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Stocker J, Wolfarth M, Dias JF, Niekraszewicz LAB, Cademartori CV, da Silva FR. Presence of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in Caracara (Polyborus) plancus living in an airport area in southern Brazil. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:675-686. [PMID: 38828979 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2361247] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The aviation sector is believed to be responsible for considerable environmental damage attributed to emission of a large number and amount of pollutants. Airports are often surrounded by forest fragments and humid areas that attract birds of prey and hence may potentially serve as useful bioindicators. The aim of the present study was to examine genotoxic potential in raptors exposed to airport pollution using the micronucleus (MN) test and morphological changes as evidenced by bilateral symmetry. This investigation was conducted at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre - RS as well as in private and zoological breeding grounds. The presence of metals was measured in the blood cells of the collected birds. Seventeen birds (Caracara (Polyborus) plancus) were used in this study 11 from exposed and 6 from non-exposed group. The nuclear alterations clearly indicate that organisms exposed to airport pollution exhibited a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage compared to non-exposed birds. Further, manganese and chromium were detected exclusively in the blood of the exposed group. In contrast, the analysis of bilateral symmetry did not detect any significant morphologic differences between the two groups. Therefore, data indicate that blood genotoxic stress occurs in birds of prey living in civil aviation areas as evidenced by MN frequency increase and presence of manganese and chromium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Stocker
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Micaele Wolfarth
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular Aplicada à Saúde, Universidade Luterana do Brazil, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Johnny Ferraz Dias
- Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina V Cademartori
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Memória Social e Bens Culturais, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
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Imagawa M, Rushing M, Carter A, Schott R, Berman JD. Using blood lead concentrations of wildlife sentinels to identify environmental risk factors of lead exposure for public health and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:357-369. [PMID: 36964298 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning remains a persistent health issue for both humans and wildlife, despite strides to reduce lead contamination in the environment. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study explores the associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) in wildlife sentinels and possible built environment lead exposure risk factors in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota urban area. Results show a high-level of heterogeneity in animal BLLs (n = 472) across our urban environment and suggest that each kilometer increase in road density is associated with a 17.07% (95% CI: 1.48%, 35.05%) increase in BLL in our study species of Virginia opossums and Eastern gray squirrels, and a 14.28% (95% CI: 1.16%, 29.09%) increase in BLL of rock pigeons. For squirrels and opossums, we see an additional 5.72% (95% CI: 0.59%, 10.85%) increased risk of BLL for every 1000 people per square-mile. The relationship between animal sentinels and environmental hazards can give us an insight into the potential lead exposure risks for humans. The use of wildlife sentinel data to explore environmental risk factors supports a One Health approach to better address public health questions and aid in wildlife rehabilitation related to residual lead poisoning from ambient environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Imagawa
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marcus Rushing
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Renee Schott
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Roseville, MN, USA
| | - Jesse D Berman
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Iqbal F, Wilson R, Ayub Q, Song BK, Krzeminska-Ahmedzai U, Talei A, Hermawan AA, Rahman S. Biomonitoring of heavy metals in the feathers of House crow (Corvus splendens) from some metropolitans of Asia and Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:35715-35726. [PMID: 36536201 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24712-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Urban-dwelling birds can be useful biomonitors to assess the impact of the urbanisation on both public and wildlife health. Widely distributed urban bird species, the House crow, was studied for heavy metal accumulation levels from nine cities of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa that border the Indian Ocean. Feathers were spectroscopically investigated for the deposition of ten heavy metals, i.e. As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, iron Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu and Li. Fe and Zn were found to be the most prevalent metals in all sites. Measured concentrations of Pb (4.38-14.77 mg kg-1) overall, and Fe (935.66 mg kg-1) and Cu (67.17 mg kg-1) at some studied sites were above the toxicity levels reported lethal in avian toxicological studies. Multivariate analysis and linear models supported geographical location as a significant predictor for the level of most of the metals. Zn and Cu, generally and Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr at some sites exhibited potential bioaccumulation from surrounding environments. Inter-species comparisons strengthen the inference that the House crow is a reliable bioindicator species for the qualitative assessment of local urban environmental pollution and could be a useful tool for inter-regional monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheena Iqbal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Robyn Wilson
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Qasim Ayub
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Beng Kah Song
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | | | - Amin Talei
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Aditya Hermawan
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sadequr Rahman
