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Rowley JJL, Symons A, Doyle C, Hall J, Rose K, Stapp L, Lettoof DC. Broad-scale pesticide screening finds anticoagulant rodenticide and legacy pesticides in Australian frogs. Sci Total Environ 2024; 930:172526. [PMID: 38636866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172526] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Pesticide contamination poses a significant threat to non-target wildlife, including amphibians, many of which are already highly threatened. This study assessed the extent of pesticide exposure in dead frogs collected during a mass mortality event across eastern New South Wales, Australia between July 2021 and March 2022. Liver tissue from 77 individual frogs of six species were analysed for >600 legacy and contemporary pesticides, including rodenticides. More than a third (36 %) of the liver samples contained at least one of the following pesticides: brodifacoum, dieldrin, DDE, heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide, fipronil sulfone, and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Brodifacoum, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, was found in four of the six frog species analysed: the eastern banjo frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii), cane toad (Rhinella marina), green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) and Peron's tree frog (Litoria peronii). This is the first report of anticoagulant rodenticide detected in wild amphibians, raising concerns about potential impacts on frogs and extending the list of taxa shown to accumulate rodenticides. Dieldrin, a banned legacy pesticide, was also detected in two species: striped marsh frog (Limnodynastes peronii) and green tree frog (Litoria caerulea). The toxicological effects of these pesticides on frogs are difficult to infer due to limited comparable studies; however, due to the low frequency of detection the presence of these pesticides was not considered a major contributing factor to the mass mortality event. Additional research is needed to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure on amphibians, particularly regarding the impacts of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. There is also need for continued monitoring and improved conservation management strategies for the mitigation of the potential threat of pesticide exposure and accumulation in amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi J L Rowley
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew Symons
- New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Environment Protection Science Branch, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141, Australia
| | - Christopher Doyle
- New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Environment Protection Science Branch, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141, Australia
| | - Jane Hall
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Laura Stapp
- New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Environment Protection Science Branch, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141, Australia
| | - Damian C Lettoof
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia; School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
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2
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Ozaki S, Movalli P, Cincinelli A, Alygizakis N, Badry A, Carter H, Chaplow JS, Claßen D, Dekker RWRJ, Dodd B, Duke G, Koschorreck J, Pereira MG, Potter E, Sleep D, Slobodnik J, Thomaidis NS, Treu G, Walker L. Significant Turning Point: Common Buzzard ( Buteo buteo) Exposure to Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides in the United Kingdom. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:6093-6104. [PMID: 38545700 PMCID: PMC11008253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09052] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are widely used to control rodent populations, resulting in the serious secondary exposure of predators to these contaminants. In the United Kingdom (UK), professional use and purchase of SGARs were revised in the 2010s. Certain highly toxic SGARs have been authorized since then to be used outdoors around buildings as resistance-breaking chemicals under risk mitigation procedures. However, it is still uncertain whether and how these regulatory changes have influenced the secondary exposure of birds of prey to SGARs. Based on biomonitoring of the UK Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) collected from 2001 to 2019, we assessed the temporal trend of exposure to SGARs and statistically determined potential turning points. The magnitude of difenacoum decreased over time with a seasonal fluctuation, while the magnitude and prevalence of more toxic brodifacoum, authorized to be used outdoors around buildings after the regulatory changes, increased. The summer of 2016 was statistically identified as a turning point for exposure to brodifacoum and summed SGARs that increased after this point. This time point coincided with the aforementioned regulatory changes. Our findings suggest a possible shift in SGAR use to brodifacoum from difenacoum over the decades, which may pose higher risks of impacts on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Ozaki
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis
Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Nikiforos Alygizakis
- Environmental
Institute, Okružná
784/42, 97241 Koš, Slovak Republic
- Department
of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander Badry
- German Environment
Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06813 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Heather Carter
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline S. Chaplow
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Daniela Claßen
- German Environment
Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06813 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | | | - Beverley Dodd
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Guy Duke
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Bldg, Benson Ln, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment
Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06813 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - M. Glória Pereira
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Elaine Potter
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | - Darren Sleep
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolaos S. Thomaidis
- Department
of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Gabriele Treu
- German Environment
Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06813 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Lee Walker
- UK
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster
Environment Centre, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United
Kingdom
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3
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Li H, Chen J, Xu W, Huang B, Peng C, Cai H, Hou R, Wen K, Li L, Dong B, Wang Z. A facile fluorescence microplate immunoassay based on an in situ fluorogenic reaction for the detection of two highly toxic anticoagulant rodenticides in food and biological matrix. Food Chem 2024; 437:137792. [PMID: 37866338 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Bromadiolone and brodifacoum, the most frequently used anticoagulant rodenticides, are highly toxic and pose a threat to public health by causing food poisoning incidents. Here, we developed a fluorescence microplate immunoassay for facile and sensitive detection of bromadiolone and brodifacoum by introducing three commercial chemicals (p-phenylenediamine, polyethyleneimine, H2O2) as a new substrate of horseradish peroxidase and then generating fluorescence signals based on an in situ fluorogenic reaction (detection time within 75 min). This assay exhibited higher efficiency in generating fluorescence signals, thereby exhibiting a 6-fold improvement in sensitivity compared with colorimetric ELISA. The limit of detection was 0.23-0.28 ng/mL (ng/g) for bromadiolone and 0.34-0.61 ng/mL (ng/g) for brodifacoum in corn and human serum, with recovery ratios higher than 82.3 %. These satisfactory results illustrated our proposed assay was a potential tool for food analysis and poisoning diagnosis caused by bromadiolone and brodifacoum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Li
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Baowei Huang
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Chuanyi Peng
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Huimei Cai
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Ruyan Hou
- College of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team of Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, China.
| | - Baolei Dong
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 230009 Hefei, China.
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
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4
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Spadetto L, Gómez-Ramírez P, Zamora-Marín JM, León-Ortega M, Díaz-García S, Tecles F, Fenoll J, Cava J, Calvo JF, García-Fernández AJ. Active monitoring of long-eared owl (Asio otus) nestlings reveals widespread exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides across different agricultural landscapes. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170492. [PMID: 38307270 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) poses a worldwide threat to farmland wildlife. These compounds accumulate in tissues of both target and non-target species, potentially endangering both direct consumers and their predators. However, investigations on ARs in blood of free-ranging predatory birds are rare. Here, the long-eared owl (Asio otus) has been used as a model predator to assess AR exposure in different agricultural landscapes from a Mediterranean semiarid region. A total of 69 owlets from 38 nests were blood-sampled over 2021 and 2022, aiming to detect AR residues and explore factors that determine their exposure, such as land uses. In addition, prothrombin time (PT) test was conducted to assess potential effects of AR contamination. Overall, nearly all the samples (98.6 %) tested positive for at least one compound and multiple ARs were found in most of the individuals (82.6 %). Among the ARs detected, flocoumafen was the most common compound (88.4 % of the samples). AR total concentration (ΣARs) in blood ranged from 0.06 to 34.18 ng mL-1, detecting the highest levels in the most intensively cultivated area. The analysis of owl pellets from 19 breeding territories showed relevant among-site differences in the contribution of rodents and birds into the diet of long-eared owls, supporting its high dietary plasticity and indicating AR presence at multiple trophic levels. Moreover, a positive and significant correlation was found between ΣARs and PT (Rho = 0.547, p < 0.001), which demonstrates the direct effect of ARs on free-living nestlings. Our results provide a preliminary overview of AR exposure in a little-studied owl species inhabiting agricultural and rural landscapes. Despite the low detected levels, these findings indicate widespread exposure -often to multiple compounds- from early life stages, which raises concern and draws attention to an ongoing and unresolved contamination issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Spadetto
- Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Zamora-Marín
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain; Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Mario León-Ortega
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Sarah Díaz-García
- ULULA Association for Owl Study and Conservation, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Tecles
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Fenoll
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, IMIDA, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Cava
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, IMIDA, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Francisco Calvo
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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5
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Cerkvenik-Flajs V, Schenke D, Žele-Vengušt D, Korenjak-Černe S, Perpar A, Vengušt G. Exposure assessment of anticoagulant rodenticides in the liver of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovenia. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170400. [PMID: 38307261 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170400] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The study deals with the environmental residues of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in Slovenia to evaluate the toxicological risk of secondary poisoning of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as representatives of non-target wildlife, and in relation to the investigated use patterns of ARs and specific local parameters in Slovenia. From 2019 to 2022, 148 liver tissue samples of adult red foxes were collected from almost all state geographical regions. The samples were extracted with methanol/water (2:1, v/v), cleaned-up using a solid supported liquid-liquid extraction, and measured by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) with reporting limits of 0.5 to 5.0 ng/g. Residues of at least one rodenticide were detected in 77.7 % of the samples. The second generation ARs of bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum were the most frequently found, appearing in 75.0, 51.4, and 18.9 % of the samples, respectively. Concentrations of pooled ARs ranged from 1.5 to 2866.5 ng/g with mean and median values of 601.4 and 350.2 ng/g, respectively. We determined bromadiolone and brodifacoum at concentrations of ≥800 ng/g in 10.8 and 10.1 % of the samples, and 1.4 and 0.7 % of the samples contained residues >2000 ng/g, respectively. These concentrations are much higher than those found in comparable studies in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Residues of ARs were detected in all monitored statistical regions of Slovenia, with higher concentrations in the eastern parts of the country. First generation ARs were found in only 9.5 % of samples, and residues were below 10 ng/g with one exception (coumatetralyl with 55 ng/g). The results of the study indicate a serious toxicological risk for red foxes in Slovenia as part of the Western Balkans, and will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the protection of European ecosystems, as wildlife is not limited by national borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Cerkvenik-Flajs
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Detlef Schenke
