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Matos DM, Ramos JA, Brandão ALC, Baptista F, Rodrigues I, Fernandes JO, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM, Cunha SC, Antunes S, Paiva VH. Influence of paternal factors on plastic ingestion and brominated chemical exposure in East Tropical Atlantic Procellariid chicks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173815. [PMID: 38857804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173815] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The presence of plastic debris and organo-brominated compounds in the marine environment poses a concern to wildlife. Plastic can absorb and release chemical compounds, making their ingestion potentially harmful, while chemical compounds have become omnipresent, with a tendency to bioaccumulate in the food web. Seabirds are often used as indicators of marine plastic pollution, yet studies on the exposure of tropical communities to plastic contamination are still scarce. In this study we monitored the amounts of plastics in faeces and organo-brominated compounds ingested/assimilated in feathers by adults and chicks of Cape Verde shearwaters and Bulwer's petrels from Cabo Verde. Anthropogenic pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and naturally generated methoxylated-PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) were among the probed compounds. The frequency of plastic debris ingestion was similar in both species' adults and chicks, although, the characteristics of the ingested plastic differed. Frequency and number of microplastics increased throughout the nestling season for chicks from both species. All species and age groups showed the presence of PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs. Among PBDEs, Bulwer's petrels exhibited higher concentrations than Cape Verde shearwaters, and chicks had higher concentration profiles than adults. Specifically, Bulwer's petrel chicks showed higher concentrations than Cape Verde shearwater chicks. On the contrary, Cape Verde shearwater adults exhibited higher occurrence and concentrations of MeO-PBDEs when compared to Cape Verde shearwater chicks. We found no effect of plastic loadings or loadings of organohalogen contaminants on body condition or size, although harmful effects may be hidden or reveal themselves in a medium- to long-term. Feather samples from both adults and chicks were shown to be useful for comparing intraspecific contamination levels and appear suitable for the long-term assessment of organohalogen contaminants in seabirds. Species-specific foraging and feeding strategies are likely the drivers of the observed variation in organochlorine contamination burdens among seabird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Matos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - J A Ramos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A L C Brandão
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisca Baptista
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rodrigues
- Biosfera Cabo Verde, Sul do Cemitério, Rua 5 - Caixa Postal 233, São Vicente, Cabo Verde
| | - J O Fernandes
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefan Antunes
- Biosfera Cabo Verde, Sul do Cemitério, Rua 5 - Caixa Postal 233, São Vicente, Cabo Verde
| | - V H Paiva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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Dreyer S, Marcu D, Keyser S, Bennett M, Maree L, Koeppel K, Abernethy D, Petrik L. Factors in the decline of the African penguin: Are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) a potential new age stressor? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116688. [PMID: 39029148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The African penguin is currently experiencing a significant decline, with just over 10,000 breeding pairs left. A substantial body of research reflects the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on the marine environment, with wastewater treatment plants reported as one of the main sources of CEC release. In South Africa, CECs were identified contaminating the marine environment and bioaccumulating in several marine species. Approximately 70 % of all African penguin colonies breed in close proximity to cities and/or harbors in South Africa. Currently, the impact of CECs as a stressor upon the viability of African penguin populations is unknown. Based on the search results there was a clear lack of information on CECs' bioaccumulation and impact on the African penguin. This narrative review will thus focus on the prevalent sources and types of CECs and examine the reported consequences of constant exposure in seabirds, particularly African penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dreyer
- Animal Production Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
| | - Daniel Marcu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Shannen Keyser
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Monique Bennett
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Katja Koeppel
- Animal Production Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Darrell Abernethy
- Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion SY23 3FL, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Léandri-Breton DJ, Jouanneau W, Legagneux P, Tarroux A, Moe BR, Angelier F, Blévin P, Bråthen VS, Fauchald P, Gabrielsen GW, Herzke D, Nikiforov VA, Elliott KH, Chastel O. Winter Tracking Data Suggest that Migratory Seabirds Transport Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Their Arctic Nesting Site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12909-12920. [PMID: 38991194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Seabirds are often considered sentinel species of marine ecosystems, and their blood and eggs utilized to monitor local environmental contaminations. Most seabirds breeding in the Arctic are migratory and thus are exposed to geographically distinct sources of contamination throughout the year, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Despite the abundance and high toxicity of PFAS, little is known about whether blood concentrations at breeding sites reliably reflect local contamination or exposure in distant wintering areas. We tested this by combining movement tracking data and PFAS analysis (nine compounds) from the blood of prelaying black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) nesting in Arctic Norway (Svalbard). PFAS burden before egg laying varied with the latitude of the wintering area and was negatively associated with time upon return of individuals at the Arctic nesting site. Kittiwakes (n = 64) wintering farther south carried lighter burdens of shorter-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs, C9-C12) and heavier burdens of longer chain PFCAs (C13-C14) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid compared to those wintering farther north. Thus, blood concentrations prior to egg laying still reflected the uptake during the previous wintering stage, suggesting that migratory seabirds can act as biovectors of PFAS to Arctic nesting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don-Jean Léandri-Breton
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - William Jouanneau
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromso̷, Norway
| | - Pierre Legagneux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1 V0A6, Canada
| | - Arnaud Tarroux
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromso̷, Norway
| | - Bo Rge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, 7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Vegard S Bråthen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, 7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Per Fauchald
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromso̷, Norway
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, 9296 Tromso̷, Norway
| | | | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS & La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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Xu Z, Lu Q, Jia D, Li S, Luo K, Su T, Chen Z, Qiu G. Significant biomagnification of methylmercury in songbird nestlings through a rice-based food web: Insights from stable mercury isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133783. [PMID: 38367440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133783] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
