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Hoynes K, Holland AE, Bryan AL, Kupferman CA, Beasley JC. Trace elements and heavy metals in black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in the southeastern United States. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2024; 31:9000-9010. [PMID: 38183546 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Many vulture species worldwide are declining at alarming rates due to a variety of anthropogenic causes, including exposure to pollutants and pharmaceuticals through consumption of contaminated carrion. However, little is known about the extent to which vultures are exposed to various contaminants as well as toxicity thresholds for trace elements and heavy metals. Our objective was to quantify levels of trace elements and heavy metals within black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) tissues to determine the extent to which populations in the Southeastern United States are exposed to carrion that contains high levels of contaminants. We collected 34 black vulture liver samples and examined differences in trace element and heavy metal concentrations between sexes and age classes (adult and juvenile). Further, we collected 81 blood and 42 feather samples from additional black and turkey vultures and compared differences between species and age classes. We found similar element concentrations between juvenile and adult black vultures with the exception of Cu, where levels were higher in juveniles compared to adults. However, we did observe substantial differences in element concentrations between species for both blood and feather samples, with black vultures generally having higher concentrations of most elements. Our data revealed higher element levels in both species compared to toxicity thresholds found in other bird of prey species, such as blood and liver toxicity threshold suggestions for Pb poisoning in Falconiformes. Further, while average contaminant levels were generally low, extreme outliers were observed for some elements, including Pb, suggesting some individuals were exposed to high levels of potentially toxic elements. More research is needed to better understand contaminant exposure in black and turkey vultures across a broader geographic region, as well as elucidate toxicity thresholds and non-lethal impacts of contaminant exposure in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh Hoynes
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Amanda E Holland
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2369 W. Orton Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, UT, 84119, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Caitlin A Kupferman
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - James C Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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2
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Leaphart JC, Abercrombie SA, Borchert EJ, Bryan AL, Beasley JC. Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Radiocesium in Waterfowl Introduced to a Site with Legacy Contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022; 41:2479-2487. [PMID: 35866467 PMCID: PMC9804915 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the propensity of waterfowl species to readily accumulate anthropogenic contaminants within polluted environments, few studies have examined bioaccumulation rates over time when entering such a contaminated site. We examined mercury (Hg) and radiocesium (137 Cs) bioaccumulation over time in two waterfowl species released into a wetland system containing legacy contamination on the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Released birds were collected at select time intervals over an exposure period of 94 days. We quantified total Hg concentrations in blood, muscle, and liver tissues, and 137 Cs activity in whole-body and muscle tissues. The relationship between the contaminant burdens of different body tissue types was examined over time. Likely a result of microhabitat selection, mallards in our study readily accumulated both Hg and 137 Cs at consistent rates over time within our study system, while ring-neck ducks did not. The findings demonstrated that whole blood can be used as a robust, nondestructive sampling alternative to estimate Hg burdens within muscle and liver, and whole-body 137 Cs activity is a good predictor of muscle burdens. Understanding such bioaccumulation information in waterfowl is useful for the assessment of the potential health risk in wildlife, as well as being important for human risk assessment toward the consumption of popular game species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2479-2487. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Leaphart
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaAikenSouth CarolinaUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Ernest J. Borchert
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaAikenSouth CarolinaUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Albert L. Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaAikenSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaAikenSouth CarolinaUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
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3
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Rhodes OE, Bréchignac F, Bradshaw C, Hinton TG, Mothersill C, Arnone JA, Aubrey DP, Barnthouse LW, Beasley JC, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Boring LR, Bryan AL, Capps KA, Clément B, Coleman A, Condon C, Coutelot F, DeVol T, Dharmarajan G, Fletcher D, Flynn W, Gladfelder G, Glenn TC, Hendricks S, Ishida K, Jannik T, Kapustka L, Kautsky U, Kennamer R, Kuhne W, Lance S, Laptyev G, Love C, Manglass L, Martinez N, Mathews T, McKee A, McShea W, Mihok S, Mills G, Parrott B, Powell B, Pryakhin E, Rypstra A, Scott D, Seaman J, Seymour C, Shkvyria M, Ward A, White D, Wood MD, Zimmerman JK. Integration of ecosystem science into radioecology: A consensus perspective. Sci Total Environ 2020; 740:140031. [PMID: 32559536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the Fall of 2016 a workshop was held which brought together over 50 scientists from the ecological and radiological fields to discuss feasibility and challenges of reintegrating ecosystem science into radioecology. There is a growing desire to incorporate attributes of ecosystem science into radiological risk assessment and radioecological research more generally, fueled by recent advances in quantification of emergent ecosystem attributes and the desire to accurately reflect impacts of radiological stressors upon ecosystem function. This paper is a synthesis of the discussions and consensus of the workshop participant's responses to three primary questions, which were: 1) How can ecosystem science support radiological risk assessment? 2) What ecosystem level endpoints potentially could be used for radiological risk assessment? and 3) What inference strategies and associated methods would be most appropriate to assess the effects of radionuclides on ecosystem structure and function? The consensus of the participants was that ecosystem science can and should support radiological risk assessment through the incorporation of quantitative metrics that reflect ecosystem functions which are sensitive to radiological contaminants. The participants also agreed that many such endpoints exit or are thought to exit and while many are used in ecological risk assessment currently, additional data need to be collected that link the causal mechanisms of radiological exposure to these endpoints. Finally, the participants agreed that radiological risk assessments must be designed and informed by rigorous statistical frameworks capable of revealing the causal inference tying radiological exposure to the endpoints selected for measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America.