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection, Königin-Luise Str. 19, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Žele-Vengušt
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Korenjak-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics, Jadranska ulica 21, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anton Perpar
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Agronomy, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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6
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Fourel I, Roque F, Orabi P, Augiron S, Couzi FX, Puech MP, Chetot T, Lattard V. Stereoselective bioaccumulation of chiral anticoagulant rodenticides in the liver of predatory and scavenging raptors. Sci Total Environ 2024; 917:170545. [PMID: 38296081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are persistent chiral pesticides used to control rodent populations. Raptors are protected species and may be exposed through the ingestion of rodents contaminated with SGARs. Commercial formulations of SGARs are a mixture of four stereoisomers (E1, E2, E3, E4): the cis- and trans-diastereoisomers are each a racemic mixture of two enantiomers. In this study, the residue levels of all SGARs (bromadiolone, difenacoum, brodifacoum, difethialone, flocoumafen) were evaluated in the liver of 529 raptor carcasses. All species (n = 18) and 75 % of individuals (n = 396) were SGAR positive and 29 % (n = 154) had summed hepatic concentrations above 100 ng/g ww. Concentrations were higher for predators with facultative scavenging behaviors than for predators and obligate scavengers. Bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum had equivalent hepatic prevalence (between 48.9 and 49.9 %), and difethialone was detected less frequently (31.7 %). Concentrations and enantiomeric fractions of the four stereoisomers of all SGARs are described in to demonstrate the biological enantioselectivity of these chiral pesticides in the food chain. A difference was observed between the proportions of SGARs diastereoisomers and stereoisomers in the liver of all raptor species and in commercial baits. The enantioselective bioaccumulation of E1-trans-bromadiolone, E3-cis-brodifacoum, E1-cis-difenacoum and E3-cis-difethialone was characterized and represented 96.8 % of total SGARs hepatic residues. While hepatic concentrations were heterogeneous, the proportions of stereoisomers and diastereoisomers were homogeneous with no inter-individual or inter-species differences (only E1-trans-bromadiolone is present in hepatic residues). However, proportions of brodifacoum stereoisomers and diastereoisomers were more scattered, probably due to their slower elimination. This could provide an opportunity to date the exposure of individuals to brodifacoum. We highlight the need to consider each SGAR as four molecular entities (four stereoisomers) rather than one. These findings suggest new commercial formulations with the less persistent stereoisomers could reduce secondary exposure of non-target species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Florence Roque
- CNITV, VetAgro Sup, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Pascal Orabi
- French Bird Protection League (LPO France), France
| | - Steve Augiron
- SEOR, 13 ruelle des Orchidées, 97440 Saint-André, La Réunion, France
| | | | | | - Thomas Chetot
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233-INRAE RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
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7
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Martín-Cruz B, Cecchetti M, Simbaña-Rivera K, Rial-Berriel C, Acosta-Dacal A, Zumbado-Peña M, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Gallo-Barneto R, Cabrera-Pérez MÁ, Melián-Melián A, Suárez-Pérez A, Luzardo OP. Potential exposure of native wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): Evidence from residue analysis of the invasive California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae). Sci Total Environ 2024; 911:168761. [PMID: 37996022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), particularly second-generation compounds (SGARs), are extensively used in pest management, impacting non-target wildlife. The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), an invasive species in Gran Canaria, is under a control plan involving capture and euthanasia. This research aimed to detect 10 different ARs in these snakes, explore geographical and biometrical factors influencing AR exposure, and assess their potential as sentinel species for raptors, sharing similar foraging habits. Liver samples from 360 snakes, euthanized between 2021 and 2022, were analysed for ARs using LC-MS/MS. Results showed all detected rodenticides were SGARs, except for one instance of diphacinone. Remarkably, 90 % of the snakes tested positive for ARs, with over half exposed to multiple compounds. Brodifacoum was predominant, found in over 90 % of AR-positive snakes, while bromadiolone and difenacoum were also frequently detected but at lower levels. The study revealed that larger snakes and those in certain geographic areas had higher AR concentrations. Snakes in less central or more peripheral areas showed lower levels of these compounds. This suggests a correlation between the snakes' size and distribution with the concentration of ARs in their bodies. The findings indicate that the types and prevalence of ARs in California kingsnakes on Gran Canaria mirror those in the island's raptors. This similarity suggests that the kingsnake could serve as a potential sentinel species for monitoring ARs in the ecosystem. However, further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness in this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martín-Cruz
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Martina Cecchetti
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter. Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Simbaña-Rivera
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado-Peña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Ramón Gallo-Barneto
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Cabrera-Pérez
- General Directorate to Combat Climate Change and the Environment, Biodiversity Service, Canary Islands Government, Plaza de los Derechos Humanos, 22, 35071 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ayose Melián-Melián
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alejandro Suárez-Pérez
- Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (GESPLAN). Canary Islands Government, C/León y Castillo 54, bajo, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera "Físico" s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
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8
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Carrillo-Hidalgo J, Martín-Cruz B, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Rial-Berriel C, Acosta-Dacal A, Zumbado-Peña M, Luzardo OP. Intraspecific and geographical variation in rodenticide exposure among common kestrels in Tenerife (Canary Islands). Sci Total Environ 2024; 910:168551. [PMID: 37979878 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168551] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the impact of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) in Tenerife, Canary Islands. The analysis of 390 liver samples over 19 years using HPLC-MS/MS showed that 93.1 % of kestrels were exposed to SGARs in this island. A notable shift in SGAR profiles was observed, with bromadiolone and flocoumafen decreasing, while brodifacoum levels increased sharply from 2018 onwards. Comparatively, Tenerife kestrels had a higher detection frequency of SGARs (93.1 %) than those in the rest of the islands of the archipelago (68.2 %), with median concentrations nearly double (∑AR = 180.9 vs 102.4 ng/g liver, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, on average, kestrels from Tenerife were found to have a higher number of different rodenticide compounds per individual. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis revealed that several factors contribute to the likelihood of SGAR exposure: being an adult kestrel, the enactment of legal restrictions on SGAR bait concentrations in 2018, higher livestock density, and greater human population density. These findings suggest that both bioaccumulation over the birds' lifespans and environmental factors related to human and agricultural activity are influencing the levels of SGARs detected. Alarmingly, 44.7 % of kestrels had SGAR levels above the toxicity threshold established for other raptor species (200 ng/g liver), signaling a high poisoning risk. This is despite EU regulations to protect wildlife, with our findings indicating an increase in both exposure rates and SGAR concentrations since these laws were enacted. The data highlight a critical environmental threat to endemic species on islands like Tenerife. The common kestrel, not considered globally endangered, is nonetheless facing regional threats from SGAR contamination. These results emphasize the urgent need for effective regulations to address the persistent and growing impact of SGARs on island biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carrillo-Hidalgo
- Island Ecology and Biogeography Research Group, University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands (IUETSPC), University of La Laguna, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martín-Cruz
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado-Peña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Madrid 28029, Spain.
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9
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Bertolini FM, Barolo E, Masti R, De Arcangeli S, Furlanello T, Ongaro V, Meneghini C, Sanchez Del Pulgar J. Fast and sensitive method for the diagnosis and follow-up of anticoagulant rodenticides poisoning in animal whole blood. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1232:123971. [PMID: 38128166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123971] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Rodent control strategies are primarily based on the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), making them widely used worldwide. However, due to their high toxicity and availability, ARs are among the leading causes of animal poisoning in Europe. They are the primary agents involved in intoxication in cats and the second in dogs. Additionally, their long persistence in the body can lead to secondary exposure, particularly in wild predators. The laboratory findings and clinical signs of intoxication can range from increased clotting time (prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) to severe bleeding and death. Despite the prevalence and severity of this intoxication, only a few methods are available for the identification and quantification of ARs in animals, and most of them are suitable only for post-mortem diagnosis. In this study, we present the validation of a rapid and sensitive method for the identification and quantification of ARs in animal whole blood, using a small sample volume. The developed LC-MS/MS method demonstrated high accuracy and precision at the limit of quantification (LOQ), as well as at low, medium, and high concentrations. It exhibited higher sensitivity (LOQ 0.1 - 0.3 ng/mL) compared to previously published methods. After validation, the method was successfully applied to real cases of suspected poisoning events, resulting in the identification of several positive samples. The examples presented in this study highlight the utility of this method for diagnosis and follow-up, emphasizing the importance of method sensitivity in order to avoid misclassifying truly positive samples as negative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Barolo
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Riccardo Masti
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Stefano De Arcangeli
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Tommaso Furlanello
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Valeria Ongaro
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghini
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy
| | - Jose Sanchez Del Pulgar
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano (Padova), Italy.
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10
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Cooke R, Whiteley P, Death C, Weston MA, Carter N, Scammell K, Yokochi K, Nguyen H, White JG. Silent killers? The widespread exposure of predatory nocturnal birds to anticoagulant rodenticides. Sci Total Environ 2023; 904:166293. [PMID: 37586529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) influence predator populations and threaten the stability of ecosystems. Understanding the prevalence and impact of rodenticides in predators is crucial to inform conservation planning and policy. We collected dead birds of four nocturnal predatory species across differing landscapes: forests, agricultural, urban. Liver samples were analysed for eight ARs: three First Generation ARs (FGARs) and five SGARs (Second Generation ARs). We investigated interspecific differences in liver concentrations and whether landscape composition influenced this. FGARs were rarely detected, except pindone at low concentrations in powerful owls Ninox strenua. SGARs, however, were detected in every species and 92 % of birds analysed. Concentrations of SGARs were at levels where potential toxicological or lethal impacts would have occurred in 33 % of powerful owls, 68 % of tawny frogmouths Podargus strigoides, 42 % of southern boobooks N. bookbook and 80 % of barn owls Tyto javanica. When multiple SGARs were detected, the likelihood of potentially lethal concentrations of rodenticides increased. There was no association between landscape composition and SGAR exposure, or the presence of multiple SGARs, suggesting rodenticide poisoning is ubiquitous across all landscapes sampled. This widespread human-driven contamination in wildlife is a major threat to wildlife health. Given the high prevalence and concentrations of SGARs in these birds across all landscape types, we support the formal consideration of SGARs as a threatening process. Furthermore, given species that do not primarily eat rodents (tawny frogmouths, powerful owls) have comparable liver rodenticide concentrations to rodent predators (southern boobook, eastern barn owl), it appears there is broader contamination of the food-web than anticipated. We provide evidence that SGARs have the potential to pose a threat to the survival of avian predator populations. Given the functional importance of predators in ecosystems, combined with the animal welfare impacts of these chemicals, we propose governments should regulate the use of SGARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raylene Cooke
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia.