To elucidate the sources and transfer of mercury (Hg) in terrestrial food chains, particularly in heavily Hg-contaminated rice paddy ecosystems, we collected rice leaves, invertebrates, and Russet Sparrow nestlings from a clear food chain and analyzed the dietary compositions and potential Hg sources using stable Hg isotopes coupled with a Bayesian isotope mixing model (BIMM). Our findings indicated that MeHg exposure is dominant through the dietary route, with caterpillars, grasshoppers, and katydids being the main prey items, while the less provisioned spiders, dragonflies, and mantises contributed the most of the Hg to nestlings. We found minimal MIF but certain MDF in this terrestrial food chain and identified two distinct MeHg sources of dietary exposure and maternal transfer. We firstly found that the dietary route contributed substantially (almost tenfold) more MeHg to the nestlings than maternal transfer. These findings offer new insights into the integration of Hg from the dietary route and maternal transfers, enhancing our understanding of fluctuating Hg exposure risk during the nestling stage. Our study suggested that Hg isotopes combined with BIMM is an effective approach for tracing Hg sources in birds and for gaining in-depth insight into the trophic transfers and biomagnification of MeHg in food chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Qinhui Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Environment Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center of Ecological Food Innovation, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dongya Jia
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Kang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Ailaoshan Station for Subtropical Forest Ecosystem Studies, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jingdong 676200, China
| | - Tongping Su
- Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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Borgå K, McKinney MA, Routti H, Fernie KJ, Giebichenstein J, Hallanger I, Muir DCG. The influence of global climate change on accumulation and toxicity of persistent organic pollutants and chemicals of emerging concern in Arctic food webs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1544-1576. [PMID: 35179539 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00469g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current understanding of how climate change-driven physical and ecological processes influence the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and contaminants of emerging Arctic concern (CEACs) in Arctic biota and food webs. The review also highlights how climate change may interact with other stressors to impact contaminant toxicity, and the utility of modeling and newer research tools in closing knowledge gaps on climate change-contaminant interactions. Permafrost thaw is influencing the concentrations of POPs in freshwater ecosystems. Physical climate parameters, including climate oscillation indices, precipitation, water salinity, sea ice age, and sea ice quality show statistical associations with POPs concentrations in multiple Arctic biota. Northward range-shifting species can act as biovectors for POPs and CEACs into Arctic marine food webs. Shifts in trophic position can alter POPs concentrations in populations of Arctic species. Reductions in body condition are associated with increases in levels of POPs in some biota. Although collectively understudied, multiple stressors, including contaminants and climate change, may act to cumulatively impact some populations of Arctic biota. Models are useful for predicting the net result of various contrasting climate-driven processes on POP and CEAC exposures; however, for some parameters, especially food web changes, insufficient data exists with which to populate such models. In addition to the impact of global regulations on POP levels in Arctic biota, this review demonstrates that there are various direct and indirect mechanisms by which climate change can influence contaminant exposure, accumulation, and effects; therefore, it is important to attribute POP variations to the actual contributing factors to inform future regulations and policies. To do so, a broad range of habitats, species, and processes must be considered for a thorough understanding and interpretation of the consequences to the distribution, accumulation, and effects of environmental contaminants. Given the complex interactions between climate change, contaminants, and ecosystems, it is important to plan for long-term, integrated pan-Arctic monitoring of key biota and ecosystems, and to collect ancillary data, including information on climate-related parameters, local meteorology, ecology, and physiology, and when possible, behavior, when carrying out research on POPs and CEACs in biota and food webs of the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada.
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | | | | | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
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González-Rubio S, Ballesteros-Gómez A, Asimakopoulos AG, Jaspers VLB. A review on contaminants of emerging concern in European raptors (2002-2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 760:143337. [PMID: 33190891 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Raptors (birds of prey and owls) have been widely used as suitable bioindicators of environmental pollution. They occupy the highest trophic positions in their food chains and are documented to bioaccumulate high concentrations of persistent pollutants such as toxic metals and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs).Whereas raptors played a critical role in developing awareness of and policy for chemical pollution, they have thus far played a much smaller role in current research on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Given the critical knowledge obtained from monitoring 'legacy contaminants' in raptors, more information on the levels and effects of CECs on raptors is urgently needed. This study critically reviews studies on raptors from Europe reporting the occurrence of CECs with focus on the investigated species, the sampled matrices, and the bioanalytical methods applied. Based on this, we aimed to identify future needs for monitoring CECs in Europe. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), novel flame retardants (NFRs), and to a lesser extent UV-filters, neonicotinoids, chlorinated paraffins, parabens and bisphenols have been reported in European raptors. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) were the most frequently studied raptor species. Among matrices, eggs, feathers and plasma were the most widely employed, although the potential role of the preen gland as an excretory organ for CECs has recently been proposed. This review highlights the following research priorities for pollution research on raptors in Europe: 1) studies covering all the main classes of CECs; 2) research in other European regions (mainly East Europe); 3) identification of the most suitable matrices and species for the analysis of different CECs; and 4) the application of alternative sample treatment strategies (e.g. QuEChERS or pressurized liquid extraction) is still limited and conventional solvent-extraction is the preferred choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad González-Rubio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ana Ballesteros-Gómez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alexandros G Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Piña-Ortiz A, Ceyca-Contreras JP, Covantes-Rosales CE, Betancourt-Lozano M, Castillo-Guerrero JA. Temporal and sex-based variation in organochlorine pesticide levels in the blue-footed booby in two coastal colonies of Sinaloa, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112050. [PMID: 33515824 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The temporal, inter-site, and sex-based variation of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in blood plasma samples collected from blue-footed boobies of two islands in Sinaloa, Mexico, was evaluated. The effect of OCPs was evaluated with the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, micronucleated erythrocyte frequency, and scaled mass index. The OCP-group levels decreased as the breeding season progressed, and interannual (but not inter-colony) differences were detected. Intra-annual variation in OCP levels seemed to reflect run-off inputs, although other environmental processes may better explain the variation between years. Sex-based differences in OCP levels were likely related to ecological and physiological processes linked to breeding (e.g., egg-laying and use of lipid reserves). No correlations between OCP-group levels and biomarkers were detected. Small pelagic fishes are the main prey sources of blue-footed boobies and the targets of regional industrial fisheries, and thus blue-footed booby OCP levels could reflect ecosystem health and indicate potential risks for human consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Piña-Ortiz
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - Juan Pablo Ceyca-Contreras
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico; Laboratorio de Ornitología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León CP66450, Mexico.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Covantes-Rosales
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Betancourt-Lozano
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - José Alfredo Castillo-Guerrero
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de la Zona Costera, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Municipio de Cihuatlán, Jalisco CP48980, Mexico.