| | - Francois Bréchignac
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, International Union of Radioecology, Center of Cadarache, Bldg 159, BP 1, 13115 St Paul-lez-Durance cedex, France
| | - Clare Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima University, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | | | - John A Arnone
- Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512, United States of America
| | - Doug P Aubrey
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Lawrence W Barnthouse
- LWB Environmental Services, Inc., 1620 New London Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013, United States of America
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA 91768, United States of America
| | - Lindsay R Boring
- Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, #988 Jones Center Dr., Newton, GA 39870, United States of America
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Krista A Capps
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
| | - Bernard Clément
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69518, rue Maurice Audin, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | - Austin Coleman
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Condon
- School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, 100 Radiation Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Fanny Coutelot
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, 342 Computer Ct., Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29625, United States of America
| | - Timothy DeVol
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, 342 Computer Ct., Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625-6510, United States of America
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Dean Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Wes Flynn
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Garth Gladfelder
- School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, 100 Radiation Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Travis C Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
| | - Susan Hendricks
- Hancock Biological Station, 561 Emma Dr., Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, United States of America
| | - Ken Ishida
- The University of Tokyo, Yokoze, 6632-12, Yokoze-town, Chichibu-gun, 368-0072, Japan
| | - Tim Jannik
- Savannah River National Laboratory, SRS Bldg. 999-W, Room 312, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America
| | - Larry Kapustka
- LK Consultancy, P.O Box 373, 100 202 Blacklock Way SW, Turner Valley, Alberta T0L 2A0, Canada
| | - Ulrik Kautsky
- Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB, PO Box 3091, SE-169 03 Solna, Sweden
| | - Robert Kennamer
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Wendy Kuhne
- Savannah River National Laboratory, 735-A, B-102, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America
| | - Stacey Lance
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Gennadiy Laptyev
- Ukrainian HydroMeteorological Institute, 37 Prospekt Nauki, Kiev 02038, Ukraine
| | - Cara Love
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Lisa Manglass
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, 342 Computer Ct., Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625-6510, United States of America
| | - Nicole Martinez
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, 342 Computer Ct., Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625-6510, United States of America
| | - Teresa Mathews
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, One Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Arthur McKee
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT 59860, United States of America
| | - William McShea
- Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, United States of America
| | - Steve Mihok
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, P.O. Box 1046, Station B, 280 Slater St., Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5S9, Canada
| | - Gary Mills
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Ben Parrott
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Brian Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, 342 Computer Ct., Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29625, United States of America; Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America
| | - Evgeny Pryakhin
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Vorovsky Str., 68a, Chelyabinsk 454141, Russia
| | - Ann Rypstra
- Ecology Research Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, United States of America
| | - David Scott
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - John Seaman
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Colin Seymour
- Dept. of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryna Shkvyria
- Kyiv zoological park of national importance, prosp. Peremohy, 32, Kyiv 04116, Ukraine
| | - Amelia Ward
- Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box 870344, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America
| | - David White
- Hancock Biological Station, 561 Emma Dr., Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, United States of America
| | - Michael D Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT. United Kingdom
| | - Jess K Zimmerman
- University of Puerto Rico, #17 Ave Universidad, San Juan 00925, Puerto Rico
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Leaphart JC, Korotasz AM, Bryan AL, Beasley JC. Environmental fate of radiocesium in biota inhabiting a contaminated ecosystem on the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site. J Environ Radioact 2020; 222:106321. [PMID: 32892897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although biomagnification of radiocesium (137Cs) has been reported in food webs, most previous research has been limited to select trophic linkages. Few studies have included a comprehensive survey of fauna associated with aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial habitats within a single study framework. The objectives of this study were to advance our understanding of the dynamics of 137Cs accumulation within food webs by quantifying 137Cs activity across a wide range of biota found within a contaminated canal, as well as test the hypothesis that life-stage and body size influence 137Cs bioaccumulation in select herpetofauna. With extensive sampling across multiple taxa collected from a contaminated canal system and associated floodplain on the Savannah River Site, we assessed 137Cs activity and stable nitrogen isotopes for both aquatic organisms that were restricted to the contaminated effluent canal, and semi-aquatic organisms able to move freely between the contaminated canal and the adjacent uncontaminated