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Stalwick JA, Ratelle M, Gurney KEB, Drysdale M, Lazarescu C, Comte J, Laird B, Skinner K. Sources of exposure to lead in Arctic and subarctic regions: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2208810. [PMID: 37196187 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2208810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding lead exposure pathways is a priority because of its ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as the potential health risks. We aimed to identify potential lead sources and pathways of lead exposure, including long-range transport, and the magnitude of exposure in Arctic and subarctic communities. A scoping review strategy and screening approach was used to search literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 228 academic and grey literature references were synthesised. The majority of these studies (54%) were from Canada. Indigenous people in Arctic and subarctic communities in Canada had higher levels of lead than the rest of Canada. The majority of studies in all Arctic countries reported at least some individuals above the level of concern. Lead levels were influenced by a number of factors including using lead ammunition to harvest traditional food and living in close proximity to mines. Lead levels in water, soil, and sediment were generally low. Literature showed the possibility of long-range transport via migratory birds. Household lead sources included lead-based paint, dust, or tap water. This literature review will help to inform management strategies for communities, researchers, and governments, with the aim of decreasing lead exposure in northern regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn A Stalwick
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mylène Ratelle
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kirsty E B Gurney
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mallory Drysdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Calin Lazarescu
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jérôme Comte
- Institut National de Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Eau Terre Environnement Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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2
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Baos R, Cabezas S, González MJ, Jiménez B, Delibes M. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as sentinel species for the long-term biomonitoring of the Guadiamar River after the Aznalcóllar mine spill. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149669. [PMID: 34525684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149669] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accidents at mines involving stored tailings have produced catastrophic environmental damage. In April 1998 the dam of the Aznalcóllar mine tailings pond in the surroundings of the Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain) broke, discharging into the Guadiamar River more than 6 million m3 of toxic mud and acidic water with high concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic. We used the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as sentinel species to assess the potential impact of the toxic spill on the river ecosystems and their recovery with time by studying the spatial and temporal variation (1999-2003, 2006) of selected trace element (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and As) concentrations in feces. Throughout the sampling period, the highest heavy metal and As levels were found in the most spill-affected reaches of the Guadiamar River (i.e., the Middle and, to a lesser extent, the Lower reaches), pointing out the mining accident as the main origin of the contamination. Overall, levels of trace elements decreased with the time elapsed since the toxic spill, except for Cd (F1,352 = 0.29, P = 0.59). However, rebounds for some elements (Pb, As, and Cu) were also observed, especially in the Middle and Lower reaches of the river, which might be attributed to the residual contamination in abiotic compartments and/or new inputs from industrial and agricultural activities in the nearby areas. Concentrations were relatively high when compared to those reported for both our reference area (Guadalete River) and other metal-polluted zones. We found that the estimated amounts of Pb and As ingested during the first years after the spill in the Guadiamar Middle reach would be high enough to cause reproductive issues. This could affect the local population recovery, although evidence on distribution range and numbers suggests otherwise, with thriving populations at regional scale. Our results support the role of otters as sentinel species for biomonitoring contaminants and thus to evaluate fluvial ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Baos
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - María José González
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Jarma D, Sánchez MI, Green AJ, Peralta-Sánchez JM, Hortas F, Sánchez-Melsió A, Borrego CM. Faecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in migratory waterbirds with contrasting habitat use. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146872. [PMID: 33872913 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Migratory birds may have a vital role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance across habitats and regions, but empirical data remain scarce. We investigated differences in the gut microbiome composition and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in faeces from four migratory waterbirds wintering in South-West Spain that differ in their habitat use. The white stork Ciconia ciconia and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus are omnivorous and opportunistic birds that use highly anthropogenic habitats such as landfills and urban areas. The greylag goose Anser anser and common crane Grus grus are herbivores and use more natural habitats. Fresh faeces from 15 individuals of each species were analysed to assess the composition of bacterial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon-targeted sequencing, and to quantify the abundance of the Class I integron integrase gene (intI1) as well as genes encoding resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaKPC and blaNDM), tetracyclines (tetW), fluoroquinolones (qnrS), and colistin (mcr-1) using qPCR. Bacterial communities in gull faeces were the richest and most diverse. Beta diversity analysis showed segregation in faecal communities between bird species, but those from storks and gulls were the most similar, these being the species that regularly feed in landfills. Potential bacterial pathogens identified in faeces differed significantly between bird species, with higher relative abundance in gulls. Faeces from birds that feed in landfills (stork and gull) contained a significantly higher abundance of ARGs (sul1, blaTEM, and tetW). Genes conferring resistance to last resort antibiotics such as carbapenems (blaKPC) and colistin (mcr-1) were only observed in faeces from gulls. These results show that these bird species are reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and suggest that waterbirds may disseminate antibiotic resistance across environments (e.g., from landfills to ricefields or water supplies), and thus constitute a risk for their further spread to wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Jarma