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González-Gómez X, Simal-Gándara J, Fidalgo Alvarez LE, López-Beceiro AM, Pérez-López M, Martínez-Carballo E. Non-invasive biomonitoring of organic pollutants using feather samples in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115672. [PMID: 33254606 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A large portion of organic pollutants (OPs) represent a potential hazard to humans and living beings due to their toxic properties. For several years, birds have been used as biomonitor species of environmental pollution. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) were assessed in body feather samples of 71 feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) collected from Asturias and Galicia (NW Spain). The percentage of detection for all chemical groups were above 90% in studied birds. The general pattern was dominated by PAHs (mean value ± standard deviation (SD) 32 ± 15 ng/g) followed by OCPs (3.8 ± 1.1 ng/g), PYRs (3.4 ± 3.8 ng/g), PCBs (1.6 ± 1.0 ng/g), OPPs (1.3 ± 0.70 ng/g) and PBDEs (0.80 ± 0.30 ng/g). Significant differences were observed between age, location and gender suggesting different sources of exposure and accumulation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiana González-Gómez
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - Jesús Simal-Gándara
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo Alvarez
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, 27003, Spain.
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, 27003, Spain.
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Caceres, 10003, Spain.
| | - Elena Martínez-Carballo
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
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Carravieri A, Bustamante P, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Chastel O, Cherel Y. Trace elements and persistent organic pollutants in chicks of 13 seabird species from Antarctica to the subtropics. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105225. [PMID: 31711015 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds from remote regions are mainly exposed to environmental contaminants from non-point contamination of their food webs. Pre-fledging seabird chicks are fed by their parents with marine prey captured in the vicinity of breeding colonies. Contaminant concentrations in tissues of pre-fledging chicks can thus be mostly related to local dietary sources, and have the potential to unravel spatial patterns of environmental contamination in marine ecosystems. Here, mercury (Hg), 13 other trace elements, and 18 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were quantified in blood of chicks across four breeding locations that encompass a large latitudinal range in the southern Indian Ocean (from Antarctica, through subantarctic areas, to the subtropics), over a single breeding season. Thirteen species of penguins, albatrosses and petrels were studied, including endangered and near-threatened species, such as Amsterdam albatrosses and emperor penguins. Blood Hg burdens varied widely between species, with a factor of ~50 between the lowest and highest concentrations (mean ± SD, 0.05 ± 0.01 and 2.66 ± 0.81 µg g-1 dry weight, in thin-billed prions and Amsterdam albatrosses, respectively). Species relying on Antarctic waters for feeding had low Hg exposure. Concentrations of POPs were low in chicks, with the exception of hexachlorobenzene. Contaminant concentrations were mainly explained by species differences, but feeding habitat (inferred from δ13C values) and chicks' body mass also contributed to explain variation. Collectively, our findings call for further toxicological investigations in Amsterdam albatrosses and small petrel species, because they were exposed to high and diverse sources of contaminants, and in macaroni penguins, which specifically showed very high selenium concentrations. CAPSULE: Seabird chicks from four distant sites in the southern Indian Ocean had contrasted blood metallic and organic contaminant patterns depending on species, feeding habitat and body mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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10
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Briels N, Torgersen LN, Castaño-Ortiz JM, Løseth ME, Herzke D, Nygård T, Bustnes JO, Ciesielski TM, Poma G, Malarvannan G, Covaci A, Jaspers VLB. Integrated exposure assessment of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings to legacy and emerging organic pollutants using non-destructive samples. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108678. [PMID: 31520824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, concentrations of legacy and emerging contaminants were determined in three non-destructive matrices (plasma, preen oil and body feathers) of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), together with emerging pollutants, including per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and Dechlorane Plus isomers (DPs) were targeted. Plasma, preen oil and feather samples were collected from 61 goshawk nestlings in Norway (Trøndelag and Troms) in 2015 and 2016, and pollutant concentrations were compared between the three matrices. In plasma, PFASs were detected in the highest concentrations, ranging between 1.37 and 36.0 ng/mL, which suggests that the nestlings were recently and continuously exposed to these emerging contaminants, likely through dietary input. In preen oil, OCPs (169-3560 ng/g) showed the highest concentrations among the investigated compounds, consistent with their high lipophilicity. PFRs (2.60-314 ng/g) were the dominant compounds in feathers and are thought to originate mainly from external deposition, as they were not detected in the other two matrices. NBFRs and DPs were generally not detected in the nestlings, suggesting low presence of these emerging contaminants in their environment and/or low absorption. Strong and significant correlations between matrices were found for all POPs (rs = 0.46-0.95, p < 0.001), except for hexachlorobenzene (HCB, rs = 0.20, p = 0.13). Correlations for PFASs were less conclusive: linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA), perfluorododecanoate (PFDoA) and perfluorotetradecanoate (PFTeA) showed strong and significant correlations between plasma and feathers (rs = 0.42-0.72, p < 0.02), however no correlation was found for perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriA) (rs = 0.05-0.33, p = 0.09-0.85). A lack of consistency between the PFAS compounds (contrary to POPs), and between studies, prevents concluding on the suitability of the investigated matrices for PFAS biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Briels
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Lene Norstrand Torgersen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jose Maria Castaño-Ortiz
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM Centre, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM Centre, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Giulia Poma
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Mallory ML, Anderson CM, Braune BM, Pratte I, Provencher JF. Arctic cleansing diet: Sex-specific variation in the rapid elimination of contaminants by the world's champion migrant, the Arctic tern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 689:716-724. [PMID: 31280153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of Arctic marine environments continues to be a concern for wildlife managers. Because the Arctic is a sink for the long-range transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), many studies have detected high concentrations of POPs in various Arctic birds. In this study from high Arctic Canada, we show that male Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea), which migrate from the Antarctic to the Arctic annually to breed, decline in concentrations of many hepatic POPs through the breeding season. This suggests that local Arctic food webs are less contaminated than regions where terns fed during or migration, despite that the terns appear to feed at a higher trophic level near their colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | | | - Birgit M Braune
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, QC, CANADA, J8Y 3Z5
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12