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Stocker J, Morel AP, Wolfarth M, Dias JF, Niekraszewicz LAB, Cademartori CV, Silva FRD. Basal levels of inorganic elements, genetic damages, and hematological values in captive Falco peregrinus. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20220067. [PMID: 35638824 PMCID: PMC9152845 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential to determine the basal pattern of different biomarkers for future evaluation of animal health and biomonitoring studies. Due to their great displacement capacity and to being at the top of their food chains, birds of prey are suitable for monitoring purposes. Furthermore, some birds of prey are adapted to using resources in urban places, providing information about this environment. Thus, this study determined the basal frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear alterations in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Falco peregrinus. Hematological and inorganic elements analysis were also performed. For this purpose, 13 individuals (7 females and 6 males) were sampled in private breeding grounds. Micronucleus, nuclear buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, notched nuclei, binucleated cells and nuclear tails were quantified. Inorganic elements detected included the macro-elements Ca, P, Mg, Na, Cl, S and K as well as the micro-elements Fe, Al and Zn. Our study found similar values compared to previous studies determining the reference ranges of hematologic parameters in falcons. The only different value was observed in the relative number of monocytes. Thus, this study is the first approach to obtaining reference values of cytogenetic damage in this species and could be useful for future comparisons in biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Stocker
- Universidade La Salle, Laboratório de Ecogenotoxicologia, Canoas, RS, Brazil
- Universidade La Salle, Programa de Pós-graduação em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Morel
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Clínica Médica Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Micaele Wolfarth
- Universidade La Salle, Laboratório de Ecogenotoxicologia, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Johnny Ferraz Dias
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina V Cademartori
- Universidade La Salle, Programa de Pós-graduação em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
- Universidade La Salle, Programa de Pós-graduação em Memória Social e Bens Culturais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R da Silva
- Universidade La Salle, Laboratório de Ecogenotoxicologia, Canoas, RS, Brazil
- Universidade La Salle, Programa de Pós-graduação em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Canoas, RS, Brazil
- Universidade La Salle, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Canoas, RS, Brazil
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Ecological traits and landscape characteristics predicting bird sensitivity to urbanization in city parks. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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EFFECT OF L–TOCOPHEROL ON MORPHOLOGICAL REFORMATIONS OF RAT PINEAL GLAND UNDER THE IMPACT OF HEAVY METAL SALTS. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2022-1-79-184-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Enhancing the ecological realism of evolutionary mismatch theory. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 37:233-245. [PMID: 34802715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following rapid environmental change, why do some animals thrive, while others struggle? We present an expanded, cue-response framework for predicting variation in behavioral responses to novel situations. We show how signal detection theory can be used when individuals have three behavioral options (approach, avoid, or ignore). Based on this theory, we outline predictions about which animals are more likely to make mistakes around novel conditions (i.e., fall for a trap or fail to use an undervalued resource) and the intensity of that mismatch (i.e., severe versus moderate). Explicitly considering three options provides a more holistic perspective and allows us to distinguish between severe and moderate traps, which could guide management strategies in a changing world.
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Niche Analysis and Conservation of Bird Species Using Urban Core Areas. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13116327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Knowing the ecological requirements of bird species is essential for their successful conservation. We studied the niche characteristics of birds in managed small-sized green spaces in the urban core areas of southern (Kavala, Greece) and northern Europe (Rovaniemi, Finland), during the breeding season, based on a set of 16 environmental variables and using Outlying Mean Index, a multivariate ordination technique. Overall, 26 bird species in Kavala and 15 in Rovaniemi were recorded in more than 5% of the green spaces and were used in detailed analyses. In both areas, bird species occupied different niches of varying marginality and breadth, indicating varying responses to urban environmental conditions. Birds showed high specialization in niche position, with 12 species in Kavala (46.2%) and six species in Rovaniemi (40.0%) having marginal niches. Niche breadth was narrower in Rovaniemi than in Kavala. Species in both communities were more strongly associated either with large green spaces located further away from the city center and having a high vegetation cover (urban adapters; e.g., Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris), Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)) or with green spaces located closer to the city center and having high gray area cover and anthropogenic disturbance level (urban exploiters; e.g., Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)). The eleven species that were common to both study areas similarly used the environmental variables and had similar niches, indicating that birds respond similarly to urbanization irrespective of latitude. Sixteen species in Kavala and eleven species in Rovaniemi were identified as conservation priority species, based on their niche specialization level and conservation status. The management actions proposed for the conservation of priority species will also benefit other species with similar ecological requirements and ultimately help maintain diverse bird communities in small-sized green spaces in urban core areas.