| | - Pam Whiteley
- Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Vic., Australia
| | - Clare Death
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Vic., Australia
| | - Michael A Weston
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicholas Carter
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - Kieran Scammell
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - Kaori Yokochi
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - Hao Nguyen
- National Measurement Institute, 1/153 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Vic., Australia
| | - John G White
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
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11
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Chen Y, Lopez S, Reddy RM, Wan J, Tkachenko A, Nemser SM, Smith L, Reimschuessel R. Validation and interlaboratory comparison of anticoagulant rodenticide analysis in animal livers using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:470-483. [PMID: 37313802 PMCID: PMC10467459 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231178558] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used to control rodent populations. Poisoning of non-target species can occur by accidental consumption of commercial formulations used for rodent control. A robust method for determining ARs in animal tissues is important for animal postmortem diagnostic and forensic purposes. We evaluated an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method to quantify 8 ARs (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, chlorophacinone, coumachlor, dicoumarol, difethialone, diphacinone, warfarin) in a wide range of animal (bovine, canine, chicken, equine, porcine) liver samples, including incurred samples. We further evaluated UPLC-MS in 2 interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies; one an ILC exercise (ICE), the other a proficiency test (PT). The limits of detection of UPLC-MS were 0.3-3.1 ng/g, and the limits of quantification were 0.8-9.4 ng/g. The recoveries obtained using UPLC-MS were 90-115%, and relative SDs were 1.2-13% for each of the 8 ARs for the 50, 500, and 2,000 ng/g spiked liver samples. The overall accuracy from the laboratories participating in the 2 ILC studies (4 and 11 laboratories for ICE and PT studies, respectively) were 86-118%, with relative repeatability SDs of 3.7-11%, relative reproducibility SDs of 7.8-31.2%, and Horwitz ratio values of 0.5-1.5. Via the ILC studies, we verified the accuracy of UPLC-MS for AR analysis in liver matrices and demonstrated that ILC can be utilized to evaluate performance characteristics of analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bedford Park, IL, USA
| | - Salvador Lopez
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bedford Park, IL, USA
| | - Ravinder M. Reddy
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bedford Park, IL, USA
| | - Jason Wan
- Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, IL, USA
| | - Andriy Tkachenko
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Sarah M. Nemser
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
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12
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Goldade DA, Siers SR, Hess SC, Sugihara RT, Riekena CA. Determination of residue levels of rodenticide in rodent livers offered novel diphacinone baits by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289261. [PMID: 37552678 PMCID: PMC10409299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289261] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of the anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone (DPN) in mouse and rat liver. Tissue samples were extracted with a mixture of water and acetonitrile containing ammonium hydroxide. The extracted sample was cleaned up with a combination of liquid-liquid partitioning and dispersive solid phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Waters X-Bridge BEH C-18 LC column (50 mm, 2.1 mm ID, 2.5 μm particle size) with detection on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The monitored transition for DPN was m/z 339.0 → 167.0 for quantitation and 339.0 → 172.0 and 339.0 → 116.0 for confirmation. The linear range was 0.5 to 375 ng/mL. The average precision of DPN, represented by the relative standard deviation of the observed concentrations, was 7.2% (range = 0.97% - 20.4%) and the average accuracy, represented by the relative error, was 5.8% (range = 1.06% - 14.7%). The recovery of DPN fortified at 3 different levels averaged 106% in rat liver and 101% in mouse liver. The established method was successfully used to determine DPN residue levels in Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans) and mice (Mus musculus) fed two different formulated baits containing DPN. The observed residue levels were consistent with values observed in other rodent studies. However, the amount of bait consumed was lower for the novel baits evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Goldade
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Shane R. Siers
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Barrigada, GU, United States of America
| | - Steven C. Hess
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Hilo, HI, United States of America
| | - Robert T. Sugihara
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Hilo, HI, United States of America
| | - Craig A. Riekena
- Bell Laboratories, Inc., 6551 North Towne Road, Windsor, WI, United States of America
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13
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Barkman AL, Richmond RH. The effects of brodifacoum cereal bait pellets on early life stages of the rice coral Montipora capitata. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13877. [PMID: 35990912 PMCID: PMC9390324 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is home to ground nesting birds that are threatened by invasive mice. Planned rodent eradication efforts for the island involve aerial application of cereal bait pellets containing the chemical rodenticide brodifacoum. Given the nature of the application method, drift of cereal bait pellets into the coastal waters surrounding Midway Atoll is unavoidable. To understand whether cereal bait pellets impact marine invertebrates, gametes and larvae of the reef-building coral Montipora capitata were exposed to brodifacoum, cereal bait pellets containing brodifacoum, and inert cereal bait pellets without the rodenticide. Fertilization success and larval survival were assessed at nominal brodifacoum concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 ppb. Fertilization success decreased by 15% after exposure to 100 ppb brodifacoum solutions. Larval survival was not reduced by exposure to brodifacoum solutions. Cereal bait pellets containing brodifacoum reduced fertilization success at 10 ppb brodifacoum in 0.4 g per L pellet solutions by 34.84%, and inhibited fertilization at 100 ppb brodifacoum in 4 g of pellet per L solution. Inert cereal bait pellets had similar effects, reducing fertilization success at 0.4 g of pellet per L by 40.50%, and inhibiting fertilization at 4 g per L pellet solutions. Larval survival was reduced by >43% after prolonged exposure to 4 g per L pellet solutions. The highest concentration used in this study was meant to represent an extreme and unlikely condition resulting from an accidental spill. Our findings indicate large amounts of cereal bait pellets entering the coastal environment of Midway Atoll, if occurring during a coral spawning event, would reduce coral reproduction by decreasing fertilization success. It is difficult to know the ecologically relevant concentrations of cereal bait pellets in coastal environments due to unavoidable bait drift after land applications, but results indicate small amounts of pellet drifting into coastal environments would not severely reduce coral reproductive capacity. Best management practices should consider known coral reproductive periods when scheduling applications of pellets on tropical islands to reduce the risk of negative impacts of large-scale accidents on corals.
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14
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Badry A, Schenke D, Brücher H, Chakarov N, Grünkorn T, Illner H, Krüger O, Marczak T, Müskens G, Nachtigall W, Zollinger R, Treu G, Krone O. Spatial variation of rodenticides and emerging contaminants in blood of raptor nestlings from Germany. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:60908-60921. [PMID: 35435551 PMCID: PMC9427910 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20089-1] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife exposures to pest controlling substances have resulted in population declines of many predatory species during the past decades. Many pesticides were subsequently classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) and banned on national or global scales. However, despite their risks for non-target vertebrate wildlife, PBT substances such as anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are still permitted for use in Europe and have shown to threaten raptors. Whereas risks of ARs are known, much less information is available on emerging agrochemicals such as currently used PPPs and medicinal products (MPs) in higher trophic level species. We expect that currently used PPPs are relatively mobile (vs. lipophilic) as a consequence of the PBT criteria and thus more likely to be present in aqueous matrices. We therefore analyzed blood of 204 raptor nestlings of three terrestrial (red kite, common buzzard, Montagu's harrier) and two aquatic species (white-tailed sea eagle, osprey) from Germany. In total, we detected ARs in 22.6% of the red kites and 8.6% of the buzzards, whereas no Montagu's harriers or aquatic species were exposed prior to sampling. ΣAR concentration tended to be higher in North Rhine-Westphalia (vs. North-Eastern Germany) where population density is higher and intense livestock farming more frequent. Among the 90 targeted and currently used PPPs, we detected six substances from which bromoxynil (14.2%) was most frequent. Especially Montagu's harrier (31%) and red kites (22.6%) were exposed and concentrations were higher in North Rhine-Westphalia as well. Among seven MPs, we detected ciprofloxacin (3.4%), which indicates that risk mitigation measures may be needed as resistance genes were already detected in wildlife from Germany. Taken together, our study demonstrates that raptors are exposed to various chemicals during an early life stage depending on their sampling location and underpins that red kites are at particular risk for multiple pesticide exposures in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Badry
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Detlef Schenke
- Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut, Königin-Luise-Straße 19, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helmut Brücher
- Wiesenweihenschutz Brandenburg, Hauptstraße 11, 14913, Rohrbeck, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Hubertus Illner
- Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz/Biologische Station Soest, Teichstraße 19, 59505, Bad Sassendorf, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Gerard Müskens
- Müskens Fauna, van Nispenstraat 4, 6561 BG, Groesbeek, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald Zollinger
- Natuurplaza, P.O. Box 1413, NL-6501, BK, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Treu
- Department Chemicals, Umweltbundesamt, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Elliott JE, Silverthorn V, Hindmarch S, Lee S, Bowes V, Redford T, Maisonneuve F. Anticoagulant Rodenticide Contamination of Terrestrial Birds of Prey from Western Canada: Patterns and Trends, 1988-2018. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022; 41:1903-1917. [PMID: 35678209 PMCID: PMC9540899 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the dominant means for control of pest rodent populations globally, anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), particularly the second-generation compounds (SGARs), have widely contaminated nontarget organisms. We present data on hepatic residues of ARs in 741 raptorial birds found dead or brought into rehabilitation centers in British Columbia, Canada, over a 30-year period from 1988 to 2018. Exposure varied by species, by proximity to residential areas, and over time, with at least one SGAR residue detected in 74% of individuals and multiple residues in 50% of individuals. By comparison, we detected first-generation compounds in <5% of the raptors. Highest rates of exposure were in barred owls (Strix varia), 96%, and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), 81%, species with diverse diets, including rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus), and inhabiting suburban and intensive agricultural habitats. Barn owls (Tyto alba), mainly a vole (Microtus) eater, had a lower incidence of exposure of 65%. Putatively, bird-eating raptors also had a relatively high incidence of exposure, with 75% of Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) and 60% of sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) exposed. Concentrations of SGARs varied greatly, for example, in barred owls, the geometric mean ∑SGAR = 0.13, ranging from <0.005 to 1.81 μg/g wet weight (n = 208). Barred owls had significantly higher ∑SGAR concentrations than all other species, driven by significantly higher bromadiolone concentrations, which was predicted by the proportion of residential land within their home ranges. Preliminary indications that risk mitigation measures implemented in 2013 are having an influence on exposure include a decrease in mean concentrations of brodifacoum and difethialone in barred and great horned owls and an increase in bromodialone around that inflection point. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1903-1917. © 2022 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Elliott
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaDeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Veronica Silverthorn
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaDeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Sofi Hindmarch
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaDeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaDeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Victoria Bowes
- Animal Health CentreBC Ministry of AgricultureAbbotsfordBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Tony Redford
- Animal Health CentreBC Ministry of AgricultureAbbotsfordBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - France Maisonneuve
- Science & Technology BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaOttawaOntarioCanada
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16
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Thornton GL, Stevens B, French SK, Shirose LJ, Reggeti F, Schrier N, Parmley EJ, Reid A, Jardine CM. Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in raptors from Ontario, Canada. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:34137-34146. [PMID: 35034316 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18529-z] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used globally to control rodent pest infestations in both urban and agricultural settings. It is well documented that non-target wildlife, including predatory birds, are at risk for secondary anticoagulant exposure and toxicosis through the prey they consume. However, there have been no large-scale studies of AR exposure in raptors in Ontario, Canada since new Health Canada legislation was implemented in 2013 in an attempt to limit exposure in non-target wildlife. Our objective was to measure levels of ARs in wild raptors in southern Ontario to assess their exposure. We collected liver samples from 133 raptors representing 17 species submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) in Ontario, Canada, between 2017 and 2019. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively assess the level of exposure to 14 first- and second-generation ARs. Detectable levels of one or more ARs were found in 82 of 133 (62%) tested raptors, representing 12 species. The most commonly detected ARs were bromadiolone (54/133), difethialone (40/133), and brodifacoum (33/133). Of AR-positive birds, 34/82 (42%) contained residues of multiple (> 1) anticoagulant compounds. Our results indicate that AR exposure is common in raptors living in southern Ontario, Canada. Our finding that brodifacoum, difethialone, and bromadiolone were observed alone or in combination with one another in the majority of our sampled raptors indicates that legislative changes in Canada may not be protecting non-target wildlife as intended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Thornton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Brian Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Shannon K French
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Leonard J Shirose
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Felipe Reggeti
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nick Schrier
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E Jane Parmley
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alexandra Reid
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, 1 Stone Rd W, Guelph, ON, N1G 4Y2, Canada
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Department of Pathobiology, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Cooke R, Whiteley P, Jin Y, Death C, Weston MA, Carter N, White JG. Widespread exposure of powerful owls to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in Australia spans an urban to agricultural and forest landscape. Sci Total Environ 2022; 819:153024. [PMID: 35026248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The powerful owl (Ninox strenua) is a threatened apex predator that consumes mainly arboreal marsupial prey. Low density populations reside in urban landscapes where their viability is tenuous. The catalyst for this research was the reported death of eight powerful owls around Melbourne, Australia, in less than one year (2020/2021). Eighteen deceased owls were toxicologically screened. We assessed toxic metals (Mercury Hg, Lead Pb, Cadmium Cd and Arsenic As) and anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in liver (n = 18 owls) and an extensive range of agricultural chemicals in muscle (n = 14). Almost all agricultural chemicals were below detection limits except for p,p-DDE, which was detected in 71% of birds at relatively low levels. Toxic metals detected in some individuals were generally at low levels. However, ARs were detected in 83.3% of powerful owls. The most common second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) detected was brodifacoum, which was present in every bird in which a rodenticide was detected. Brodifacoum was often present at toxic levels and in some instances at potentially lethal levels. Presence of brodifacoum was detected across the complete urban-forest/agriculture gradient, suggesting widespread exposure. Powerful owls do not scavenge but prey upon arboreal marsupials, and generally not rodents, suggesting that brodifacoum is entering the powerful owl food web via accidental or deliberate poisoning of non-target species (possums). We highlight a critical need to investigate SGARs in food webs globally, and not just in species directly targeted for poisoning or their predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raylene Cooke
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia.