terrestrial habitat. We found 137Cs activity to be highly variable among species, with evidence for and against biomagnification in semi-aquatic and aquatic organisms, respectively. Furthermore, 137Cs activity decreased with life stage and body size in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), despite post-metamorphic bullfrogs having a more carnivorous diet compared to tadpoles, while cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) retained similar 137Cs activity regardless of their age and size. Although evidence of biomagnification has been observed in some contaminated systems, results of our study suggest the extent to which 137Cs biomagnifies within food webs is context-dependent and likely influenced by a suite of biotic and abiotic factors. Further, our data indicate sampling of a broad suite of species and environmental attributes are needed to elucidate the fate and dynamics of anthropogenic pollutants within contaminated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Alexis M Korotasz
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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5
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Leaphart JC, Oldenkamp RE, Bryan AL, Kennamer RA, Beasley JC. Patterns of Trace Element Accumulation in Waterfowl Restricted to Impoundments Holding Coal Combustion Waste. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020; 39:1052-1059. [PMID: 32096287 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Waterfowl are often exposed to and readily accumulate anthropogenic contaminants when foraging in polluted environments. Settling impoundments containing coal combustion waste (CCW) enriched in trace elements such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg) are often used by free-ranging migratory and resident waterfowl and represent potential sources for contaminant uptake. To assess accumulation of CCW contaminants, we experimentally restricted waterfowl to a CCW-contaminated impoundment and quantified trace element burdens in blood, muscle, and liver tissues over known periods of exposure (between 3 and 92 d). From these data we developed models 1) to predict elemental bioaccumulation with increased exposure time, and 2) to predict muscle/liver burdens based on concentrations in blood as a nondestructive sampling method. Although Hg and As did not bioaccumulate in our waterfowl, we observed an increase in Se concentrations in muscle, liver, and blood tissues over the duration of our experiment. Furthermore, we found that blood may be used as an effective nondestructive sampling alternative to predict muscle and liver tissue concentrations in birds contaminated with Se and As through dietary exposure. These data provide unique insights into accumulation rates of contaminants for waterfowl utilizing habitats contaminated with CCW and demonstrate the efficacy of nonlethal sampling of waterfowl to quantify contaminant exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1052-1059. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Leaphart
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ricki E Oldenkamp
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Robert A Kennamer
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Haskins DL, Bryan AL. Radiocesium ( 137Cs) concentrations in the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia). J Environ Radioact 2020; 213:106107. [PMID: 31751801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to determine radiocesium (137Cs) concentrations in two species of aquatic salamanders - the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia) on the Savannah River Site. Concentrations (137Cs Bq/g, dry wt) of the two species were similar at both 137Cs-contaminated (A. means = 0.733 ± 0.242, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.839 ± 0.722, n = 5) and reference sites (A. means = 0.028 ± 0.020, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.042 ± 0.027, n = 11). Salamanders captured in areas impacted by 137Cs contamination exhibited significantly higher 137Cs concentrations than individuals captured at reference sites (U = 146, p < 0.001). Salamander size (snout-vent length) was not correlated with whole-body 137Cs. An analysis of our data using the ERICA tool suggests that negative impacts due to 137Cs exposure are unlikely in these species. Overall, these data indicate that A. means and S. intermedia inhabiting contaminated sites bioaccumulate but do not biomagnify 137Cs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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7
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Haskins DL, Korotasz AM, Bryan AL. Mercury Concentrations in the Two-Toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia): Validating Non-lethal Sampling Methods in Southeastern Aquatic Salamanders. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2019; 77:330-335. [PMID: 31350589 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The global decline of amphibians is a major conservation issue. Many stressors are recognized for this decline including exposure to environmental contaminants. Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that bioaccumulates in wildlife and can cause a variety of negative impacts across taxa, including amphibians. Amphiuma and Siren spp. can comprise a large portion of biomass within their respective ecosystems, and thus, likely serve as important predators or prey in wetland communities. However, due to their cryptic nature, little is known about their ecology, diet, and accumulation potential. We sought to validate a nonlethal sampling method to quantify total mercury (THg) in two enigmatic species of aquatic salamanders: the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia). We examined relationships between THg content in lethal (whole-body) and nonlethal (tail clip) samples. Tail clips were statistically significant predictors of whole-body THg (all p < 0.001), explaining 84-89% of variation in whole-body THg. Average whole-body THg (mg/kg) did not significantly differ between the two species (p = 0.97), and overall, they had similar whole-body THg content (S. intermedia = 0.330 ± 0.04, n = 18; A. means = 0.333 ± 0.07, n = 11). To our knowledge, these data represent the first reported Hg burdens in A. means and S. intermedia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
- Interdisicplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Alexis M Korotasz
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 100 Galvin Life Sciences Center, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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8