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Aziz B, Zubair M, Irshad N, Ahmad KS, Mahmood M, Tahir MM, Shah KH, Shaheen A. Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Feathers of Birds from North-Eastern Pakistan. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 106:805-811. [PMID: 33743020 PMCID: PMC8049892 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study was designed to determine the concentrations of toxic metals (Ni, Pb and Cr) in feathers of birds collected from four regions of NE Pakistan. Feather samples of birds (House Crow, Common Myna and House Sparrow) were collected from different areas. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of metals in feathers. Analysis of the data revealed that concentrations of Pb and Cr were significantly different (p < 0.05) among bird species, whereas no difference (p > 0.05) was detected among bird species (house crow, common myna and house sparrow) for Ni. A significant difference was found for the concentration of Pb and Ni in all the four studied regions. Whereas, non-significant difference was found in all the studied regions for the concentrating of Cr. It was revealed that there is significant rising concentration of metals (Pb, Cr) in feathers of birds in Azad Kashmir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Aziz
- Department of Zoology, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.
| | - Nausheen Irshad
- Department of Zoology, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Khawaja Shafique Ahmad
- Department of Botany, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Majid Mahmood
- Department of Zoology, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Majid Mahmood Tahir
- Department of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Khizar Hussain Shah
- Department of Chemistry, Comsats University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Aqeela Shaheen
- Department of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Rawalakot, 12350, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
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Pitre C, Ponette-González AG, Rindy JE, Lee A, Doherty D, Fry M, Johnson JA. Bird feathers are potential biomonitors for airborne elemental carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:35. [PMID: 33409602 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Birds can serve as effective biomonitors of air pollution, yet few studies have quantified external particulate matter accumulation on bird feathers. Biomonitoring of airborne elemental carbon (EC) is of critical significance because EC is a component of particulate matter with adverse effects on air quality and human health. To assess their effectiveness for use in EC monitoring, we compared EC accumulation on bird feathers at two sites that differed in vehicular traffic volume in an urban environment within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, USA. Moulted flight feathers from domestic chickens were experimentally exposed to ambient EC pollution for 5 days in two urban microenvironments 1.5 km distant from each other that differed in traffic volume--adjacent to an interstate highway and a university campus bus stop. Feathers near the highway accumulated approximately eight times more EC (307 ± 34 μg m-2 day-1), on average, than feathers near the bus stop (40 ± 9 μg m-2 day-1). These findings indicate that EC accumulation on feathers varies over short distances within urban areas and that bird feathers potentially can be used for biomonitoring airborne EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Pitre
- Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX, USA
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer - Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra G Ponette-González
- Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX, USA.
| | - Jenna E Rindy
- Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Lee
- Department of Studio Art, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 1155 Union Circle #305100, USA
| | - Dornith Doherty
- Department of Studio Art, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 1155 Union Circle #305100, USA
| | - Matthew Fry
- Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Jeff A Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, USA
- Wolf Creek Operating Foundation, 1026 Soldier Creek Road, Wolf, WY, 82844, USA
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Ceyca-Contreras JP, Cortés-Gutiérrez EI, García-Salas JA, Dávila-Rodríguez MI, García-Hernández J. Evaluation of the genotoxic effect of heavy metals in pigeons from urban and rural habitat in Monterrey, Mexico, using the chromatin dispersion assay. Biomarkers 2020; 25:670-676. [PMID: 32969739 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2020.1825811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluate genotoxic effect of heavy metals on Pigeon Erythrocytes (PE) from urban and rural habitat (outside of the city) in Monterrey, Mexico, using the chromatin dispersion assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS We quantified metals concentrations (Cd, Hg, Cu and Pb) in tail feathers of 22 pigeons from an urban and a rural site in northeastern Mexico. DNA damage in peripheral blood erythrocytes was measured by chromatin dispersion assay in 13 pigeon living in urban habitat and in nine living in rural habitat as the control. MicroNucleus (MN) test was used to confirm levels of DNA damage. RESULTS Birds in urban habitat had highest concentrations in feathers for all the metallic elements analysed with respect to birds in rural habitat. Concentrations of Cu and Hg showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). Our results showed a significant increase of DNA damage in urban-habitat pigeons compared with that of pigeons in rural area. These results were confirmed by a MN test. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary findings demonstrate that PE examination via chromatin dispersion assay is a reliable, precise and inexpensive morphological bioassay for evaluating environmental genotoxicity associated with heavy metals. Further studies for evaluating the individual participation of contaminants in DNA damage are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Ceyca-Contreras
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, México
| | - Elva I Cortés-Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, México
| | - Juan A García-Salas
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, México
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Bauerová P, Krajzingrová T, Těšický M, Velová H, Hraníček J, Musil S, Svobodová J, Albrecht T, Vinkler M. Longitudinally monitored lifetime changes in blood heavy metal concentrations and their health effects in urban birds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138002. [PMID: 32213411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Urban heavy metal pollution can impair the health of humans and other organisms inhabiting cities. While birds are suggested as one of the appropriate bioindicators for essential and non-essential trace element monitoring, the process of particular elements' accumulation in blood and its possible adverse health effects during ageing of individuals remain unexplored. We have investigated lifetime changes in blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn) concentrations and searched for links to health-related traits in sub-urban free-living great tit (Parus major) population monitored over a long period of time. The blood As concentrations were under the limit of detection in most samples. The blood Pb levels showed a non-linear relationship to individuals age, where the highest Pb concentrations were measured in nestlings and in a very small group of highly senescent birds (over 7 years old), while no clear trend was observed for the majority of the adult age stages. No age-related patterns were found for blood Cd or Zn concentrations. The positive relationship between date of capture and blood Cd and Zn levels may reflect seasonal changes in diet composition. We did not reveal any anaemia-like conditions (decreased total erythrocyte count or increased immature erythrocyte count) in relation to blood heavy metal concentrations in the investigated birds. Total leukocyte counts, heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and total heterophil and lymphocyte counts increased with increasing Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations in blood. This study demonstrates the suitability of avian blood for actual heavy metal spatial and temporal biomonitoring even in situations when the precise age of the individuals remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bauerová
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecology, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Division of Air Quality, Tušimice Observatory, Tušimice 6, Kadaň 432 01, Czech Republic.