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Foster KL, Braune BM, Gaston AJ, Mallory ML. Climate Influence on Legacy Organochlorine Pollutants in Arctic Seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:2518-2528. [PMID: 30688438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b07106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Changing climate can influence the transport of chemical pollutants into Arctic regions and their fate once there. However, the influence of weather or climate variables on organochlorine accumulation in Arctic wildlife, including seabirds, and associated time scale are poorly understood. We assessed the interannual relationships between a suite of weather/climate variables for time lags of 0 to 10 yr and organochlorine pollutant concentrations spanning 1975-2014 in eggs of two seabird species (northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis, thick-billed murre Uria lomvia) that breed in the Canadian High Arctic. The majority of variability in the data was associated with declining organochlorine emissions (up to 70.2% for murres and 77.4% for fulmars). By controlling for emissions using principal component ordination and general linear modeling, correlations with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) were found for fulmars and with rainfall for murres, after a time lag of 4-9 yr between weather/climate conditions and egg collection. Our results suggest that with increasingly NAO+ conditions and increasing rainfall associated with climate change, concentrations of certain organochlorines such as hexachlorobenzene and p, p'-DDE have increased, dependent on seabird species and ecology as well as partitioning characteristics of the chemical. Analysis of a truncated version of the data sets (2005-2014), consistent with typical time series lengths for environmental pollutants in Arctic wildlife, found correlations with precipitation for murres but not with NAO for fulmars, suggesting that longer time series better elucidate relationships with broad-scale climate indices. Organochlorine pollutant data sets spanning 40 years, which is rare for Arctic wildlife, for two species of seabird were assessed, and the results highlight the association between weather/climate and pollutant accumulation in Arctic food webs and the critical role of ongoing monitoring to effectively elucidate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Foster
- Karen Foster Environmental Research , Peterborough , ON K9J 8L2 , Canada
- Applications of Modelling & Quantitative Methods (AMOD) , Trent University , Peterborough , ON K9L 0G2 , Canada
| | - Birgit M Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON K1A 0H3 , Canada
| | - Anthony J Gaston
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON K1A 0H3 , Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology Department , Acadia University , Wolfville , NS B4P 2R6 , Canada
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13
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Løseth ME, Briels N, Eulaers I, Nygård T, Malarvannan G, Poma G, Covaci A, Herzke D, Bustnes JO, Lepoint G, Jenssen BM, Jaspers VLB. Plasma concentrations of organohalogenated contaminants in white-tailed eagle nestlings - The role of age and diet. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:527-534. [PMID: 30583161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) can show significant temporal and spatial variation in the environment and wildlife. Most of the variation is due to changes in use and production, but environmental and biological factors may also contribute to the variation. Nestlings of top predators are exposed to maternally transferred OHCs in the egg and through their dietary intake after hatching. The present study investigated spatial and temporal variation of OHCs and the role of age and diet on these variations in plasma of Norwegian white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings. The nestlings were sampled at two locations, Smøla and Steigen, in 2015 and 2016. The age of the nestlings was recorded (range: 44 - 87 days old) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) were applied as dietary proxies for carbon source and trophic position, respectively. In total, 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, range: 0.82 - 59.05 ng/mL), 7 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs, range: 0.89 - 52.19 ng/mL), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, range: 0.03 - 2.64 ng/mL) and 8 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, range: 4.58 - 52.94 ng/mL) were quantified in plasma samples from each location and year. The OHC concentrations, age and dietary proxies displayed temporal and spatial variations. The age of the nestlings was indicated as the most important predictor for OHC variation as the models displayed significantly decreasing plasma concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs with increasing age, while concentrations of PFASs were significantly increasing with age. Together with age, the variations in PCB, OCP and PBDE concentrations were also explained by δ13C and indicated decreasing concentrations with a more marine diet. Our findings emphasise age and diet as important factors to consider when investigating variations in plasma OHC concentrations in nestlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Engvig Løseth
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Nathalie Briels
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Fredriksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Laboratoire d´Océanologie, University of Liège, 4000, Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Fredriksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
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14
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Løseth ME, Briels N, Flo J, Malarvannan G, Poma G, Covaci A, Herzke D, Nygård T, Bustnes JO, Jenssen BM, Jaspers VLB. White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) feathers from Norway are suitable for monitoring of legacy, but not emerging contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:525-533. [PMID: 30089276 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
While feathers have been successfully validated for monitoring of internal concentrations of heavy metals and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), less is known about their suitability for monitoring of emerging contaminants (ECs). Our study presents a broad investigation of both legacy POPs and ECs in non-destructive matrices from a bird of prey. Plasma and feathers were sampled in 2015 and 2016 from 70 whitetailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings from two archipelagos in Norway. Preen oil was also sampled in 2016. Samples were analysed for POPs (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs)) and ECs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), dechlorane plus (DPs), phosphate and novel brominated flame retardants (PFRs and NBFRs)). A total of nine PCBs, three OCPs, one PBDE and one PFAS were detected in over 50% of the plasma and feather samples within each sampling year and location. Significant and positive correlations were found between plasma, feathers and preen oil concentrations of legacy POPs and confirm the findings of previous research on the usefulness of these matrices for non-destructive monitoring. In contrast, the suitability of feathers for ECs seems to be limited. Detection frequencies (DF) of PFASs were higher in plasma (mean DF: 78%) than in feathers (mean DF: 38%). Only perfluoroundecanoic acid could be quantified in over 50% of both plasma and feather samples, yet their correlation was poor and not significant. The detection frequencies of PFRs, NBFRs and DPs were very low in plasma (mean DF: 1-13%), compared to feathers (mean DF: 10-57%). This may suggest external atmospheric deposition, rapid internal biotransformation or excretion of these compounds. Accordingly, we suggest prioritising plasma for PFASs analyses, while the sources of PFRs, NBFRs and DPs in feathers and plasma need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari E Løseth
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Nathalie Briels
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jørgen Flo
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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15
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Blanco G, Sergio F, Frías Ó, Salinas P, Tanferna A, Hiraldo F, Barceló D, Eljarrat E. Integrating population connectivity into pollution assessment: Overwintering mixing reveals flame retardant contamination in breeding areas in a migratory raptor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:553-561. [PMID: 29960221 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Determining the exposure and magnitude at which various pollutants are differentially assimilated at the breeding and non-breeding grounds of migratory wildlife is challenging. Here, the possibility of applying the migratory connectivity framework to understanding contamination in birds is illustrated by considering flame retardants in inviable eggs of a migratory raptor, the black kite (Milvus migrans). The occurrence and concentration of legacy and emerging compounds in eggs from the southeastern peri-urban area of Madrid city, central Spain, were compared with those from Doñana National Park in southern Spain. A much higher occurrence and concentration of multiple polybrominated diphenyl ethers and Dechlorane 602 were found in Madrid than Doñana, but the opposite patterns were found for Dechlorane Plus. Individuals from these and other breeding areas in western Europe showed a strong intermixing pattern over widespread wintering areas in Africa, as assessed by ringing recoveries and movements tracked by satellite devices. This diffuse migratory connectivity reveals breeding areas as the main contamination grounds. High contamination burdens sequestered in eggs point to rapid assimilation of these compounds before laying, associated with important emission sources in Madrid, especially landfills of partially incinerated urban refuse, and other anthropogenic operations. Diet composition regarding aquatic vs. terrestrial prey, and bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes are suggested to explain differential assimilation of some compounds, especially Dechlorane Plus in Doñana, although a local emission source polluting this area cannot be ruled out. Insight from the migratory connectivity framework can help to disentangle large-scale patterns of contaminant uptake and refocus attention on key regions and potential causes of chemical hazards in declining migratory species and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Fabrizio Sergio