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Borchert EJ, Leaphart JC, Bryan AL, Beasley JC. Ecotoxicoparasitology of mercury and trace elements in semi-aquatic mammals and their endoparasite communities. Sci Total Environ 2019; 679:307-316. [PMID: 31085411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many contaminants persist in the environment for decades or more, influencing ecosystem health. Environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is a particular concern due to its ability to biomagnify in food webs and its lethal and sub-lethal effects in exposed organisms. Despite the known impacts of anthropogenic contamination, there remains a need for data on wildlife exposure to Hg and other contaminants, and the effects of exposure on wildlife health. The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify differences in concentrations of mercury and other trace elements among three sympatric semiaquatic mammals of different assumed trophic position: North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and North American beaver (Castor canadensis), 2) compare trace element concentrations between animals captured on the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, USA, where known inputs of Hg and other trace elements have occurred, and reference sites in South Carolina (SC) and Georgia (GA), USA, and 3) investigate the relationship between host trace element concentrations and endoparasite communities. River otters, beavers, and raccoons were sampled from the SRS, SC, and GA to quantify trace element concentrations in liver tissue and quantify endoparasite communities. Both species and sampling location were important factors determining hepatic trace element concentration, however, there was no consistent trend of elevated trace element concentrations among animals sampled on the SRS. Only Hg demonstrated biomagnification based on assumed trophic position, with river otters having the highest Hg concentrations among the sampled species. Additionally, the results suggest a possible relationship between host hepatic mercury concentration and endoparasite abundance, while hepatic selenium concentration may be related to endoparasite diversity. These findings further demonstrate how wildlife can accumulate anthropogenic contamination, although future research is needed to determine the mechanisms contributing to patterns observed between endoparasite communities and the contaminant concentrations of their mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest J Borchert
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - James C Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Xu X, Bryan AL, Mills GL, Korotasz AM. Mercury speciation, bioavailability, and biomagnification in contaminated streams on the Savannah River Site (SC, USA). Sci Total Environ 2019; 668:261-270. [PMID: 30852203 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Water, sediment, and biota from two streams on the Savannah River Site were sampled to study mercury (Hg) biogeochemistry. Total and methyl- Hg (MHg) concentrations were measured for all samples, speciation models were used to explore Hg speciation in the water, and Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) were applied to indicate the vertical profiles of labile Hg (DGT-Hg). Trophic position (δ15N) was estimated for biota and used to establish MHg biomagnification model. The speciation model indicated Hg methylation in the water occurred on settling particles and the most bioavailable Hg species to bacteria were complexes of inorganic Hg and labile organic ligands. Correspondingly, dissolved organic carbon concentrations were positively related to MHg concentrations in the water. In the sediment, the sharp increase of DGT-Hg around the sediment water interface underscores the importance of this interface, which determines the differences in the accumulation and generation of labile Hg among different waterbodies. The positive correlation between sediment MHg and sulfate concentrations suggested possible methylation reaction by dissimilatory sulfate reducing bacteria in the sediment. The food web magnification factors of MHg were 9.6 (95% CI: 4.0-23.4) and 4.4 (95% CI: 2.5-7.7) for the two streams established with trophic data of biofilm, invertebrates, and fish. Meanwhile, DGT-Hg concentrations in the water were positively correlated to biofilm Hg concentrations, which can be combined with the MHg biomagnification model to generate a modified biomagnification model that estimate MHg bioaccumulation with only labile Hg concentrations in the water. With this approach, Hg accumulation in abiotic and biotic environmental compartments was connected and the different bioaccumulation patterns of Hg in different waterbodies were explained with both geochemical and biological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia. PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia. PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Gary L Mills
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia. PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Alexis M Korotasz
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia. PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
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10
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Korotasz AM, Bryan AL. Accumulation of 137Cs by Carnivorous Aquatic Macrophytes (Utricularia spp.) on the Savannah River Site. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2018; 75:273-277. [PMID: 29299657 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plants are an important mode of transfer of contaminants from sediments into food webs. In aquatic ecosystems, contaminant uptake by macrophytes can vary by path of nutrient uptake (roots vs. absorption from water column). Carnivorous plants likely have additional exposure through consumption of small aquatic organisms. This study expanded on previous research suggesting that bladderworts (Genus Utricularia) accumulate radiocesium (137Cs) and examined for (1) a potential association between sediment and plant concentrations and (2) differences in 137Cs accumulation among rooted and free floating Utricularia species. A strong correlation was found between average 137Cs concentrations in all Utricularia species (combined) and sediments (rs = 0.9, p = 0.0374). Among three bladderwort species at common sites, Utricularia floridana, the only rooted species, had higher mean 137Cs concentrations than Utricularia purpurea, and U. purpurea had a greater mean 137Cs concentration than Utricularia inflata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Korotasz
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
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11