| | - Pam Whiteley
- Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Vic., Australia
| | - Yun Jin
- Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Vic., Australia
| | - Clare Death
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Vic., Australia
| | - Michael A Weston
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicholas Carter
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
| | - John G White
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood 3125, Vic., Australia
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18
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Moriceau MA, Lefebvre S, Fourel I, Benoit E, Buronfosse-Roque F, Orabi P, Rattner BA, Lattard V. Exposure of predatory and scavenging birds to anticoagulant rodenticides in France: Exploration of data from French surveillance programs. Sci Total Environ 2022; 810:151291. [PMID: 34748846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wild raptors are widely used to assess exposure to different environmental contaminants, including anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). ARs are used on a global scale for rodent control, and act by disruption of the vitamin K cycle that results in haemorrhage usually accompanied by death within days. Some ARs are highly persistent and bioaccumulative, which can cause significant exposure of non-target species. We characterized AR exposure in a heterogeneous sample of dead raptors collected over 12 years (2008-2019) in south-eastern France. Residue analysis of 156 liver samples through LC-MS/MS revealed that 50% (78/156) were positive for ARs, with 13.5% (21/156) having summed second-generation AR (SGAR) concentrations >100 ng/g ww. While SGARs were commonly detected (97.4% of positive samples), first-generation ARs were rarely found (7.7% of positive samples). ARs were more frequently detected and at greater concentration in predators (prevalence: 82.5%) than in scavengers (38.8%). Exposure to multiple ARs was common (64.1% of positive samples). While chlorophacinone exposure decreased over time, an increasing exposure trend was observed for the SGAR brodifacoum, suggesting that public policies may not be efficient at mitigating risk of exposure for non-target species. Haemorrhage was observed in 88 birds, but AR toxicosis was suspected in only 2 of these individuals, and no difference in frequency of haemorrhage was apparent in birds displaying summed SGAR levels above or below 100 ng/g ww. As for other contaminants, 17.2% of liver samples (11/64) exhibited Pb levels compatible with sub-clinical poisoning (>6 μg/g dw), with 6.3% (4/64) above the threshold for severe/lethal poisoning (>30 μg/g dw). Nine individuals with Pb levels >6 μg/g dw also had AR residues, demonstrating exposure to multiple contaminants. Broad toxicological screening for other contaminants was positive for 18 of 126 individuals, with carbofuran and mevinphos exposure being the suspected cause of death of 17 birds. Our findings demonstrate lower but still substantial AR exposure of scavenging birds compared to predatory birds, and also illustrate the complexity of diagnosing AR toxicosis through forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg-Anne Moriceau
- USC1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France; CNITV, VetAgro Sup, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | - Sébastien Lefebvre
- USC1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | - Isabelle Fourel
- USC1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | | | - Pascal Orabi
- French Bird Protection League (LPO France), France
| | - Barnett A Rattner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC1233 RS2GP, INRAe, VetAgro Sup, Univ Lyon, F69 280 Marcy-l'Étoile, France.
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19
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Okoniewski R, Neely S, Denn M, Djatsa A, Tran BN. Rapid method for the detection of rodenticides in contaminated foods. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1186:123005. [PMID: 34741935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rodenticides are toxic chemicals used to control rodent populations and are among the most common household toxicants. Ingestion of foods contaminated with rodenticides may cause severe illness or death in humans and animals. A rapid analytical method was developed for the identification of nine common rodenticides in foods using solid-liquid extraction followed by dispersive-solid phase extraction prior to the analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and UV detection. The method validation on a variety of food matrices including cornmeal, peanut, whole wheat flour and pork liver produced average recoveries between 91.2 and 107% with relative standard deviations between 2.6 and 14% for all studied rodenticides. The method detection limits ranged from 2.7 to 8.2 μg/kg (ppb) for eight rodenticides analyzed by LC-MS/MS and between 0.10 and 0.21 mg/kg (ppm) for bromethalin which was analyzed by LC with UV detection. This method could be useful in preparedness for emergency response situations involving widespread food contamination, terrorist acts or for forensic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Okoniewski
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Sarah Neely
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Melinda Denn
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Annie Djatsa
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Buu N Tran
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States.
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20
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Pay JM, Katzner TE, Hawkins CE, Barmuta LA, Brown WE, Wiersma JM, Koch AJ, Mooney NJ, Cameron EZ. Endangered Australian top predator is frequently exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides. Sci Total Environ 2021; 788:147673. [PMID: 34022576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) used to control mammalian pest populations cause secondary exposure of predatory species throughout much of the world. It is important to understand the drivers of non-target AR exposure patterns as context for assessing long-term effects and developing effective mitigation for these toxicants. In Australia, however, little is known about exposure and effects of ARs on predators. We detected AR residues in 74% of 50 opportunistically collected carcasses of the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), an endangered apex predator. In 22% of birds tested, or 31% of those exposed, liver concentrations of second generation ARs (SGARs) were >0.1 mg/kg ww. Eagles were exposed to flocoumafen, a toxicant only available from agricultural suppliers, at an exceptionally high rate (40% of birds tested). Liver SGAR concentrations were positively associated with the proportion of agricultural habitat and human population density in the area around where each eagle died. The high exposure rate in a species not known to regularly prey upon synanthropic rodents supports the hypothesis that apex predators are vulnerable to SGARs. Our results indicate that AR exposure constitutes a previously unrecognized threat to Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles and highlight the importance of efforts to address non-target AR exposure in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Todd E Katzner
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Clare E Hawkins
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - William E Brown
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jason M Wiersma
- Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Amelia J Koch
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Nick J Mooney
- Birdlife Australia Raptor Group, Birldlife Australia, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elissa Z Cameron
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, CHC, New Zealand
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21
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Murray M. Continued Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) in the Northeastern United States with an Evaluation of Serum for Biomonitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020; 39:2325-2335. [PMID: 33405327 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4853] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies (2006-2016) in birds of prey admitted to a wildlife clinic in Massachusetts, USA, revealed widespread exposure to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) among red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis, RTHAs). Continued monitoring of species for which historic data are available can reveal trends in exposure that aid in evaluating the effectiveness of risk-mitigation measures. While the majority of exposure-monitoring studies utilize liver tissue collected postmortem, antemortem modalities, such as serum analysis, may be desirable for risk assessments in certain populations. However, the sensitivity of serum for detecting anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) is not well studied. Paired liver and serum samples from 43 RTHAs were evaluated from 2017 to 2019. In liver tissue, 100% of birds were positive for ARs, with the SGARs brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and difethialone identified most frequently; 91% of birds had liver residues of 2 to 4 ARs. These findings represent the highest exposure both to ARs overall and to multiple ARs in RTHAs compared to previous studies. All birds diagnosed with AR toxicosis (n = 14) were positive for ARs in serum; however, all subclinically exposed birds (n = 29) were negative in serum. These data show that exposure to SGARs remains widespread in RTHAs in this geographic area. In addition, although serum analysis is not sensitive for detecting sublethal exposures in RTHAs, it can potentially support a diagnosis of AR toxicosis in conjunction with other consistent signs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2325-2335. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Murray
- Tufts Wildlife Clinic, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Alabau E, Mentaberre G, Camarero PR, Castillo-Contreras R, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Conejero C, Fernández-Bocharán MS, López-Olvera JR, Mateo R. Accumulation of diastereomers of anticoagulant rodenticides in wild boar from suburban areas: Implications for human consumers. Sci Total Environ 2020; 738:139828. [PMID: 32534275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We studied the prevalence of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in liver and muscle tissues of wild boar captured in the urban area of Barcelona, the suburban area of Collserola Natural Park and the rural area of Santa Quiteria, next to Cabañeros National Park, in Spain. The objective was to assess the influence of both urbanisation and wild boar (Sus scrofa) trophic opportunism on the accumulation of these compounds. We have also evaluated the risk for human consumers of this game meat. Wild boars from Barcelona city showed the highest prevalence of ARs detection (60.8%), followed by the adjoining suburban area of Collserola N.P. (40%) and the rural distant area of Santa Quiteria (7.7%). Liver bioaccumulated ARs (45.2%) more frequently than muscle (11.9%). A significant proportion (13.7%) of wild boar captured in Barcelona city exceeded 200 ng/g of total ARs in liver, a threshold for adverse effects on blood clotting. For difenacoum, there was a predominance of cis isomer, while for brodifacoum and bromadiolone cis and trans isomers appeared in a similar proportion. According to the scarce available information on ARs toxicity in humans, the risk of acute poisoning from game meat consumption seems to be low. However, repeated exposure through liver consumption should be considered in further risk assessments because of the high concentration detected in some samples (up to 0.68 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alabau
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Serra Hunter Fellow, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H) and Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agraria, Universidad de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Raquel Castillo-Contreras
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carles Conejero
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María S Fernández-Bocharán
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servicio de Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Nosal DG, Feinstein DL, Chen L, van Breemen RB. Separation and Quantification of Superwarfarin Rodenticide Diastereomers-Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Flocoumafen, Brodifacoum, and Difethialone-in Human Plasma. J AOAC Int 2020; 103:770-778. [PMID: 33241367 PMCID: PMC7372953 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superwarfarins, second-generation long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides, are 4-hydroxycoumarin analogues of warfarin that contain a large hydrophobic side chain. These compounds contain two chiral centers and are synthesized for commercial use as two pairs of diastereomer. OBJECTIVE To support studies of superwarfarin pharmacokinetics and other efforts to improve clinical care for poisoning victims, a quantitative assay was developed for the measurement of diastereomer of bromadiolone, difenacoum, flocoumafen, brodifacoum, and difethialone in human plasma. METHOD Based on ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), this method was validated according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Sample preparation involved simple protein precipitation followed by reversed phase UHPLC, which resolved all five pairs of cis/trans diastereomer in less than 10 min. Superwarfarins were measured using negative ion electrospray followed by selected-reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. RESULTS Calibration curves covered 3-4 orders of magnitude with linear regression coefficients of >0.999. The lower limits of quantitation were from 0.013 to 2.41 ng/mL, and intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision coefficients of variation were <12%. CONCLUSIONS A 10-min UHPLC-MS/MS assay was developed and validated for the separation and quantitative analysis of the pairs of diastereomer of five superwarfarins in human plasma. HIGHLIGHTS This method was used to identify and measure superwarfarins and their cis/trans diastereomers in plasma obtained from patients treated for coagulopathy following consumption of contaminated synthetic cannabinoid products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Nosal
- Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2900 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Douglas L Feinstein
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Anesthesiology, 835 South Wolcott Ave, MC513, E720, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Luying Chen
- Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2900 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Richard B van Breemen
- Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2900 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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24
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Rattner BA, Volker SF, Lankton JS, Bean TG, Lazarus RS, Horak KE. Brodifacoum Toxicity in American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) with Evidence of Increased Hazard on Subsequent Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020; 39:468-481. [PMID: 31707739 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A seminal question in ecotoxicology is the extent to which contaminant exposure evokes prolonged effects on physiological function and fitness. A series of studies were undertaken with American kestrels ingesting environmentally realistic concentrations of the second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) brodifacoum. Kestrels fed brodifacoum at 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 µg/g diet wet weight for 7 d exhibited dose-dependent hemorrhage, histopathological lesions, and coagulopathy (prolonged prothrombin and Russell's viper venom times). Following termination of a 7-d exposure to 0.5 µg brodifacoum/g diet, prolonged blood clotting time returned to baseline values within 1 wk, but brodifacoum residues in liver and kidney persisted during the 28-d recovery period (terminal half-life estimates >50 d). To examine the hazard of sequential anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure, kestrels were exposed to either the first-generation AR chlorophacinone (1.5 µg/g diet) or the SGAR brodifacoum (0.5 µg/g diet) for 7 d and, following a recovery period, challenged with a low dose of chlorophacinone (0.75 µg/g diet) for 7 d. In brodifacoum-exposed kestrels, the challenge exposure clearly prolonged prothrombin time compared to naive controls and kestrels previously exposed to chlorophacinone. These data provide evidence that the SGAR brodifacoum may have prolonged effects that increase the toxicity of subsequent AR exposure. Because free-ranging predatory and scavenging wildlife are often repeatedly exposed to ARs, such protracted toxicological effects need to be considered in hazard and risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:468-481. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnett A Rattner
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven F Volker
- National Wildlife Research Center, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Julia S Lankton
- National Wildlife Health Center, US Geological Survey, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas G Bean
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca S Lazarus
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine E Horak
- National Wildlife Research Center, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Papini S, de Masi E, Nakagawa LE, de Oliveira JCB. Rodenticide efficacy in sewers in São Paulo, Brazil. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:35270-35274. [PMID: 31741277 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rodents infest urban environments, causing damage and acting as vectors for disease transmission. Currently, anticoagulants are the most widely used chemical rodenticides, and their extensive and widespread use can contaminate the environment. To ensure effectiveness and avoid accumulation of rodent baits in the environment, it is important to evaluate how long rodent baits maintain their palatability and efficacy. In rodent control programs, rodent baits are placed in locations such as sewers, but after a few days, baits appear altered, causing doubts about the control efficacy. For this reason, baits are replaced periodically, which increases costs and generation of chemical waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the palatability and efficacy of commercial paraffin-type rodent bait blocks placed in sewers in São Paulo City over a period of 90 days. Bait blocks were placed in sewers and collected after 30, 60, and 90 days. Additionally, in a laboratory two-choice test, wild-caught urban Norway rats were offered 40-60 g of bait and an equal volume of standard rat pellets. The amount of bait and rat pellet consumed was registered, the palatability was calculated, and the efficacy was measured as the percentage mortality over 14 days. The results showed that, even when they had an altered appearance, bait blocks remained palatable to the rats and were effective after at least 90 days. Leaving bait blocks for longer periods could be an effective strategy for reducing costs and could help to ensure the control of urban rodents in an environmentally sustainable way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Papini
- Municipality of São Paulo, Municipal Heath Secretary, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Masi
- Municipality of São Paulo, Municipal Heath Secretary, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lia E Nakagawa
- Biological Institute, Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves Avenue 1252, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, SP, 04014-900, Brazil.
| | - Jennifer C B de Oliveira
- Biological Institute, Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves Avenue 1252, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, SP, 04014-900, Brazil
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26
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Hong SY, Morrissey C, Lin HS, Lin KS, Lin WL, Yao CT, Lin TE, Chan FT, Sun YH. Frequent detection of anticoagulant rodenticides in raptors sampled in Taiwan reflects government rodent control policy. Sci Total Environ 2019; 691:1051-1058. [PMID: 31326797 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are known to cause extensive secondary exposure in top predators in Europe and North America, but there remains a paucity of data in Asia. In this study, we collected 221 liver samples from 21 raptor species in Taiwan between 2010 and 2018. Most birds were recovered from rescue organizations, but some free-ranging individuals were obtained from bird-strike prevention measures at airports. ARs were detected in 10 species and more than half of the total samples. Common rodent-eating Black-winged Kites (Elanus caeruleus) had the highest prevalence (89.2%) and highest average sum concentration (0.211 ± 0.219 mg/kg), which was similar between free-ranging birds at airports and injured birds from rescue organizations. Scavenging Black Kites (Milvus migrans) and snake-eating Crested Serpent-eagles (Spilornis cheela) had the second highest prevalence or sum concentration, respectively. Seven different AR compounds were detected, of which brodifacoum was the most common and had the highest average concentration, followed by flocoumafen and bromadiolone. The frequency of occurrence in the three most numerous species (Black-winged Kite, Crested Goshawk [Accipiter trivirgatus], and Collared Scops-owl [Otus lettia]) was significantly higher in autumn than summer, which is consistent with the timing of the Taiwanese government's supply of free ARs to farmers. Regional differences in the detection of individual compounds also tended to reflect differences in human population density and use patterns (in agriculture or urban-dominated environments). Clinical poisoning was confirmed in Black Kites with sum concentrations as low as 0.026 mg/kg; however, further study of interspecific differences in AR sensitivity and potential population effects are needed. In addition, continued monitoring remains important given the Taiwanese government has modified their farmland rodent control policy to gradually reduce free AR supplies since 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao-Yu Hong
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Christy Morrissey
- Department of Biology and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Hui-Shan Lin
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | | | - Wen-Loung Lin
- Taichung Wildlife Rescue Group, Taichung 411, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Te Yao
- Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou 552, Taiwan
| | - Te-En Lin
- Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou 552, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Tse Chan
- Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou 552, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hsun Sun
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan.
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27
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Robinson EL, Sisco E. Detection of Brodifacoum and other Rodenticides in Drug Mixtures using Thermal Desorption Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (TD-DART-MS). J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1026-1033. [PMID: 30536906 PMCID: PMC6602815 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent months, there has been increased reporting of seized drug and toxicology cases containing rodenticides, the active ingredient in rat poisons. Seeing as rodenticides are not scheduled substances, they are not commonly screened for in seized drug analysis. This work investigates the use of TD-DART-MS for the simultaneous detection of rodenticides and drugs. Six rodenticides were evaluated, an optimal method was established, and limits of detection in the tens of nanograms were calculated. Additional studies highlight that detection at less than 1% by weight in mixtures with AB-FUBINACA, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine was possible. This work presents an optimized method for detection of these compounds, allowing for the simultaneous detection of drugs and rodenticides, providing drug chemists with a tool for rapid identification of these compounds for forensic or public health purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Robinson
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8371, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899
| | - Edward Sisco
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8371, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899
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28
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Hindmarch S, Rattner BA, Elliott JE. Use of blood clotting assays to assess potential anticoagulant rodenticide exposure and effects in free-ranging birds of prey. Sci Total Environ 2019; 657:1205-1216. [PMID: 30677887 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-target wildlife, particularly birds of prey, are widely exposed to and acutely poisoned by anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). An unresolved issue surrounding such exposure, however, is the potential for sublethal effects. In particular, the consequences of AR exposure and resulting coagulopathy on health and survival of unintentionally exposed animals, which often encounter a multitude of anthropogenic stressors, are understudied. In a wildlife rehabilitation setting, AR intoxication may be masked by more obvious injuries related to collision with vehicles or electrocution, thereby obfuscating proximate from ultimate cause of mortality. An assessment of coagulation function of admitted wildlife may provide a means of identifying animals exhibiting sublethal coagulopathy, and ultimately ensuring provision of appropriate and swift treatment. In conjunction with routine diagnostics for injury and disease, we performed two blood clotting assays (prothrombin time, Russell's viper venom time) affected by vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy of samples from six species of live raptors admitted to a rehabilitation facility. We also measured clotting time in pre-fledgling barn owl chicks (Tyto furcata) from 10 nest sites in Lower Mainland Canada. Prolonged clotting time or failure to form a clot altogether was observed in 23.0% of 61 sampled raptors admitted to the rehabilitation facility. This is a biologically significant proportion of individuals given the fortuitous and likely biased nature by which raptors are found and admitted to rehabilitation facilities. In contrast, there was little evidence of coagulopathy in 19 pre-fledgling barn owl chicks. The utility of avian coagulation tests for diagnosing AR exposure is promising, yet there remains a need to establish species specific reference values and standardize assay methodologies among testing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofi Hindmarch
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta V4K 3N2, BC, Canada
| | - Barnett A Rattner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta V4K 3N2, BC, Canada.