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Óscar Frías
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Salinas
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Tanferna
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ethel Eljarrat
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Monclús L, Lopez-Bejar M, De la Puente J, Covaci A, Jaspers VLB. First evaluation of the use of down feathers for monitoring persistent organic pollutants and organophosphate ester flame retardants: A pilot study using nestlings of the endangered cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:413-420. [PMID: 29587212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Raptor feathers have been increasingly used to assess pollutants in ecotoxicological monitoring studies. However, the suitability of down feathers to detect pollutants has not yet been investigated. In this study, concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPEs) were assessed in down and juvenile contour feathers of Spanish cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) nestlings (circa 73 days old) and contaminant concentrations were compared between both types of feathers from the same individuals. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs: 1.30-6.16 ng g-1 dw feather), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs: 0.23-1.35 ng g-1 dw feather), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (pp-DDE: 0.09-6.10 ng g-1 dw feather) and tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCiPP: 0.86-48.96 ng g-1 dw feather) were significantly higher in down than in contour feathers. In contrast, contour feathers showed higher levels of the more volatile POP, lindane (0.25-3.12 ng g-1 dw feather). Concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and OPEs (except TCiPP) were similar between the two types of feathers. By showing high accumulation of the most persistent POPs investigated, down feathers presented a contamination profile similar to that previously described in raptor eggs. As these feathers grow during the first days of a vulture chicks life, they probably reflect the contaminant burden of the chick due to maternal transfer to the egg. Overall, the present study provides the first indication that down feathers may be useful for biomonitoring studies. Further research is needed to confirm whether nestling down feathers reflect the concentrations in the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monclús
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Manel Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Javier De la Puente
- SEO/BirdLife, Bird Monitoring Unit, Melquiades Biencinto 34, 28053, Madrid, Spain; Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación, Cta. M-604, Km. 28, 28740, Rascafría, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Envitox Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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17
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Garcia-Heras MS, Arroyo B, Simmons RE, Camarero PR, Mateo R, Mougeot F. Blood concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in an avian predator endemic to southern Africa: Associations with habitat, electrical transformers and diet. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 232:440-449. [PMID: 28986081 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pollutants such as organochlorine compounds (OCs) have been highlighted as a cause of population decline in avian predators. Understanding patterns of OCs contamination can be crucial for the conservation of affected species, yet little is known on these threats to African raptors. Here we report on OC concentrations in an endangered predator endemic to southern Africa, the Black Harrier Circus maurus. Blood samples were collected in 2012-2014 from wild nestlings (n = 90) and adults (n = 23) in south-western South Africa, where agriculture and urbanization have developed rapidly since the 1950s. Polychlorinated biphenyl (ΣPCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT, for p,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDE) were detected in 79% and 84% of sampled individuals, respectively, with varying concentrations among demographic groups: nestlings had significantly higher ΣPCB and p,p'-DDT concentrations than adults, while adults had higher levels of p,p'-DDE than nestlings. Levels of ΣPCB significantly increased with an index of electric transformer density, a measure of the number and power of electric transformers around active nests. We propose this index as a useful tool for assessing ΣPCB exposure risk in other wildlife. Levels of p,p'-DDE significantly increased with the proportion of wetlands within the breeding territory, and also with the proportion of bird biomass in the diet. No association was found between OC levels and the protected area status of nesting sites. Physiological effects of contaminants were also manifest in increased white blood cell counts with higher p,p'-DDT levels. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio increased with higher ΣPCB levels, suggesting increased physiological stress and reduced immunity in contaminated individuals. Our results suggest that OCs are still a current cause of concern for endangered Black Harriers, as well as other sympatric predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Sophie Garcia-Heras
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Beatriz Arroyo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Robert E Simmons
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- 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
| | - Francois Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Carravieri A, Cherel Y, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Peluhet L, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Chastel O, Bustamante P. From Antarctica to the subtropics: Contrasted geographical concentrations of selenium, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants in skua chicks (Catharacta spp.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 228:464-473. [PMID: 28570991 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds integrate bioaccumulative contaminants via food intake and have revealed geographical trends of contamination in a variety of ecosystems. Pre-fledging seabird chicks are particularly interesting as bioindicators of chemical contamination, because concentrations in their tissues reflect primarily dietary sources from the local environment. Here we measured 14 trace elements and 18 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blood of chicks of skuas that breed in four sites encompassing a large latitudinal range within the southern Indian Ocean, from Antarctica (Adélie Land, south polar skua Catharacta maccormicki), through subantarctic areas (Crozet and Kerguelen Islands, brown skua C. lonnbergi), to the subtropics (Amsterdam Island, C. lonnbergi). Stables isotopes of carbon (δ13C, feeding habitat) and nitrogen (δ15N, trophic position) were also measured to control for the influence of feeding habits on contaminant burdens. Concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were very high at all the four sites, with Amsterdam birds having the highest concentrations ever reported in chicks worldwide (4.0 ± 0.8 and 646 ± 123 μg g-1 dry weight, respectively). Blood Hg concentrations showed a clear latitudinal pattern, increasing from chicks in Antarctica to chicks in the subantarctic and subtropical islands. Interestingly, blood Se concentrations showed similar between-population differences to Hg, suggesting its involvement in protective mechanisms against Hg toxicity. Chicks' POPs pattern was largely dominated by organochlorine pesticides, in particular DDT metabolites and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Skua chicks from subantarctic islands presented high concentrations and diversity of POPs. By contrast, chicks from the Antarctic site overall had the lowest concentrations and diversity of both metallic and organic contaminants, with the exception of HCB and arsenic. Skua populations from these sites, being naturally exposed to different quantities of contaminants, are potentially good models for testing toxic effects in developing chicks in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Laurent Peluhet
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F 33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F 33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F 33405 Talence Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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19