- Departamento de Biología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Avda. República Saharaui, s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD-CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD-CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Peralta-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Hortas
- Departamento de Biología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Avda. República Saharaui, s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Alexandre Sánchez-Melsió
- Water Quality, Institut Català de Recerca de l'Aigua (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Carles M Borrego
- Water Quality, Institut Català de Recerca de l'Aigua (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Grup d'Ecologia Microbiana Molecular, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Universitat de Girona, Campus de Montilivi, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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Manzano J, Méndez-Fernández P, Gil-Jiménez E, Romero D, Ferrer M. Temporal trends of inorganic elements in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) population from south west Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116447. [PMID: 33516125 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116447] [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: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Historical variations (1966-2016) in the exposure to inorganic elements in raptors of South West Spain have been little studied. Therefore, uncertainty exists concerning whether environmental or anthropogenic inputs, as well as dietary strategy shift, may cause changes in exposure patterns. To address this gap, essential and non-essential inorganic elements were measured in Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) feathers from museum specimens and free-living individuals spanning a 50-year period. Moreover, stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N were also measured as proxies of Common kestrel feeding ecology over time. In general, all elements showed significant increasing trends overtime, suggesting changes of inputs from local sources. Moreover, δ15N signatures were correlated to the variations in Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn concentrations, suggesting trophic changes in this kestrel population as well as possible biomagnification processes. Finally, some values of Cr, Mn and Pb were above the threshold concentrations of potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Manzano
- Applied Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Paula Méndez-Fernández
- Observatoire PELAGIS, UMS 3462- La Rochelle Université - CNRS, 5 Allées de l'océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | | | - Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología. Universidad de Murcia. Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Gil-Jiménez E, de Lucas M, Ferrer M. Metalliferous Mining Pollution and Its Impact on Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial Vertebrates: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 256:1-69. [PMID: 34724574 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_65] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metalliferous mining, a major source of metals and metalloids, has severe potential environmental impacts. However, the number of papers published in international peer-reviewed journals seems to be low regarding its effects in terrestrial wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, our review is the first on this topic. We used 186 studies published in scientific journals concerning metalliferous mining or mining spill pollution and their effects on terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. We identified the working status of the mine complexes studied, the different biomarkers of exposure and effect used, and the studied taxa. Most studies (128) were developed in former mine sites and 46 in active mining areas. Additionally, although several mining accidents have occurred throughout the world, all papers about effects on terrestrial vertebrates from mining spillages were from Aznalcóllar (Spain). We also observed a lack of studies in some countries with a prominent mining industry. Despite >50% of the studies used some biomarker of effect, 42% of them only assessed exposure by measuring metal content in internal tissues or by non-invasive sampling, without considering the effect in their populations. Most studied species were birds and small mammals, with a negligible representation of reptiles and amphibians. The information gathered in this review could be helpful for future studies and protocols on the topic and it facilitates a database with valuable information on risk assessment of metalliferous mining pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela de Lucas
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Bird Feces as Indicators of Metal Pollution: Pitfalls and Solutions. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040124. [PMID: 33353152 PMCID: PMC7767019 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bird feces are commonly used as a proxy for measuring dietary metal exposure levels in wild populations. Our study aims to improve the reliability and repeatability of fecal metal measurements and gives some recommendations for sampling. First, we studied levels of variation in metallic element (arsenic, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, lead) concentrations: temporal variation within an individual, among siblings in a brood and among-brood/spatial variation. Second, we explored the variation caused by dual composition (urate vs. feces) of bird droppings. Two sets of fresh fecal samples were collected from pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) nestlings living in a metal polluted area in summers 2017 (dataset 1) and 2018 (dataset 2). We found a great deal of temporal intra-individual variation in metal levels, suggesting that dietary exposure varied markedly in a short time scale (within a day). A sample from only one nestling per brood did not well describe the brood mean value, and we recommend that at least four siblings should be sampled. Brood level samples give relatively good temporal repeatability for most metals. For all the metals, the levels in the fecal portion were more than double to those in the urate portion. Since the mass proportion of urate in the bird droppings varied a great deal among samples, standardizing sampling, e.g., by collecting only the fecal part, would markedly reduce the variation due to composition. Alternatively, urate portion could be used for biomonitoring of internally circulated bioavailable metal.