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29
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Kotthoff M, Rüdel H, Jürling H, Severin K, Hennecke S, Friesen A, Koschorreck J. First evidence of anticoagulant rodenticides in fish and suspended particulate matter: spatial and temporal distribution in German freshwater aquatic systems. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:7315-7325. [PMID: 29497938 PMCID: PMC6447514 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for decades for rodent control worldwide. Research on the exposure of the environment and accumulation of these active substances in biota has been focused on terrestrial food webs, but few data are available on the impact of ARs on aquatic systems and water organisms. To fill this gap, we analyzed liver samples of bream (Abramis brama) and co-located suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). An appropriate method was developed for the determination of eight different ARs, including first- and second-generation ARs, in fish liver and SPM. Applying this method to bream liver samples from 17 and 18 sampling locations of the years 2011 and 2015, respectively, five ARs were found at levels above limits of quantifications (LOQs, 0.2 to 2 μg kg-1). For 2015, brodifacoum was detected in 88% of the samples with a maximum concentration of 12.5 μg kg-1. Moreover, difenacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and flocoumafen were detected in some samples above LOQ. In contrast, no first generation AR was detected in the ESB samples. In SPM, only bromadiolone could be detected in 56% of the samples at levels up to 9.24 μg kg-1. A temporal trend analysis of bream liver from two sampling locations over a period of up to 23 years revealed a significant trend for brodifacoum at one of the sampling locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kotthoff
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany.
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Department Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Heinrich Jürling
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Severin
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Hennecke
- Department Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Anton Friesen
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
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30
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Elmeros M, Bossi R, Christensen TK, Kjær LJ, Lassen P, Topping CJ. Exposure of non-target small mammals to anticoagulant rodenticide during chemical rodent control operations. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:6133-6140. [PMID: 30617892 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-04064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) results in widespread unintentional exposure of non-target rodents and secondary poisoning of predators despite regulatory measures to manage and reduce exposure risk. To elucidate on the potential vectoring of ARs into surrounding habitats by non-target small mammals, we determined bromadiolone prevalence and concentrations in rodents and shrews near bait boxes during an experimental application of the poison for 2 weeks. Overall, bromadiolone was detected in 12.6% of all small rodents and insectivores. Less than 20 m from bait boxes, 48.6% of small mammals had detectable levels of bromadiolone. The prevalence of poisoned small mammals decreased with distance to bait boxes, but bromadiolone concentration in the rodenticide positive individuals did not. Poisoned small mammals were trapped up to 89 m from bait boxes. Bromadiolone concentrations in yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) were higher than concentrations in bank vole (Myodes glareolus), field vole (Microtus agrestis), harvest mouse (Micromys minutus), and common shrew (Sorex araneus). Our field trials documents that chemical rodent control results in widespread exposure of non-target small mammals and that AR poisoned small mammals disperse away from bating sites to become available to predators and scavengers in large areas of the landscape. The results suggest that the unintentional secondary exposure of predators and scavengers is an unavoidable consequence of chemical rodent control outside buildings and infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Elmeros
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, DK-8410, Rønde, Denmark.
| | - Rossana Bossi
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Lene Jung Kjær
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, DK-8410, Rønde, Denmark
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pia Lassen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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31
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Weir SM, Thomas JF, Blauch DN. Investigating spatial patterns of mercury and rodenticide residues in raptors collected near the Charlotte, NC, USA, metropolitan area. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:33153-33161. [PMID: 30251047 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3229-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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Raptor population growth is dynamic and trends vary across species and by location in the United States. For those species that are declining, it is important to identify potential causes including chemical contaminants. Sampling wild raptors is problematic due to their small population sizes and role as a top predator. Therefore, we obtained liver samples (n = 56) from carcasses of several raptor species, including common species like red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, great horned owls, and osprey that arrived dead or were euthanized from a non-profit rehabilitation center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raptors were found or collected in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, but most samples were located near the metropolitan region of Charlotte, NC. We analyzed livers for total mercury residue (mg/kg, dry weight) and five anti-coagulant rodenticides (μg/kg wet weight). Mercury was analyzed using a direct mercury analyzer approach and rodenticides were quantified by LC-MS. Mercury residues were high in piscivorous birds (15.09 mg/kg for osprey and 6.93 mg/kg for great blue herons, dry weight) and relatively high in red-shouldered hawks and one eastern screech owl tested. Six of our samples exceeded a health threshold of 1 mg/kg (wet weight) including three osprey and one each of great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, and eastern screech owl. Brodifacoum was the only rodenticide consistently detected in our samples. Brodifacoum detections exceeded 75% in barred owls, great horned owls, and red-shouldered hawks. Sixty-nine percent of owl samples were within (or exceeded) a threshold of brodifacoum residue associated with a 10-20% risk of acute toxicity. Correlations between residues and human population density were not significant for either mercury or brodifacoum. Our data suggest that mercury residues for most raptors were not of significant concern with the exception of osprey and possibly red-shouldered hawks. Rodenticide exposures associated with a risk of acute toxicity appear to be common and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Weir
- Biology Department, Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Jeffrey F Thomas
- Biology Department, Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - David N Blauch
- Chemistry Department, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
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32
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Lohr MT, Davis RA. Anticoagulant rodenticide use, non-target impacts and regulation: A case study from Australia. Sci Total Environ 2018; 634:1372-1384. [PMID: 29710637 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) on non-target wildlife have been well documented in Europe and North America. While these studies are informative, patterns of non-target poisoning of wildlife elsewhere in the world may differ substantially from patterns occurring in Australia and other countries outside of cool temperate regions due to differences in the types of ARs used, patterns of use, legislation governing sales, and potential pathways of secondary exposure. Most of these differences suggest that the extent and severity of AR poisoning in wildlife may be greater in Australia than elsewhere in the world. While many anecdotal accounts of rodenticide toxicity were found - especially in conjunction with government control efforts and island eradications - no published studies have directly tested rodenticide exposure in non-target Australian wildlife in a comprehensive manner. The effects of private and agricultural use of rodenticides on wildlife have not been adequately assessed. Synthesis of reviewed literature suggests that anticoagulant rodenticides may pose previously unrecognised threats to wildlife and indigenous people in Australia and other nations with diverse and abundant reptile faunas relative to countries with cooler climates where most rodenticide ecotoxicology studies have been conducted. To address the identified knowledge gaps we suggest additional research into the role of reptiles as potential AR vectors, potential novel routes of human exposure, and comprehensive monitoring of rodenticide exposure in Australian wildlife, especially threatened and endangered omnivores and carnivores. Additionally, we recommend regulatory action to harmonise Australian management of ARs with existing and developing global norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Lohr
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia.
| | - Robert A Davis
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia.
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D'Alessio M, Wang T, Swift CE, Shanmungam MS, Ray C. A Tier-I leaching risk assessment of three anticoagulant compounds in the forested areas of Hawai'i. Sci Total Environ 2018; 630:889-902. [PMID: 29499544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.257] [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: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The anticoagulant rodenticides brodifacoum, chlorophacinone, and diphacinone have been proposed for broadcast application in some forested areas in Hawai'i to protect rare and endangered native bird species from introduced mice and rats. Groundwater resources in Hawai'i are prone to contamination due to the intrinsic aquifer vulnerability to leaching from the land surface. Because of the hydrogeologic complexity, Hawai'i uses a Tier-I leaching assessment tool, CLERS, to make registration decisions for new or existing chemicals. The CLERS tool uses soil and pesticide properties as well as water recharge through the soil profile in a GIS framework to estimate mass attenuation of the chemicals at a given depth and compares against this attenuation factor against those of a known leacher and a non-leacher. Disturbed soil samples were collected across the state of Hawai'i, including the islands of Hawai'i, Kaho'olawe, Kaua'i, Lana'i, Maui, Moloka'i, and O'ahu, with two sampling locations per island, except for Kaua'i which had three. As only limited information on chemical properties of these anticoagulants in soils is available, laboratory experiments were performed to determine the sorption capacity (Kd) and the degradation rate (T1/2) of brodifacoum, chlorophacinone, and diphacinone to construct a proper chemical database. Depending on the soil type, T1/2 values ranged between 37 and 248days for diphacinone, between 39 and 1000days for chlorophacinone, and between 72 and 462days for brodifacoum. These data were used in the CLERS tool to estimate leaching risks for these chemicals primarily in forested areas of the state where the chemicals are likely to be applied. The results from the CLERS tool indicate low risks of leaching of these three compounds into aquifers in five out of six major Hawaiian Islands. Diphacinone showed medium risk of leaching in a few remote areas in Maui.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo D'Alessio
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Water Sciences Laboratory, 202 Water Sciences Laboratory, 1840 North 37th Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0844, USA.
| | - Tiejun Wang
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
| | - Catherine E Swift
- Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96850, USA
| | - Mohana Sundaram Shanmungam
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Water Center, 2021 Transformation Drive, Suite 3220, Lincoln, NE 68583-0979, USA
| | - Chittaranjan Ray
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Water Center, 2021 Transformation Drive, Suite 3220, Lincoln, NE 68583-0979, USA.