| | - Tereza Krajzingrová
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Těšický
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Velová
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Hraníček
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Musil
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Trace Element Analysis, Veveří 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Svobodová
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecology, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Vinkler
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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A Conceptual Framework for Choosing Target Species for Wildlife-Inclusive Urban Design. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11246972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the significance of cities for biodiversity, making them important places for conservation in their own right. Current conservation approaches in cities are mostly defensive. Thus, they focus on remnant pockets of natural areas or try to protect particular species that occur in the built environment. These approaches are vulnerable to further urban development and do not create habitats. An alternative strategy is to make wildlife an integral part of urban development and thereby create a new habitat in the built-up area. Here we address the challenge of choosing target species for such wildlife-inclusive urban design. The starting point of our conceptual framework is the regional species pool, which can be obtained from geo-referenced species data. The existing habitat types on and around the development site and dispersal barriers limit the species numbers to the local species potential. In the next step, the site’s potential for each species is analyzed—how can it be upgraded to host species given the planned development and the life-cycle of the species? For the final choice of target species, traits related to the human–animal interaction are considered. We suggest that stakeholders will be involved in the final species selection. Our approach differs from existing practice, such as expert choice of priority species, by (1) representing an open process where many species are potential targets of conservation, (2) the involvement of stakeholders in a participatory way. Our approach can also be used at larger spatial scales such as quarters or entire cities.
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Gadau A, Crawford MS, Mayek R, Giraudeau M, McGraw KJ, Whisner CM, Kondrat-Smith C, Sweazea KL. A comparison of the nutritional physiology and gut microbiome of urban and rural house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 237:110332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.110332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Souto HN, de Campos Júnior EO, Campos CF, Rodrigues TS, Pereira BB, Morelli S. Biomonitoring birds: the use of a micronuclei test as a tool to assess environmental pollutants on coffee farms in southeast Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:24084-24092. [PMID: 29948684 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Birds have often played an important role as environmental bioindicators, and different species can be useful due to their bioaccumulating capacity. The micronuclei test is a cytologic technique used for accessing DNA and is a biomarker for damage to DNA. This study analysed the Cerrado avian community, especially the efficiency of the blue-black grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) in responding to pesticide contamination in situ on different-sized coffee farms in southeast Brazil. The micronuclei test was used in erythrocytes of birds. Eighty-two individuals of 21 bird species belonging to 11 families that were found in all study areas were used to evaluate micronuclei (MN) frequency. Two hundred fifty-two MN were counted in every area of study. The MN average count was 3/10,000 erythrocytes, and 17.1% of all bird species exhibited no MN. The average MN was 1.29 ± 0.69 in small farms, 2.59 ± 1.65 in medium farms, and 5.41 ± 1.34 in large farms. Small farms accounted for 14.3% of MN frequency, medium farms 27.8%, and large farms 57.9%. V. jacarina was the most abundant species found and displayed a sensitive response to environmental contamination. Pesticides appear to induce MN formation in a dose-dependent way when farms are analysed according to their area. Therefore, biomonitoring birds remain an efficient means to detect environmental pollutants, especially pesticides. V. jacarina responds as a sensitive biomonitor, showing a dose-dependent response to pesticides used in coffee farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Nazareth Souto
- Department of Genetics and Biochemestry, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Pará, 1920, Campus Umuarama, Jardim Umuarama, Bloco 2E - Sala 244, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Edimar Olegário de Campos Júnior
- Department of Genetics and Biochemestry, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Pará, 1920, Campus Umuarama, Jardim Umuarama, Bloco 2E - Sala 244, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Fernando Campos
- Department of Genetics and Biochemestry, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Pará, 1920, Campus Umuarama, Jardim Umuarama, Bloco 2E - Sala 244, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tamiris Sabrina Rodrigues
- Department of Genetics and Biochemestry, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Pará, 1920, Campus Umuarama, Jardim Umuarama, Bloco 2E - Sala 244, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Morelli
- Department of Genetics and Biochemestry, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Pará, 1920, Campus Umuarama, Jardim Umuarama, Bloco 2E - Sala 244, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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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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