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Pérez de Vargas A, Cuadrado M, Camarero PR, Mateo R. An assessment of eggshell pigments as non-invasive biomarkers of organochlorine pollutants in gull-billed tern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 732:139210. [PMID: 32438180 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Eggshell pigmentation has been assessed as an indicator of exposure to environmental pollutants in birds, but these studies have only used reflectance spectrophotometry to measure such pigmentation. The present study is the first one that measures eggshell pigments and pollutants in the same eggs to explore their use as biomarkers in birds. We have studied the concentration of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the content of 97 deserted eggs of gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) after the abandonment of the colony in Mesas de Asta (Cádiz, S Spain) in 2012. Eggshell thickness and stage of embryo development were studied together along with the concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in eggshells. p,p'-DDE concentrations were high when compared with other studies done with terns in the Mediterranean basin in the past. p,p'-DDE and PCB levels associated with reduced reproductive success were found in 5.1% and 2.1% of the eggs respectively. Eggshell index was largely affected by the embryo development stage, which highlights the need of knowing this information to avoid potential biases in the interpretation of results. The concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in the eggs of gull-billed terns were negatively associated with DDTs levels, which seems to confirm previous observations with phylogenetically related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pérez de Vargas
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Veterinary Diagnostic and Research Unit, Veterinary Section, Al Ain Zoo, PO Box 1204, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariano Cuadrado
- ZooBotánico Jerez - Ayuntamiento de Jerez, Madreselva s/n, 11408 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Gil-Jiménez E, Manzano J, Casado E, Ferrer M. The role of density-dependence regulation in the misleading effect of the Aznalcollar mining spill on the booted eagle fecundity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:440-446. [PMID: 28117149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the exposure and potential effects of the toxic elements released by the Aznalcollar spillage on the fecundity of the booted eagle (Hieraetus pennatus) population of Doñana National Park. We measured As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Sb and Tl levels in the blood of 24 individuals after the accident and also used data of reproductive performance of the species from 1976 to 2000. While As, Sb and Tl were below their detection limits and only 3 samples were above detection limit for Cd (0.02-0.04μg/dl), mean levels of Cu, Zn and Pb (μg/dl) were found to be 38.736, 532.937 and 0.719, respectively, in fledglings; and 66.112, 652.571 and 1.825, respectively, in adults. These levels were higher in adults, but they did not differ significantly between age classes and were at safe levels. In addition, a positive relationship between relative fecundity and the combination of Cu, Zn and Pb was observed. Following the mining spill, the mean population fecundity was lower (0.536 fledglings per pair in the population) than before (1.093). However, the decrease in fecundity over time was also related to the increase of breeding pairs, suggesting a density-dependent regulation and nullifying the mining spillage effect. Thus, although raptors have proved to be highly valuable biomonitors of environmental pollution, we must be especially cautious and go beyond the apparent effects that sometimes we quickly believe to detect, leading us to reach mistaken conclusions that could affect our management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Manzano
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Eva Casado
- Fundación Migres, Avda. de María Luisa s/n, Pabellón de Perú, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Mateo R, Petkov N, Lopez-Antia A, Rodríguez-Estival J, Green AJ. Risk assessment of lead poisoning and pesticide exposure in the declining population of red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis) wintering in Eastern Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:359-367. [PMID: 27529395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis is a globally threatened species (IUCN Vulnerable) and the only European goose species currently in decline. Working on the wintering grounds on the Black Sea Coast, we address two potential causes of decline of this species for the first time: lead poisoning, and contamination from pesticides. We quantified the densities of spent Pb shot in three wetlands used by the geese in north-east Bulgaria, and analysed the Pb concentration in the faeces of red-breasted geese and the more abundant greater white-fronted geese Anser albifrons, using Al concentration as an indicator of soil ingestion. Pb shot densities in sediments were low, and we found no evidence for Pb shot ingestion in red-breasted geese. On the other hand, we found that the geese were feeding on wheat whose seeds were treated with four fungicides: thiram, tebuconazole, difenoconazole and fludioxonil, and the two first were even detected in geese faecal samples. Using data on the daily food intake, we estimated the exposure levels of the geese to these fungicides, both by measuring the concentrations remaining on seeds and by estimating the amount used to coat the seeds at the time of sowing. We found that the exposure rates estimated during the sowing period for both geese species can exceed the recognized hazardous doses for thiram, and to a lesser extent for tebuconazole, which indicates that some pesticides may be playing a previously overlooked role in the decline of red-breasted geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mateo