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Fourel I, Sage M, Benoit E, Lattard V. Liver and fecal samples suggest differential exposure of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to trans- and cis-bromadiolone in areas from France treated with plant protection products. Sci Total Environ 2018; 622-623:924-929. [PMID: 29227943 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France.
| | - Mickaël Sage
- Wildlife Environment Expertise, 25 rue de la Grette, F-25000 Besancon, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, MARCY L'ETOILE, France
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35
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Vyas NB. Rodenticide incidents of exposure and adverse effects on non-raptor birds. Sci Total Environ 2017; 609:68-76. [PMID: 28735092 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Interest in the adverse effects of rodenticides on birds has focused primarily on raptors. However, non-raptor birds are also poisoned (rodenticide exposure resulting in adverse effects including mortality) by rodenticides through consumption of the rodenticide bait and contaminated prey. A literature search for rodenticide incidents (evidence of exposure to a rodenticide, adverse effects, or exposure to placebo baits) involving non-raptor birds returned 641 records spanning the years 1931 to 2016. The incidents included 17 orders, 58 families, and 190 non-raptor bird species. Nineteen anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant rodenticide active ingredients were associated with the incidents. The number of incidents and species detected were compared by surveillance method. An incident was considered to have been reported through passive surveillance if it was voluntarily reported to the authorities whereas the report of an incident found through field work that was conducted with the objective of documenting adverse effects on birds was determined to be from active surveillance. More incidents were reported from passive surveillance than with active surveillance but a significantly greater number of species were detected in proportion to the number of incidents found through active surveillance than with passive surveillance (z=7.61, p<0.01). Results suggest that reliance on only one surveillance method can underestimate the number of incidents that have occurred and the number of species that are affected. Although rodenticides are used worldwide, incident records were found from only 15 countries. Therefore, awareness of the breadth of species diversity of non-raptor bird poisonings from rodenticides may increase incident reportings and can strengthen the predictions of harm characterized by risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimish B Vyas
- U.S·Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville Lab, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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36
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Smith LL, Liang B, Booth MC, Filigenzi MS, Tkachenko A, Gaskill CL. Development and Validation of Quantitative Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Anticoagulant Rodenticides in Liver. J Agric Food Chem 2017; 65:6682-6691. [PMID: 28699743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b02280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used to control rodent populations; however, exposure to nontarget animals occurs. A sensitive and rugged quantitative method was developed, optimized, and validated for eight ARs in liver. Target analytes comprised two chemical classes: hydroxycoumarins (warfarin, coumachlor, dicoumarol, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, and difethialone) and indanediones (diphacinone and chlorophacinone). In this method, liver extracts were cleaned using dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) to remove matrix interferences and analyzed by reverse phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Electrospray ionization in negative ion mode combined with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer provided simultaneous confirmation and quantitation. Detection limits spanned 0.75-25 ng/g, and lower quantitation limits were established as 50 ng/g. Interassay method accuracy ranged from 92 to 110% across the analytical range (50-2500 ng/g) using matrix-matched calibrants with good repeatability (relative standard deviations 2-16%). Successful method transfer to another laboratory utilizing an Orbitrap mass analyzer, providing high mass accuracy, was assessed by good method reproducibility during blinded study analyses (6-29%; Horwitz ratios (HORRAT) ≤ 1.5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori L Smith
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Laboratory, University of Kentucky , Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
| | - Boying Liang
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Laboratory, University of Kentucky , Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
| | - Marcia C Booth
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California , Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Michael S Filigenzi
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California , Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Andriy Tkachenko
- United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine , 8401 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708, United States
| | - Cynthia L Gaskill
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Laboratory, University of Kentucky , Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
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37
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Memmott K, Murray M, Rutberg A. Use of anticoagulant rodenticides by pest management professionals in Massachusetts, USA. Ecotoxicology 2017; 26:90-96. [PMID: 27933554 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Secondary exposure to chemical rodenticides, specifically second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), poses a threat to non-target wildlife including birds of prey. Federal regulations in the United States currently limit homeowner access to SGARs as a way of minimizing this threat. With legal access to SGARs, pest management professionals (PMPs) represent a potential linkage to non-target exposure. There is limited research focused on rodent control practices, chemical rodenticide preferences, level of concern and awareness, or opinions on rodenticide regulations as they relate to PMPs. An online survey was sent to PMP companies across Massachusetts, USA, between October and November 2015. Thirty-five responses were obtained, a 20 % response rate. The preferred rodent control method among responding PMP companies was chemical rodenticides, specifically the SGAR bromadiolone. Respondents varied in their level of concern regarding the impact of chemical rodenticides on non-target species and showed a low level of awareness regarding SGAR potency and half-life. All responding companies reported using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, with nearly all utilizing chemical rodenticides at some point. Enhanced education focused on SGAR potency, bioaccumulation potential, exposure routes, and negative impacts on non-target wildlife may improve efforts made by PMPs to minimize risk to wildlife and decrease dependence on chemical rodenticide use. Future studies evaluating use of anticoagulant rodenticide (ARs) by PMPs and the association with AR residues found in non-target wildlife is necessary to determine if current EPA regulations need to be modified to effectively reduce the risk of SGARs to non-target wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Memmott
- Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA.
| | - Maureen Murray
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Wildlife Clinic, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Allen Rutberg
- Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
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Saito-Shida S, Nemoto S, Matsuda R, Akiyama H. Simultaneous determination of seven anticoagulant rodenticides in agricultural products by gel permeation chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Environ Sci Health B 2016; 51:801-808. [PMID: 27428755 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2016.1198654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of hydroxycoumarin-type (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, coumatetralyl, and warfarin) and indandione-type (chlorophacinone, diphacinone, and pindone) rodenticides in agricultural products by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. The procedure involved extraction of the rodenticides from samples with acetone, followed by liquid-liquid partitioning with hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) and 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution, then cleanup using GPC, and finally, analysis using LC-MS/MS. High recoveries from the GPC column were obtained for all rodenticides tested using a mobile phase of acetone/cyclohexane/triethylamine (400:1600:1, v/v/v). An ODS column, which contains low levels of metal impurities, gave satisfactory peak shapes for both hydroxycoumarin- and indandione-type rodenticides in the LC-MS/MS separation. The average recoveries of rodenticides from eight agricultural foods (apple, eggplant, cabbage, orange, potato, tomato, brown rice, and soybean) fortified at 0.0005-0.001 mg/kg ranged from 76 to 116%, except for bromadiolone in orange (53%) and diphacinone in soybean (54%), and the relative standard deviations ranged from 1 to 16%. The proposed method effectively removed interfering components, such as pigments and lipids, and showed high selectivity. In addition, the matrix effects were negligible for most of the rodenticide/food combinations. The results suggest that the proposed method is reliable and suitable for determining hydroxycoumarin- and indandione-type rodenticides in agricultural products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satoru Nemoto
- a Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Rieko Matsuda
- a Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akiyama
- a Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
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Gómez-Canela C, Lacorte S. Comprehensive characterization of anticoagulant rodenticides in sludge by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:15739-15748. [PMID: 27146526 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6743-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of 10 commonly used anticoagulant rodenticides in centrifuged sludge of 27 wastewater treatment plants was evaluated using solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Activated carbon, alumina, and Florisil cartridges with methanol/dichloromethane as eluting solvents were tested in combination with primary-secondary amine (PSA) to optimize an efficient sample cleanup. PSA in combination with Florisil was the best methodology to extract anticoagulant rodenticides in sludge providing recoveries between 42 ± 0.5 and 100 ± 2 %. Warfarin, bromadiolone, ferulenol, and coumachlor were the most ubiquitous compounds in sludge at concentrations up to 84.2 ng g(-1) for the latter. Coumatetralyl, dicoumarol, and brodifacoum were detected sporadically at levels between 6.1 and 17.4 ng g(-1). On the contrary, acenocoumarol, difenacoum, and flocoumafen were not detected in any sample. Finally, we estimated the amount of anticoagulant rodenticides discharged via sludge in order to determine the potential impact to agricultural soil according to different sludge usage practices in the region investigated. This study demonstrates that anticoagulant rodenticides are accumulated in sludge during activated sludge treatment and that the application of sludge as fertilizers may pose a future environmental risk, if not controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Schmitt W, Auteri D, Bastiansen F, Ebeling M, Liu C, Luttik R, Mastitsky S, Nacci D, Topping C, Wang M. An example of population-level risk assessments for small mammals using individual-based population models. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016; 12:46-57. [PMID: 25891765 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a case study demonstrating the application of 3 individual-based, spatially explicit population models (IBMs, also known as agent-based models) in ecological risk assessments to predict long-term effects of a pesticide to populations of small mammals. The 3 IBMs each used a hypothetical fungicide (FungicideX) in different scenarios: spraying in cereals (common vole, Microtus arvalis), spraying in orchards (field vole, Microtus agrestis), and cereal seed treatment (wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus). Each scenario used existing model landscapes, which differed greatly in size and structural complexity. The toxicological profile of FungicideX was defined so that the deterministic long-term first tier risk assessment would result in high risk to small mammals, thus providing the opportunity to use the IBMs for risk assessment refinement (i.e., higher tier risk assessment). Despite differing internal model design and scenarios, results indicated in all 3 cases low population sensitivity unless FungicideX was applied at very high (×10) rates. Recovery from local population impacts was generally fast. Only when patch extinctions occured in simulations of intentionally high acute toxic effects, recovery periods, then determined by recolonization, were of any concern. Conclusions include recommendations for the most important input considerations, including the selection of exposure levels, duration of simulations, statistically robust number of replicates, and endpoints to report. However, further investigation and agreement are needed to develop recommendations for landscape attributes such as size, structure, and crop rotation to define appropriate regulatory risk assessment scenarios. Overall, the application of IBMs provides multiple advantages to higher tier ecological risk assessments for small mammals, including consistent and transparent direct links to specific protection goals, and the consideration of more realistic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Schmitt
- Bayer CropScience AG, Environmental Safety, Monheim, Germany
| | - Domenica Auteri
- European Food and Safety Agency, Pesticides Unit, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Markus Ebeling
- Bayer CropScience AG, Environmental Safety, Monheim, Germany
| | - Chun Liu
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Diane Nacci
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Atlantic Ecology Division-Population Ecology Branch, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Chris Topping
