed a significant trend for brodifacoum at one of the sampling locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kotthoff
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany.
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Department Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Heinrich Jürling
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Severin
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Hennecke
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Anton Friesen
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Elmeros M, Bossi R, Christensen TK, Kjær LJ, Lassen P, Topping CJ. Exposure of non-target small mammals to anticoagulant rodenticide during chemical rodent control operations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:6133-6140. [PMID: 30617892 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-04064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) results in widespread unintentional exposure of non-target rodents and secondary poisoning of predators despite regulatory measures to manage and reduce exposure risk. To elucidate on the potential vectoring of ARs into surrounding habitats by non-target small mammals, we determined bromadiolone prevalence and concentrations in rodents and shrews near bait boxes during an experimental application of the poison for 2 weeks. Overall, bromadiolone was detected in 12.6% of all small rodents and insectivores. Less than 20 m from bait boxes, 48.6% of small mammals had detectable levels of bromadiolone. The prevalence of poisoned small mammals decreased with distance to bait boxes, but bromadiolone concentration in the rodenticide positive individuals did not. Poisoned small mammals were trapped up to 89 m from bait boxes. Bromadiolone concentrations in yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) were higher than concentrations in bank vole (Myodes glareolus), field vole (Microtus agrestis), harvest mouse (Micromys minutus), and common shrew (Sorex araneus). Our field trials documents that chemical rodent control results in widespread exposure of non-target small mammals and that AR poisoned small mammals disperse away from bating sites to become available to predators and scavengers in large areas of the landscape. The results suggest that the unintentional secondary exposure of predators and scavengers is an unavoidable consequence of chemical rodent control outside buildings and infrastructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Elmeros
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, DK-8410, Rønde, Denmark.
| | - Rossana Bossi
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Lene Jung Kjær
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, DK-8410, Rønde, Denmark
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pia Lassen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
López-Perea JJ, Camarero PR, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Mateo R. Urbanization and cattle density are determinants in the exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides of non-target wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:801-808. [PMID: 30390453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The persistence and toxicity of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in animal tissues make these compounds dangerous by biomagnification in predatory species. Here we studied the levels of SGARs in non-target species of wildlife and the environmental factors that influence such exposure. Liver samples of terrestrial vertebrates (n = 244) found dead between 2007 and 2016 in the region of Aragón (NE Spain) were analysed. The presence of SGARs was statistically analysed with binary or ordinal logistic models to study the effect of habitat characteristics including human population density, percentage of urban surface, livestock densities and surface of different types of crops. SGARs residues were detected in 83 (34%) of the animals and levels >200 ng/g were found in common raven (67%), red fox (50%), red kite (38%), Eurasian eagle-owl (25%), stone marten (23%), Eurasian buzzard (17%), northern marsh harrier (17%), and Eurasian badger (14%). The spatial analysis revealed that the presence of SGARs residues in wildlife was more associated with the use of these products as biocides in urban areas and cattle farms rather than as plant protection products in agricultural fields. This information permits to identify potential habitats where SGARs may pose a risk for predatory birds and mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhon J López-Perea
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ines S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sainsbury KA, Shore RF, Schofield H, Croose E, Pereira MG, Sleep D, Kitchener AC, Hantke G, McDonald RA. Long-term increase in secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in European polecats Mustela putorius in Great Britain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:689-698. [PMID: 29438955 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As a result of legal protection and population recovery, European polecats (Mustela putorius) in Great Britain are expanding into areas associated with greater usage of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). We analysed polecat livers collected from road casualties from 2013 to 2016 for residues of five SGARs. We related variation in residues to polecat traits and potential exposure pathways, by analysing stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in their whiskers. 54 of 68 (79%) polecats had detectable residues of at least one SGAR. Bromadiolone (71%) was the most frequently detected compound, followed by difenacoum (53%) and brodifacoum (35%). Applying historical limits of detection to allow comparison between these new data and previous assessments, we show that in the 25 years from 1992 to 2016 inclusive, the rate of detection of SGARs in polecats in Britain has increased by a factor of 1.7. The probability of SGAR detection was positively related to increasing values of δ15N, suggesting that polecats feeding at a higher trophic level were more likely to be exposed. Total concentrations of SGARs in polecats with detectable residues were higher in polecats collected in arable compared to pastoral habitats, and in the west compared to the east of Britain. The number of compounds detected and total concentrations of SGARs increased with polecat age. There was no evidence of regional or seasonal variation in the probability of detecting SGARs, suggesting that the current risk of exposure to SGARs does not vary seasonally and has increased (from that in the 1990s) throughout the polecat's range. We recommend quantification of current practices in rodenticide usage, particularly in the light of recent regulatory changes, to enable assessment and mitigation of the risks of secondary exposure to rodenticides in non-target wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Sainsbury
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Richard F Shore
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Henry Schofield
- The Vincent Wildlife Trust, 3 & 4 Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1EP, UK
| | - Elizabeth Croose
- The Vincent Wildlife Trust, 3 & 4 Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1EP, UK
| | - M Gloria Pereira
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Darren Sleep
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Andrew C Kitchener
- National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, UK; Institute of Geography, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XP, UK
| | - Georg Hantke
- National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, UK
| | - Robbie A McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fourel I, Sage M, Benoit E, Lattard V. Liver and fecal samples suggest differential exposure of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to trans- and cis-bromadiolone in areas from France treated with plant protection products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:924-929. [PMID: 29227943 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France.