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Schlichting PE, Holland AE, Beasley JC, Bryan AL, Kennamer RA, DeVault TL, Blackwell BF, Rhodes OE. Efficacy of an acoustic hailing device as an avian dispersal tool. WILDLIFE SOC B 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Schlichting
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - Amanda E. Holland
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - Albert L. Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - Robert A. Kennamer
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - Travis L. DeVault
- U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research CenterOhio Field Station, 6100 Columbus AvenueSanduskyOH44870USA
| | - Bradley F. Blackwell
- U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research CenterOhio Field Station, 6100 Columbus AvenueSanduskyOH44870USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaP.O. Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
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12
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Cooper Z, Bringolf R, Cooper R, Loftis K, Bryan AL, Martin JA. Heavy metal bioaccumulation in two passerines with differing migration strategies. Sci Total Environ 2017; 592:25-32. [PMID: 28292671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities have resulted in concentration of heavy metals and contamination of surrounding environments. Historically, heavy metal contamination at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina has resulted from accidental releases of stored waste generated from nuclear weapon production in the early 1950s. Songbirds inhabiting and using resources from these areas have the potential to bioaccumulate metals but there is limited information on metal concentration levels in areas suspected of contamination as well as uncontaminated sites. Nonlethal tissues samples from avian blood and feathers provide a reliable approach for determining the bioavailability of these pollutants (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn). The objectives of this study were to survey terrestrial heavy metal contamination at the SRS on potentially bioavailable contaminated (PBC) sites through blood and feather samples from resident Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and migratory Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) and quantify sex-specific concentrations within species. Samples were collected in April to June of 2016. Cardinals had lower blood concentrations of Hg (β=-0.17, 85% CL=-0.26, -0.09) and Se (β=-0.33, 85% CL=-0.50, -0.16) than flycatchers. Cr feather concentrations were less in cardinals (β=-1.46, 85% CL=-2.44, -0.49) and all feathers of both species from reference locations had significantly less Zn (β=-67.92, 85% CL=-128.71, -7.14). Results indicate flycatchers were exposed to differing heavy metal levels during feather formation on their wintering grounds as compared to their recent exposure (through bloods samples) on their breeding grounds. Sex of individuals did not have a significant impact on bioaccumulation in either species. Overall, metal concentration levels in both species indicate minimal risk for acute toxicity; however, there is limited research on wild passerine populations with similar concentration levels. Therefore, further research on reproductive success of these birds should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Cooper
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA; University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
| | - Robert Bringolf
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Robert Cooper
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Kathy Loftis
- University of Georgia, Center for Applied Isotope Studies, 120 Riverbend Rd., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
| | - James A Martin
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA; University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
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13
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Oldenkamp RE, Bryan AL, Kennamer RA, Leaphart JC, Webster SC, Beasley JC. Trace elements and radiocesium in game species near contaminated sites. J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricki E. Oldenkamp
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Albert L. Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Robert A. Kennamer
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - James C. Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Sarah C. Webster
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
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14
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Bryan AL, Snodgrass JW, Brant HA, Romanek CS, Jagoe CH, Mills GL, Brisbin IL. Precipitation influences on uptake of a global pollutant by a coastal avian species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2711-2715. [PMID: 25242147 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Climatic variation, including precipitation amounts and timing, has been linked to abundance and breeding success of many avian species. Less studied, but also of significance, is the consequence of climatic variability on the exposure and uptake of nutrients and contaminants by wildlife. The authors examined mercury (Hg) concentrations in nestling wood stork feathers in a coastal setting over a 16-yr period to understand the influence of rainfall amounts on Hg transfer by parental provisioning relative to habitat use, assuming differential bioavailability of Hg within freshwater and saltwater habitat types. Coastal Hg uptake by stork nestlings was linked to freshwater habitat use, as indicated by stable carbon isotope (δ(13)C) analyses. Cumulative rainfall amounts exceeding 220 cm in the 23 mo preceding the breeding seasons resulted in greater use of freshwater wetlands as foraging habitat and greater Hg accumulation by nestling storks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
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15
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Bryan AL, Hopkins WA, Parikh JH, Jackson BP, Unrine JM. Coal fly ash basins as an attractive nuisance to birds: parental provisioning exposes nestlings to harmful trace elements. Environ Pollut 2012; 161:170-7. [PMID: 22230082 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Birds attracted to nest around coal ash settling basins may expose their young to contaminants by provisioning them with contaminated food. Diet and tissues of Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscala) nestlings were analyzed for trace elements to determine if nestlings were accumulating elements via dietary exposure and if feather growth limits elemental accumulation in other tissues. Arsenic, cadmium, and selenium concentrations in ash basin diets were 5× higher than reference diets. Arsenic, cadmium, and selenium concentrations were elevated in feather, liver, and carcass, but only liver Se concentrations approached levels of concern. Approximately 15% of the total body burden of Se, As, and Cd was sequestered in feathers of older (>5 days) nestlings, whereas only 1% of the total body burden of Sr was sequestered in feathers. Feather concentrations of only three elements (As, Se, and Sr) were correlated with liver concentrations, indicating their value as non-lethal indicators of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