- Group of Wildlife Toxicology, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Nikolai Petkov
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, Yavorov Complex, bl 71, entr.4, BG-1111 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ana Lopez-Antia
- Group of Wildlife Toxicology, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Group of Wildlife Toxicology, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain
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Reiter-Marolf WJ, Dinsmore SJ, Blanchong JA. An evaluation of excrement as an alternative to blood for characterizing lead exposure in bald eagles. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J. Dinsmore
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Iowa State University; Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Julie A. Blanchong
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Iowa State University; Ames IA 50011 USA
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11
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Aloupi M, Kazantzidis S, Akriotis T, Bantikou E, Hatzidaki VO. Lesser White-fronted (Anser erythropus) and Greater White-fronted (A. albifrons) Geese wintering in Greek wetlands are not threatened by Pb through shot ingestion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 527-528:279-86. [PMID: 25965041 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Fecal lead (Pb) levels were investigated in the threatened European population of the Lesser White-fronted Goose (LWfG, Anser erythropus) and of the non-threatened Greater White-fronted Goose (GWfG, Anser albifrons) wintering in two wetland areas in northern Greece in order to assess the potential risk from Pb exposure. Fecal, soil and food plant samples were analyzed. Levels of Pb were normalized using Al concentrations in order to separate the effect of possible ingestion of Pb shot from that of soil or sediment accidentally ingested with food. All concentrations are expressed on a dry weight basis. Geometric means of Pb content in the feces of LWfG were 6.24 mg/kg at Evros Delta and 7.34 mg/kg at Lake Kerkini (maximum values of 28.61 mg/kg and 36.68 mg/kg, respectively); for fecal samples of GWfG geometric means were 2.39 mg/kg at Evros Delta and 6.90 mg/kg at Kerkini (corresponding maximum values of 25.09 mg/kg and 42.26 mg/kg). Soil Pb was in the range of 5.2-60.2mg/kg (geometric mean = 22.6 mg/kg) for the Evros Delta and between 13.4 and 64.9 mg/kg (geometric mean=28.1mg/kg) for Kerkini. A general linear model fitted to the data showed that Pb levels were very closely dependent on Al levels in the feces from both species and at both sites indicating soil or sediment were the only significant source of Pb; species and site, as well as their interaction, were not statistically significant factors. For both species and at both sites exposure to Pb was evidently very mild and the observed levels of Pb were well below the proposed thresholds for lethal or sublethal effects of Pb poisoning. Soil ingestion appeared to gradually increase from October to December for LWfG at Kerkini, corresponding to a gradual depletion of their food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aloupi
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of the Aegean, GR 81100 Mytilini, Greece.
| | - Savas Kazantzidis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization "DEMETER", Forest Research Institute, GR 57006, Vassilika, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Bantikou
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of the Aegean, GR 81100 Mytilini, Greece
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Anton ÁD, Klebercz O, Magyar Á, Burke IT, Jarvis AP, Gruiz K, Mayes WM. Geochemical recovery of the Torna-Marcal river system after the Ajka red mud spill, Hungary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:2677-2685. [PMID: 25312516 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00452c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The failure of the Ajka red mud depository in October 2010 led to the largest single release of red mud into the surface water environment. This study provides a comparative assessment of stream sediment quality in the Torna-Marcal-Rába catchment between post-disaster surveys (2010) and follow up surveys at an identical suite of 21 locations in 2013. The signature of red mud apparent in initial surveys with high Al, As, Cr, Na, V was only apparent at a small number of sample stations in recent surveys. These constitute <1 km of stream, compared to the >20 km reach of affected sediments in the immediate aftermath of the spill. Concentrations of red mud-derived contaminants are predominately associated with fine fractions of the red mud (<8 μm). This enhances transport out of the system of red mud-derived contaminants and, along with extensive remedial efforts, has substantially limited the within-channel inventory of potentially ecotoxic metals and metalloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Á D Anton
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, St. Gellért sq. 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
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