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Colabuono FI, Vander Pol SS, Huncik KM, Taniguchi S, Petry MV, Kucklick JR, Montone RC. Persistent organic pollutants in blood samples of Southern Giant Petrels (Macronectes giganteus) from the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 216:38-45. [PMID: 27235927 PMCID: PMC6057619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds play an important role as top consumers in the food web and can be used as biomonitors of exposure to pollutants. Contamination studies involving non-destructive sampling methods are of considerable importance, allowing better evaluation of the levels of pollutants and their toxic effects. In the present study, organohalogen contaminants were analyzed in 113 blood samples from Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) adults and chicks collected in the austral summer of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 from colonies on Elephant and Livingston Islands, South Shetland, Antarctica. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), mirex, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroetane and derivatives (DDTs) and chlordanes were detected in all birds, whereas polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were not detected in any blood samples. No significant differences were found in organochlorine levels between sampling events. Adults exhibited significantly higher levels than chicks, except for PeCB. PCBs, HCB, mirex and DDTs were statistically similar in males and females from Elephant Island. Females on Livingston Island exhibited higher HCB values than males, but no sex differences were found regarding other organochlorines. The similarity in organochlorine levels between sexes in birds with very marked sexual segregation in feeding habits during the breeding season may indicate that significant amounts of contaminants are acquired during migration to lower latitudes, when the diets of males and females are similar. Birds sampled on Livingston Island exhibited significantly lower levels of PCBs, HCB, DDTs, mirex and chlordanes in comparison to those on Elephant Island, which could be the result of distinct foraging patterns between the two colonies. Organochlorine levels were similar between years in birds captured in two consecutive breeding seasons. Blood samples from Southern Giant Petrels adults and chicks proved to be useful for the comparison of intraspecific contamination levels and appear to be adequate for the long-term assessment of organohalogen contaminants in antarctic top predators. Organochlorine contaminants in blood samples of Southern Giant Petrels reflected intra-specific differences and suggested distinct foraging patterns between colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda I Colabuono
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP, 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Stacy S Vander Pol
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Kevin M Huncik
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP, 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Maria V Petry
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos 950, São Leopoldo, RS, 93022-000, Brazil
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Rosalinda C Montone
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP, 05508-120, Brazil
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Hammer S, Nager RG, Alonso S, McGill RAR, Furness RW, Dam M. Legacy Pollutants are Declining in Great Skuas (Stercorarius skua) but Remain Higher in Faroe Islands than in Scotland. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:184-90. [PMID: 27329112 PMCID: PMC4942484 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1856-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To monitor environmental pollutants in Faroese biota, samples from a top predator were analysed and put into a spatial and temporal context. Analysis of 20 Great Skua eggs sampled in 2012 from the Faroe Islands showed >70 % lower concentrations of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) than in samples analysed in 1977. The 2012 Faroese eggs showed higher concentrations than for eggs in Shetland from about the same period (2008). Eggshells were analysed for sub-lethal effects but there were no detectable effects of legacy POP levels on eggshell colour or thickness. A temporal decline in legacy POPs would indicate a reduction in the general pollutant levels present in the environment as has been shown in other areas of the North Atlantic, but there are significant geographic differences in POPs levels likely due to differences in diet resulting in significantly different exposures on a relatively limited spatial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjurdur Hammer
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Alonso
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rona A R McGill
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Rankine Avenue, East Kilbride, G75 0QF, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Maria Dam
- Environment Agency, Traðagøta 38, Argir, FO-165, Faroe Islands
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21
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Provencher JF, Gilchrist HG, Mallory ML, Mitchell GW, Forbes MR. Direct and indirect causes of sex differences in mercury concentrations and parasitic infections in a marine bird. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 551-552:506-12. [PMID: 26896579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In many animal species, males and females differ in their levels of contaminants and/or parasitic infections. Most contaminants and gastro-intestinal parasites are obtained through prey ingestion, and thus the causes of sex differences in the distribution of these factors might follow similar pathways. We studied the northern common eider duck (Somateria molissima borealis) as an avian model, and used directed separation path analysis to explore the causes of sex differences in mercury (Hg) and gastro-intestinal helminths. Two trophically transmitted helminths were examined: a cestode (Lateriporus sp.) and an acanthocephalan (Polymorphus sp). We found that the number of Lateriporus sp. varied positively with stable isotope signature (as indicated by δ(15)N in eider breast muscle tissue), and negatively with crustaceans being present in the short term diet. We also found that Polymorphus sp. varied positively with eider tissue stable isotope signature. However, Polymorphus sp. varied negatively with sex indirectly through condition and liver mass. Similarly, Hg concentrations also varied negatively with sex indirectly through condition and liver mass, with both Polymorphus sp. intensity and Hg concentrations significantly higher in males. We found that model fit increased when a negative relationship between the two helminth species was included, suggesting a yet unknown causal mechanism linking these parasites. Our findings suggest that although Hg and gastro-intestinal parasites are both trophically transmitted through the eider's prey items, the factors that contribute towards bioaccumulation of these two burdens differ in source, likely caused by several different factors and may potentially influence each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Provencher
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - H G Gilchrist
- Wildlife Research Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - M L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - G W Mitchell
- Wildlife Research Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - M R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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Multiple Stressors in a Top Predator Seabird: Potential Ecological Consequences of Environmental Contaminants, Population Health and Breeding Conditions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131769. [PMID: 26172383 PMCID: PMC4501839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental contaminants may have impacts on reproduction and survival in wildlife populations suffering from multiple stressors. This study examined whether adverse effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) increased with poor population health and breeding conditions in three colonies (60–74°N) of great skua (Stercorarius skua) in the north-eastern Atlantic (Shetland, Iceland and Bjørnøya [Bear Island]). POPs (organochlorines [OCs] and polybrominated diphenyl ethers [BDEs]) were measured in plasma of incubating birds (n = 222), concentrations differing nearly tenfold among colonies: Bjørnøya (2009) > Bjørnøya (2010) > Iceland (2009) > Shetland (2009). Reproductive success (hatching success and chick survival) showed that breeding conditions were favourable in Shetland and at Bjørnøya (2010), but were very poor in Iceland and at Bjørnøya (2009). Biomarkers indicated that health was poor in the Shetland population compared to the other populations. Females whose chicks hatched late had high POP concentrations in all colonies except at Bjørnøya (2010), and females losing their eggs at Bjørnøya (2009) tended to have higher concentrations than those hatching. Moreover, there was a negative relationship between female POP concentrations and chick body condition at hatching in Iceland and at Bjørnøya (2010). Supplementary feeding experiments were conducted, and in Iceland where feeding conditions were poor, significant negative relationships were found between female POP concentrations and daily growth-rate in first-hatched chicks of control nests, but not in food supplemented nests. This suggests that negative impacts of POPs were mitigated by improved feeding conditions. For second-chicks, there was a strong negative relationship between the female POP concentrations and growth-rate, but no effects of supplementary feeding. Lowered adult return-rate between breeding seasons with increasing POP loads were found both at Bjørnøya (2009) and in Shetland, especially related to BDEs. This indicates stronger fitness consequences of POPs following seasons with very poor breeding conditions and/or high reproductive effort. This study suggests that the impacts of POPs may differ depending on population health and breeding conditions, and that even low concentrations of POPs could have ecological consequences during adverse circumstances. This is important with regard to risk assessment of biomagnifying contaminants in marine ecosystems.