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16
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Lopes IF, Tomasulo-Seccomandi AM, Bryan AL, Brisbin IL, Glenn TC, Del Lama SN. Genetic status of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) from the southeastern United States and the Brazilian Pantanal as revealed by mitochondrial DNA analysis. Genet Mol Res 2011; 10:1910-22. [PMID: 21948753 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The wood stork (Mycteria americana) is a colonial wading bird that inhabits the Neotropical region from the southeastern United States (US) to northern Argentina. The species is considered to be endangered in the US due to degradation of its foraging and breeding habitat. In other parts of its range, such as in the Brazilian Pantanal region, breeding populations of this species appear to be stable. We compared the levels of genetic variability and population structuring of the US and the Pantanal breeding populations using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. Twenty-seven haplotypes were identified among 88 wood stork samples collected from eight breeding colonies in the US and eight in the Pantanal. Patterns indicative of heteroplasmy were observed in 35.3% of the mtDNA sequences that were examined. Significantly higher levels of haplotype diversity were observed in the Pantanal samples compared to those from the US, suggesting that during the last century, demographic declines or a recent evolutionary bottleneck reduced the levels of mtDNA variability of the US population. Analyses of genetic structuring revealed non-significant genetic differentiation between these regions, indicating that either the populations were only recently separated or that gene flow continues to occur at low levels. Haplotype network analysis indicated low current levels of gene flow between populations that were closely related in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Lopes
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
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17
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Shaw-Allen PL, Romanek CS, Bryan AL, Brant H, Jagoe CH. Shifts in relative tissue delta15N values in snowy egret nestlings with dietary mercury exposure: a marker for increased protein degradation. Environ Sci Technol 2005; 39:4226-33. [PMID: 15984804 DOI: 10.1021/es0483950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Shifts in tissue nitrogen isotope composition may be a more sensitive general indicator of stress than measurement of high-turnover defensive biomolecules such as metallothionein and glutathione. As a physical resource transmitted along the trophic web, perturbations in protein nitrogen metabolism may also help resolve issues concerning the effects of contaminants on organisms and their consequential hierarchical linkages in ecotoxicology. Snowy egret nestlings (Egretta thula) fed mercury-contaminated diets of constant nitrogen isotope composition exhibited increased relative delta15N values in whole liver (p = 0.0011) and the acid-soluble fraction (ASF) of the liver (p = 0.0005) when compared to nestlings fed a reference diet. When nitrogen isotope data were adjusted for the source term of the diet, liver mercury concentrations corresponded with both whole liver relative 15N enrichment (r2 = 0.79, slope 0.009, p < 0.0001) and relative 15N enrichment in the acid-soluble fraction of the liver (r2 = 0.85, slope 0.026, p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, significant differences were not observed in hepatic levels of the metal-binding peptides metallothionein and glutathione despite a nearly 3-fold difference in liver mercury content. Because increases in tissue delta15N values result from increased rates of protein breakdown relative to synthesis, we propose that the increased relative liver delta15N values reflect a shift in protein metabolism. The relationship between ASF and mercury was significantly stronger (p < 0.0001) than that for whole liver, suggesting that the relationship is driven by an increase in bodily derived amino acids in the acid-soluble, free amino acid pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Shaw-Allen
- Department of Geology, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA.
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18
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Bryan AL, Hopkins WA, Baionno JA, Jackson BP. Maternal transfer of contaminants to eggs in common grackles (Quiscalus quiscala) nesting on coal fly ash basins. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2003; 45:273-277. [PMID: 14565586 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-002-0212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion is a major source of trace elements to the environment. Aquatic disposal of wastes from this process can result in reproductive failure in many wildlife species, but little is known regarding impacts on avian fauna. Individual eggs were collected from common grackles (Quiscalus quiscala) nesting in association with coal fly ash settling basins and a reference site to determine if females from the contaminated site transfered trace elements to their eggs. Whole clutches were also collected from both sites to examine inter- and intra-clutch variability of maternally transferred contaminants. Selenium was the only trace element found in significantly higher concentrations in ash basin eggs (x = 5.88 +/- 0.44 microg/g DW) than in reference eggs (x = 2.69 +/- 0.13 microg/g DW). Selenium concentrations in eggs from the ash basins were above background levels, but did not exceed higher proposed Se toxicity thresholds. Inter- and intra-clutch variation was higher for ash basin clutches than reference clutches. The relationship between selenium concentrations and laying order (estimated by egg mass) was not statistically significant, but increased Se concentration in the second egg of most ash basin clutches followed by declining concentrations in subsequent eggs suggested that further examination of this pattern might be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA.