| | - Mickaël Sage
- Wildlife Environment Expertise, 25 rue de la Grette, F-25000 Besancon, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Multi-residue determination of anticoagulant rodenticides in vertebrate wildlife and domestic animals using Ultra (High) Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. MethodsX 2018; 5:149-158. [PMID: 30622913 PMCID: PMC6318101 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) products are used globally to control rodent pests in domestic, urban, agricultural and industrial environments. However, there is a substantial volume of evidence that non-target vertebrate wildlife i.e. predators and scavengers in particular and other animals, are vulnerable to contamination via direct or indirect routes of exposure. The determination of multiple AR residues in liver tissue samples that can range from remnants of a small bird of prey liver to an intact liver from a large mammal is complicated as residue levels encountered can vary considerably too. So, the utilisation of ultra-sensitive systems has to be carefully considered in order to allow routine application of the method to all sample compositions presented for analysis. The UHPLC–MSMS method described now: permits quantitative analysis of ultra-low levels of multiple-residues (0.0025–1 mg kg−1) in a single experiment. uses the same U(H)PLC column for the determination of AR and multiple-pesticide residue in similar specimens. allows higher sample throughput due to shaking rather than tumbling of samples during the extraction procedure.
Collapse
|
31
|
Fourel I, Damin-Pernik M, Benoit E, Lattard V. Cis-bromadiolone diastereoisomer is not involved in bromadiolone Red Kite (Milvus milvus) poisoning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:1412-1417. [PMID: 28605859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widely used pesticides to control rodent populations. Bromadiolone, a second generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGARs), is authorized in France to control the population of water voles (Arvicola scherman). The persistence of SGARs in rodents is responsible for secondary exposure or poisoning of predators and scavengers, and is of ecological concern for the conservation of endangered species. Commercial formulations are a mixture of two diastereoisomers of bromadiolone: 70-90% is trans-bromadiolone and 10-30% is cis-bromadiolone. Both diastereoisomers have been shown to inhibit coagulation function with the same potency. On the other hand, cis-bromadiolone has been shown to be less tissue-persistent than trans-bromadiolone in rats. This difference led to residue levels in rats with substantially weakened proportion in cis-bromadiolone compared to the composition of baits. In this study, a multi-residue LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of the diastereoisomers of SGARs was used to investigate their proportions in field samples of predators. In 2011, 28 red kites (Milvus milvus) were found dead within a few months of bromadiolone application in grassland to control water vole outbreaks. In this study, we report the concentrations of the two diastereoisomers of bromadiolone measured in the livers of thirteen red kites. Exposure to bromadiolone was apparent in all the kites with hepatic concentrations of trans-bromadiolone ranging from 390 to 870ng/g (89 to 99% of summed SGARs). However, cis-bromadiolone was not detected in 5 of 13 red kites and was present at very low concentrations (below 2.2ng/g) in 8 of 13 kites, demonstrating that cis-bromadiolone is not involved in this red kite poisoning event. The results suggest that a change of the proportions of bromadiolone diastereoisomers in baits could reduce the risk of secondary poisoning of predators, but retain primary toxicity for control rodent outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | | | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|