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Hillis JJ, Garvey JE, Lydy MJ. Contaminants reduce male contribution to reproduction at the population scale. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es14-00391.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. Hillis
- Department of Zoology, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901 USA
| | - James E. Garvey
- Department of Zoology, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901 USA
| | - Michael J. Lydy
- Department of Zoology, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901 USA
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24
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Carravieri A, Bustamante P, Tartu S, Meillère A, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Peluhet L, Barbraud C, Weimerskirch H, Chastel O, Cherel Y. Wandering albatrosses document latitudinal variations in the transfer of persistent organic pollutants and mercury to Southern Ocean predators. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:14746-55. [PMID: 25423551 DOI: 10.1021/es504601m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators are effective tools to monitor bioaccumulative contaminants in remote oceanic environments. Here, we used the wide-ranging wandering albatross Diomedea exulans to investigate potential geographical variations of contaminant transfer to predators in the Southern Ocean. Blood concentrations of 19 persistent organic pollutants and 14 trace elements were measured in a large number of individuals (N = 180) of known age, sex and breeding status from the subantarctic Crozet Islands. Wandering albatrosses were exposed to a wide range of contaminants, with notably high blood mercury concentrations. Contaminant burden was markedly influenced by latitudinal foraging habitats (inferred from blood δ(13)C values), with individuals feeding in warmer subtropical waters having lower concentrations of pesticides, but higher concentrations of mercury, than those feeding in colder subantarctic waters. Sexual differences in contaminant burden seemed to be driven by gender specialization in feeding habitats, rather than physiological characteristics, with females foraging further north than males. Other individual traits, such as adult age and reproductive status, had little effect on blood contaminant concentrations. Our study provides further evidence of the critical role of global distillation on organic contaminant exposure to Southern Ocean avian predators. In addition, we document an unexpected high transfer of mercury to predators in subtropical waters, which merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS- Université de La Rochelle , 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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Bourgeon S, Leat EHK, Magnusdóttir E, Furness RW, Strøm H, Petersen A, Gabrielsen GW, Hanssen SA, Bustnes JO. Feather corticosterone levels on wintering grounds have no carry-over effects on breeding among three populations of great skuas (Stercorarius skua). PLoS One 2014; 9:e100439. [PMID: 24964085 PMCID: PMC4070953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions encountered by migratory seabirds in their wintering areas can shape their fitness. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms remain largely unknown as birds are relatively inaccessible during winter. To assess physiological condition during this period, we measured corticosterone concentrations in winter-grown primary feathers of female great skuas (Stercorarius skua) from three breeding colonies (Bjørnøya, Iceland, Shetland) with wintering areas identified from characteristic stable isotope signatures. We subsequently compared winter feather corticosterone levels between three wintering areas (Africa, Europe and America). Among females breeding in 2009, we found significant differences in feather corticosterone levels between wintering areas. Surprisingly, levels were significantly higher in Africa despite seemingly better local ecological factors (based on lower foraging effort). Moreover, contrary to our predictions, females sharing the same wintering grounds showed significant differences in feather corticosterone levels depending on their colony of origin suggesting that some skuas could be using suboptimal wintering areas. Among females wintering in Africa, Shetland females showed feather corticosterone levels on average 22% lower than Bjørnøya and Iceland females. Finally, the lack of significant relationships between winter feather corticosterone levels and any of the breeding phenology traits does not support the hypothesis of potential carry-over effects of winter feather corticosterone. Yet, the fitness consequences of elevated feather corticosterone levels remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eliza H. K. Leat
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robert W. Furness
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aevar Petersen
- Iceland Institute of Natural History, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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26
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Eulaers I, Jaspers VLB, Halley DJ, Lepoint G, Nygård T, Pinxten R, Covaci A, Eens M. Brominated and phosphorus flame retardants in White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla nestlings: bioaccumulation and associations with dietary proxies (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ³⁴S). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 478:48-57. [PMID: 24530584 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Very little is known on the exposure of high trophic level species to current-use brominated (BFRs) and phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), although observations on their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity have been made. We investigated the accumulation of BFRs and PFRs, and their associations with dietary proxies (δ(13)C, δ(15)N and δ(34)S), in plasma and feathers of White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla nestlings from Trøndelag, Norway. In addition to accumulation of a wide range of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in both plasma and feathers, all non-PBDE BFRs and PFRs could be measured in feathers, while in plasma only two of six PFRs, i.e. tris-(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris-(2,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCPP) were detected. PFR concentrations in feathers (0.95-3,000 ng g(-1)) were much higher than selected organochlorines (OCs), such as polychlorinated biphenyl 153 (CB 153; 2.3-15 ng g(-1)) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE; 2.3-21 ng g(-1)), PBDEs (0.03-2.3 ng g(-1)) and non-PBDE BFRs (0.03-1.5 ng g(-1)). Non-significant associations of PFR concentrations in feathers with those in plasma (P ≥ 0.74), and their similarity to reported atmospheric PFR concentrations, may suggest atmospheric PFR deposition on feathers. Most OCs and PBDEs, as well as tris(chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(phenyl) phosphate (TPHP) and tri-(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were associated to δ(15)N and/or δ(13)C (all P ≤ 0.02). Besides δ(15)N enrichment, δ(34)S was depleted in nestlings from fjords, inherently close to an urbanised centre. As such, both may have been a spatial proxy for anthropogenic disturbance, possible confounding their use as dietary proxy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Eulaers
- Ethology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Ethology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Duncan J Halley
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- MARE Centre, Oceanology, University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie 3, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Rianne Pinxten