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19
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Gariboldi JC, Bryan AL, Jagoe CH. Annual and regional variation in mercury concentrations in wood stork nestlings. Environ Toxicol Chem 2001; 20:1551-1556. [PMID: 11434297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Mercury concentrations were measured in blood, down, and feathers from approximately 300 wood stork nestlings in one South Carolina, USA, and four Georgia, USA, colonies from 1996 to 1999. Coastal nestlings generally had lower mercury concentrations than those from inland colonies. Inter-year differences were also apparent, particularly for coastal colonies, where nestling mercury concentrations were higher in 1998 than in 1997 or 1999. In 1998, a wet winter followed by a dry spring and summer produced ideal freshwater foraging conditions and mercury concentrations in coastal nestlings were higher than during the two dry years. There was little inter-year variation in mercury concentrations in nestlings from inland colonies, as parent storks from these colonies forage exclusively in freshwater habitats regardless of rainfall patterns. These results suggest that greater risk of mercury exposure to nestlings is associated with use of freshwater foraging habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Gariboldi
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
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Burger J, Gaines KF, Peles JD, Stephens WL, Boring CS, Brisbin IL, Snodgrass J, Bryan AL, Smith MH, Gochfeld M. Radiocesium in fish from the Savannah River and Steel Creek: potential food chain exposure to the public. Risk Anal 2001; 21:545-559. [PMID: 11572432 DOI: 10.1111/0272-4332.213131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study examined radiocesium (137Cs) levels in fish from the vicinity of the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), a former nuclear weapons production facility in South Carolina. Fish from the Savannah River were sampled above (upstream), along, and below (downstream) the SRS, and from Steel Creek, a tributary that runs through the SRS. There was some off-site contamination of 137Cs in the Savannah River watershed due to low-level releases from past nuclear production on the SRS. The null hypotheses tested were that there would be no differences in 137Cs levels as a function of location along the river, and between species collected from the river and from Steel Creek on the SRS. For six of eight species of fish collected from the Savannah River, there were no differences in 137Cs levels in muscle from fish collected above, along, or below the SRS; exceptions were bowfin and shellcracker. Fish collected from Steel Creek had significantly higher levels (by about an order of magnitude) of 137Cs in muscle tissue than fish collected in the Savannah River. However, no fish from either Steel Creek or the Savannah River had 137Cs levels above the European Economic Community limit for fresh meat of 0.6 Bq/g. Lifetime cancer risk was calculated using the cancer slope factor of 3.2 x 10(-11)/pCi, and various fish consumption scenarios reflecting actual data from Savannah River fishermen. Using mean 137Cs concentrations and median fish consumption for 70 years for Black males-the group with the highest consumption-the excess lifetime risk associated with the eight species of fish in the Savannah River ranged from 9.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-5). The same calculation for fish from Steel Creek gave risk estimates from 1.4 to 8.0 x 10(-5). The 95% level for consumption by Blacks, however, was about 70 kg/year. Black fishermen consuming that amount of bass from Steel Creek would sustain a lifetime risk of 3.1 x 10(-4), whereas the same consumption of Savannah River bass would yield a risk estimate of 1.5 x 10(-5).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA.
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21
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Peles JD, Bryan AL, Garten CT, Ribble DO, Smith MH. Ecological half-life of 137Cs in fish from a stream contaminated by nuclear reactor effluents. Sci Total Environ 2000; 263:255-262. [PMID: 11194159 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(00)00713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiocesium (137Cs) concentrations were determined during 1974, 1981 and 1998 for seven species of fish inhabiting a stream (Steel Creek) contaminated by effluents from a nuclear reactor to examine the decline of this radionuclide in a natural ecosystem. Median 137Cs concentrations were highest in Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) during each year of the investigation (1974 = 6.67 Bq g(-1) dry wt. of whole body; 1981 = 3.72 Bq g(-1); 1998 = 0.35 Bq g(-1)), but no patterns of differences were observed among Aphredoderus sayanus (pirate perch), Esox americanus (redfin pickerel), Lepomis auritus (redbreast sunfish), L. gulosus (warmouth), L. punctatus (spotted sunfish), and Notropis cummingsae (dusky shiner). Results demonstrated a rapid decline in 137Cs within fish from Steel Creek during the 24-year period. For example, 137Cs concentrations in all fish species declined significantly among years, even after accounting for radioactive decay. The observed percent declines in 137Cs concentrations of individual species were 3-4 times greater between 1974 and 1981 compared to that expected by physical decay alone, and 2-3 times greater during 1981-1998. Ecological half-lives (EHLs) of 137Cs in fish ranged from 4.43 years in A. sayanus to 6.53 years in L. gulosus. The EHL for 137Cs in all fish species combined was 5.54 years. Current levels of 137Cs in fish from Steel Creek (1.16 Bq g(-1) dry wt. of whole body to below detection limits) indicate that the consumption of fish from this ecosystem poses little risk to humans and sensitive wildlife species. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating the concept of ecological half-life into determinations concerning the length and severity of potential risks associated with radiocontaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Peles
- Ostermayer Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University-McKeesport, 15132, USA.
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Frye MA, Denicoff KD, Bryan AL, Smith-Jackson EE, Ali SO, Luckenbaugh D, Leverich GS, Post RM. Association between lower serum free T4 and greater mood instability and depression in lithium-maintained bipolar patients. Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156:1909-14. [PMID: 10588404 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.156.12.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This investigation evaluated the relationship between changes in thyroid indices and mood stability during lithium and carbamazepine prophylaxis for bipolar disorder. METHOD In the first 2 years, 30 patients with bipolar mood disorder were randomly assigned to 1 year of lithium and then 1 year of carbamazepine, or vice versa; in the third year, they received lithium plus carbamazepine. By stepwise regression analysis, the degree and timing of lithium- and carbamazepine-induced thyroid changes and their subsequent relationship to long-term mood stability were evaluated. RESULTS During the lithium phase, there was a significant inverse relationship between morbidity and mean serum level of free T4, i.e., a lower mean serum level of free T4 was associated with more affective episodes and greater severity of depression as shown by the Beck Depression Inventory. During the carbamazepine phase, there was an inverse relationship between mean level of total T4 and global severity rating. During the combination phase, no relationships between thyroid indices and clinical outcome were significant. CONCLUSIONS In the lithium phase, a low level of free T4 was associated with more affective episodes and greater severity of depression. Whether this mood instability is causally related to low free T4 levels and whether it can be attenuated with T4 replacement remain to be studied in a controlled setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Frye
- Biological Psychiatry Branch, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Goldstein TR, Frye MA, Denicoff KD, Smith-Jackson E, Leverich GS, Bryan AL, Ali SO, Post RM. Antidepressant discontinuation-related mania: critical prospective observation and theoretical implications in bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry 1999; 60:563-7; quiz 568-9. [PMID: 10485646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of manic symptoms on antidepressant discontinuation has primarily been reported in unipolar patients. This case series presents preliminary evidence for a similar phenomenon in bipolar patients. METHOD Prospectively obtained life chart ratings of 73 bipolar patients at the National Institute of Mental Health were reviewed for manic episodes that emerged during antidepressant taper or discontinuation. Medical records were utilized as a corroborative resource. Six cases of antidepressant discontinuation-related mania were identified and critically evaluated. RESULTS All patients were taking conventional mood stabilizers. The patients were on antidepressant treatment a mean of 6.5 months prior to taper, which lasted an average of 20 days (range, 1-43 days). First manic symptoms emerged, on average, 2 weeks into the taper (range, 1-23 days). These 6 cases of antidepressant discontinuation-related mania involved 3 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), 2 tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and 1 serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Mean length of the ensuing manic episode was 27.8 days (range, 12-49 days). Potential confounds such as antidepressant induction, phenomenological misdiagnosis of agitated depression, physiologic drug withdrawal syndrome, and course of illness were carefully evaluated and determined to be noncontributory. CONCLUSION These 6 cases suggest a paradoxical effect whereby antidepressant discontinuation actually induces mania in spite of adequate concomitant mood-stabilizing treatment. These preliminary observations, if replicated in larger and controlled prospective studies, suggest the need for further consideration of the potential biochemical mechanisms involved so that new preventive treatment approaches can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Goldstein
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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Gariboldi JC, Jagoe CH, Bryan AL. Dietary Exposure to Mercury in Nestling Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) in Georgia. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1998; 34:398-405. [PMID: 9543511 DOI: 10.1007/s002449900336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The United States breeding population of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) was listed as endangered in 1984; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the determination of potential contaminant hazards as a task important to the recovery of the species. Storks nest in colonies and adult storks forage over wide areas and return with prey items to feed to nestlings. The most recently consumed prey items are usually regurgitated by nestlings when they are handled. In 1995, over 200 food items from four wood stork colonies were collected while banding nestlings between 20 and 40 days old, and total mercury determined in individual food items. Two colonies were located on the Atlantic coast and two in inland areas. Overall dietary mercury concentration for each colony was calculated based on the biomass of each type of food item within the diet. Freshwater prey items had higher mercury concentrations than saltwater items most frequently chosen by storks. Daily Hg doses were estimated for a range of nestling sizes and daily food consumption rates. Risk factors were calculated based on two lowest observable adverse effect concentrations (LOAECs) from previous avian mercury ingestion studies. Based on one LOAEC, all four colonies in this study were at risk of sublethal effects due to mercury in the diet of nestling wood storks. More extensive studies of sublethal effects in avian species from mercury contamination are necessary for more accurate risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- JC Gariboldi
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
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Abstract
Thin blood smears of 75 wood storks (Mycteria americana) from Georgia (USA) were made during the summers of 1994-96 and examined for blood parasites. Haemoproteus crumenium was found in one of 71 juveniles and in two adults from a sample of two subadults and two adults. Intensity of infection in the juvenile and in each of the two adults was 11, 3, and 2 parasites/5,000 erythrocytes, respectively. This is the first record of H. crumenium in the wood stork from Georgia and the second published record of H. crumenium infecting this host in North America. Additionally, one juvenile was infected with a microfilarid.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Fedynich
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville 78363, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors studied the efficacy of valproate plus lithium and of triple therapy with lithium, carbamazepine, and valproate in refractory bipolar illness. METHOD The subjects were 24 bipolar outpatients who had completed an intended 3-year crossover study comparing lithium, carbamazepine, and their combination. Patients entered a 1-year phase of valproate plus lithium because of inadequate response or major side effects, and patients with inadequate responses were offered an additional year of treatment with all three mood-stabilizing drugs. RESULTS Six (33%) of the 18 evaluable patients had moderate to marked responses to valproate plus lithium; four of these six had not responded to any previous treatment condition. Three of seven patients responded to triple therapy, although only one response was marked. CONCLUSIONS Some outpatients with bipolar disorder refractory to lithium and carbamazepine received clinically relevant prophylactic benefit from valproate when used with lithium or in triple therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Denicoff
- Section on Psychobiology, NIMH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abstract
Excavation at Taima-taima in 1976 recovered artifacts of the El Jobo complex in direct association with the butchered remains of a juvenile mastodon. Radiocarbon dates on associated wood twigs indicate a minimum age of 13,000 years before the present for the mastodon kill, a dating significantly older than that of the Clovis complex in North America. The El Jobo complex must have evolved independently in northern South America.
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