- Ethology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Ethology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Luzardo OP, Ruiz-Suárez N, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Valerón PF, Camacho M, Zumbado M, Boada LD. Assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in six species of predatory birds of the Canary Islands, Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:146-53. [PMID: 24291140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the concentrations and distributions of 57 anthropogenic pollutants, including 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCs), 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver samples from 102 birds of prey of six species that were found dead or that had died during their stay in the Wildlife Recovery Centers of the Canary Islands (Spain) between 2009 and 2012. The dual goal of this work was to determine the occurrence of these contaminants in these six species of birds of prey, and also whether they can be used as bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution in the region. We found that Accipiter nisus, Falco pelegrinoides and Falco tinnunculus were the most contaminated species. The profiles of contamination among the species were extremely similar in the case of organochlorine contaminants, with DDT and its metabolites as the most abundant compounds. The contamination by DDT and its metabolites, as well as contamination by dieldrin, could be considered high in these animals, much higher than reports from other regions of the planet, which is in agreement with previous reports from our group regarding humans, food and other animals from this area. In contrast, the contamination by PCBs could be considered extremely low and was probably below the threshold of toxicity for these contaminants. The content of carcinogenic/mutagenic PAHs in these animals was clearly dependent on the feeding pattern of the species; however, the levels were also well below the values that were considered toxic in predictive models. This study represents the first report of contamination by PAHs in all these species and is also the first report of PCB levels in Barbary Falcons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Norberto Ruiz-Suárez
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Guzzo MM, Eckbo NH, Gabrielsen GW, Fisk AT, Hylland K, Borgå K. Persistent organic pollutant concentrations in fledglings of two arctic seabird species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 184:414-418. [PMID: 24121265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and stable isotopes were measured in muscle from fledglings of two arctic seabird species, Northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) and Black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). The purpose was to compare POP concentrations between species, in an age class that is highly vulnerable to POPs but little studied, relate to diet using stable isotopes, and quantify differences across life stages (egg to adult). Northern fulmar fledglings had significantly higher POP concentrations than kittiwake, consistent with results reported for adults of these species. Surprisingly, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes did not differ between species, which does not match data for, or the known feeding ecology, of the adults. Fulmar/kittiwake POP concentration ratios varied across life stages indicating variable POP exposure and accumulation with age in seabirds, indicating that of the use of avian species-specific thresholds should only be done with caution in ecosystem-based POP risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Guzzo
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
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Bustnes JO, Bårdsen BJ, Herzke D, Johnsen TV, Eulaers I, Ballesteros M, Hanssen SA, Covaci A, Jaspers VLB, Eens M, Sonne C, Halley D, Moum T, Nøst TH, Erikstad KE, Ims RA. Plasma concentrations of organohalogenated pollutants in predatory bird nestlings: associations to growth rate and dietary tracers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:2520-2527. [PMID: 23861300 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The extent to which persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with different physicochemical properties originated from the food (dietary input) was assessed in raptor nestlings. Lipophilic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153, 1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and protein-bound perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were measured repeatedly in blood plasma of individual goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings, 1 to 3 wk after hatching and near fledging. Maternally derived POPs dilute as nestlings grow (growth dilution), and increasing plasma concentrations would indicate dietary input. First, plasma concentrations given no dietary input were estimated, and concentrations of p,p'-DDE, HCB, and notably PFOS were significantly higher than predicted from a growth-dilution scenario (approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold higher; p < 0.001). In contrast, PCB 153 declined in both species, although concentrations were still higher than predicted in white-tailed eagle nestlings (p < 0.05). Second, the relationships between plasma POP concentrations and trophic position (δ(15) N) and dietary carbon source (δ(13) C) were analyzed, controlling for growth rate. Both δ(15) N and δ(13) C (measured in body feathers) were significantly associated to the accumulation of most POPs, except PFOS. In conclusion, pollutant data acquired in plasma of nestling raptors should be interpreted and further investigated in the light of individual feeding ecology, and the use of raptor nestlings as sentinels for POP monitoring could be optimized by correcting for different factors such as body condition, brood size, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Tromsø, Norway
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Baert JM, Janssen CR, Borgå K, De Laender F. Migration and opportunistic feeding increase PCB accumulation in Arctic seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:11793-11801. [PMID: 24024972 DOI: 10.1021/es402898t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that body concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) tend to increase with trophic level (TL). Yet, little attention has been paid to the causes in the underlying differences in POP body concentrations between species occupying similar TLs. In this paper we use two modeling approaches to quantify the importance of migration and opportunistic feeding, relative to that of trophic level, in explaining interspecific differences in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) body concentrations between 6 Arctic seabird species breeding in the Barents Sea: Little Auk (Alle alle), Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle), Brünnich's Guillemot (Uria lomvia), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), and Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). As a first approach, we use additive models to analyze two independent data sets (n = 470 and n = 726). We demonstrate that migration, opportunistic feeding, and TL significantly (p < 0.001) increase PCB body concentrations by a factor 3.61-4.10, 2.66-20.95, and 2.38-2.41, respectively. Our second approach, using a mechanistic bioaccumulation model, confirmed these positive effects on the body burdens but suggested lower effects of migration, opportunistic feeding, and TL (1.55, 2.39, and 2.38) than did our statistical analysis. These two independent approaches demonstrate that the effects of migration and opportunistic feeding on seabird body burdens can be similar to that of an increase of one TL and should therefore be accounted for in future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Baert
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent University , Plateaustraat 22, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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