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Rønde, Denmark
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Filigenzi MS, Bautista AC, Aston LS, Poppenga RH. Method for the detection of desmethylbromethalin in animal tissue samples for the determination of bromethalin exposure. J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63:5146-5151. [PMID: 25688571 DOI: 10.1021/jf5052706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Bromethalin, a potent neurotoxin, is widely available for use as a rodenticide. As access to other rodenticides is reduced due to regulatory pressure, the use of bromethalin is likely to increase with a concomitant increase in poisonings in nontarget animals. Analytical methods for the detection of bromethalin residues in animals suspected to have been exposed to this rodenticide are needed to support post-mortem diagnosis of toxicosis. This paper describes a novel method for the analysis of desmethylbromethalin (DMB), bromethalin's toxic metabolite, in tissue samples such as liver, brain, and adipose. Samples were extracted with 5% ethanol in ethyl acetate, and an aliquot of the extract was evaporated dry, reconstituted, and analyzed by reverse phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometer utilized electrospray ionization in negative ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring. This method was qualitatively validated at a level of 1.0 ng/g in liver tissue. The quantitative potential of the method was also evaluated, and a method detection limit of 0.35 ng/g wet weight was determined in fat tissue. DMB was detected in tissue samples from animals suspected to have been poisoned by this compound. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no other methods reported for analysis of DMB in tissue samples using LC-MS/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Filigenzi
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Adrienne C Bautista
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Linda S Aston
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Robert H Poppenga
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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42
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Masuda BM, Fisher P, Beaven B. Residue profiles of brodifacoum in coastal marine species following an island rodent eradication. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2015; 113:1-8. [PMID: 25437099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum is an effective tool for the eradication of invasive rodents from islands and fenced sanctuaries, for biodiversity restoration. However, broadcast application of brodifacoum bait on islands may expose non-target wildlife in coastal marine environments to brodifacoum, with subsequent secondary exposure risk for humans if such marine wildlife is harvested for consumption. We report a case study of monitoring selected marine species following aerial application of brodifacoum bait in August 2011 to eradicate Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Ulva Island, New Zealand. Residual concentrations of brodifacoum were detected in 3 of 10 species of coastal fish or shellfish sampled 43-176d after bait application commenced. Residual brodifacoum concentrations were found in liver, but not muscle tissue, of 2 of 24 samples of blue cod (0.026 and 0.092 µg/g; Parapercis colias) captured live then euthanized for tissue sampling. Residual brodifacoum concentrations were also found in whole-body samples of 4 of 24 mussels (range=0.001-0.022 µg/g, n=4; Mytilus edulis) and 4 of 24 limpets (range=0.001-0.016 µg/g, n=4; Cellana ornata). Measured residue concentrations in all three species were assessed as unlikely to have eventually caused mortality of the sampled individuals. We also conducted a literature review and determined that in eleven previous accounts of residue examination of coastal marine species following aerial applications of brodifacoum bait, including our results from Ulva Island, the overall rate of residue detection was 5.6% for marine invertebrates (11 of 196 samples tested) and 3.1% for fish (2 of 65 samples tested). Furthermore, our results from Ulva Island are the first known detection of brodifacoum residue in fish liver following an aerial application of brodifacoum bait. Although our findings confirm the potential for coastal marine wildlife to be exposed to brodifacoum following island rodent eradications using aerial bait application, the risk of mortality to exposed individual fish or shellfish appears very low. There is also a very low risk of adverse effects on humans that consume fish or shellfish containing residual concentrations in the ranges reported here. Furthermore, any brodifacoum residues that occur in marine wildlife decline to below detectable concentrations over a period of weeks. Thus potential human exposure to brodifacoum through consumption of marine wildlife containing residual brodifacoum could be minimized by defining 'no take' periods for harvest following bait application and regular monitoring to confirm the absence of detectable residues in relevant marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce M Masuda
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Penny Fisher
- Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
| | - Brent Beaven
- Department of Conservation, Stewart Island Field Centre, PO Box 3, Stewart Island, New Zealand
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43
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Malón H, Aguirre AJ, Boné A, Vidal M, García-Ramos FJ. Design and testing of an agricultural implement for underground application of rodenticide bait. Sensors (Basel) 2015; 15:2006-20. [PMID: 25602272 PMCID: PMC4327114 DOI: 10.3390/s150102006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An agricultural implement for underground application of rodenticide bait to control the Mediterranean pocket gopher (Microtus Duodecimcostatus) in fruit orchards has been designed and tested. The main objective of this research was to design and test the implement by using the finite element method (FEM) and considering a range of loads generated on most commonly used furrow openers in agricultural implements. As a second step, the prototype was tested in the field by analysing the effects of forward speed and application depth on the mechanical behaviour of the implement structure. The FEM was used in the design phase and a prototype was manufactured. The structural strains on the prototype chassis under working conditions were tested by using strain gauges to validate the design phase. Three forward speeds (4.5, 5.5, and 7.0 km/h), three application depths (0.12, 0.15, and 0.17 m), and two types of soil (clayey-silty-loam and clayey-silty-sandy) were considered. The prototype was validated successfully by analysing the information obtained from the strain gauges. The Von Mises stresses indicated a safety coefficient of 1.9 for the most critical load case. Although both forward speed and application depth had a significant effect on the stresses generated on the chassis, the latter parameter critically affected the structural behaviour of the implement. The effects of the application depth on the strains were linear such that strains increased with depth. In contrast, strains remained roughly constant regardless of variation in the forward speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Malón
- Superior Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, Huesca 22071, Spain.
| | - A Javier Aguirre
- Superior Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, Huesca 22071, Spain.
| | - Antonio Boné
- Superior Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, Huesca 22071, Spain.
| | - Mariano Vidal
- Superior Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, Huesca 22071, Spain.
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44
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Montaz J, Jacquot M, Coeurdassier M. Scavenging of rodent carcasses following simulated mortality due to field applications of anticoagulant rodenticide. Ecotoxicology 2014; 23:1671-1680. [PMID: 25147048 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, agricultural uses of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) cause poisonings of non-target wildlife as observed in France where bromadiolone is used to control water vole outbreaks. Following bromadiolone field application, a part of the vole population may die aboveground of the treated plots and thus, can represent an important risk of secondary poisoning for scavengers. In this study, water voles were trapped in a non-treated area and their carcasses were placed aboveground in plots located in an area where a vole outbreak occurred. Then, the environmental persistence, the diurnal and nocturnal scavenging rates of water vole carcasses were assessed in autumn 2011 and in spring 2012. The diurnal scavenger species were also identified. The environmental persistence of the carcasses to reach at least a scavenging rate of 87.5 % was 0.5-1.5 day. The average rates of diurnal and nocturnal scavenging ranged from 67 to 100 % and 5 to 100 %, respectively. They depended on the composition of the scavenger community present near the monitored plots; diurnal scavenging rates being higher with corvids than with raptors. In autumn, the red kite and the common buzzard were the main scavengers in one of the plots, what suggests a high risk of poisoning for these raptors during post-nuptial migration. So, the collection of vole carcasses after treatments and the limitations of bromadiolone applications when high densities of predators/scavengers are observed could be implemented to mitigate the risks of secondary poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Montaz
- Chrono-Environment, UMR UFC/CNRS 6249 Usc INRA, University of Franche-Comté Place Leclerc, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France,
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45
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Elliott JE, Hindmarch S, Albert CA, Emery J, Mineau P, Maisonneuve F. Exposure pathways of anticoagulant rodenticides to nontarget wildlife. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:895-906. [PMID: 24048882 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are widely reported to contaminate and poison nontarget wildlife, primarily predatory birds and mammals. Exposure pathways, however, have not been well defined. Here, we examined potential movement of rodenticides from deployment of bait to exposure of small mammals and other biota. At two adjacent working farms, we placed baits containing either brodifacoum or bromadiolone. We monitored movement of those compounds to the surrounding environment by collecting small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Similar collections were made at a third agricultural setting without active bait deployment, but located among intensive livestock production and regular rodenticide use by farmers. Livers and whole invertebrate samples were analyzed for rodenticides using a sensitive LC-MSMS method. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from both baited and non-baited farms had residues of brodifacoum or bromadiolone, implicating rats as an important exposure pathway to wildlife. Among 35 analyzed nontarget small mammals, a single vole had high hepatic residues (18.6 μ/g), providing some indication of a small mammal pathway. One song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) sample from a baited farm contained 0.073 μg/g of brodifacoum in liver, while 0.39 μg/g of diphacinone was measured in a pool of carrion beetles (Dermestes spp.) from the non-baited farm area, implicating avian and invertebrate components in exposure pathways. Regurgitated pellets of barn owl (Tyto alba) selected randomly from baited farms contained no detectable rodenticide residues, while 90% of owl pellets collected from a variety of farms, and selected for the presence of rat fur, contained detectable anticoagulant residues. We recorded behavior of a captive sample of a representative songbird, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus); they readily entered bait stations and fed on (unloaded) bait.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Pacific and Yukon Region, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada,
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46
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Berentsen AR, Pitt WC, Eisemann JD, Engeman RM. Longevity of rodenticide bait pellets in a tropical environment following a rat eradication program. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:2283-2288. [PMID: 24057961 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Invasive rodents (primarily Rattus spp.) are responsible for loss of biodiversity in island ecosystems worldwide. Large-scale rodenticide applications are typically used to eradicate rats and restore ecological communities. In tropical ecosystems, environmental conditions rapidly degrade baits and competition for baits by non-target animals can result in eradication failure. Our objective was to evaluate persistence of rodenticide baits during a rat eradication program on Palmyra Atoll; a remote tropical atoll with intense competition for resources by land crabs. Following aerial application, bait condition was monitored in four terrestrial environments and in the canopy foliage of coconut palms. Ten circular PVC hoops were fixed in place in each of Palmyra's four primary terrestrial habitats and five rodenticide pellets were placed in each hoop. Five coconut palms were selected in three distinct regions of the atoll. One rodenticide pellet was placed on each of five palm fronds in each coconut palm. Fresh baits were placed in all monitoring locations after each broadcast bait application. Bait condition and survival was monitored for 7 days after the first bait application and 6 days after second application. Bait survival curves differed between applications at most monitoring sites, suggesting a decrease in overall rat activity as a result of rodenticide treatment. One terrestrial site showed near 100 % bait survival after both applications, likely due to low localized rat and crab densities. Median days to pellet disappearance were one and two days for the first and second application, respectively. Differences in survival curves were not detected in canopy sites between bait applications. Median days to pellet disappearance in canopy sites were 2 and 4 days for the first and second application, respectively. Frequent rainfall likely contributed to rapid degradation of bait pellets in coconut palm fronds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Are R Berentsen
- National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80521-2154, USA.
| | - William C Pitt
- National Wildlife Research Center-Hawai'i Field Station, PO Box 10880, Hilo, HI, 96721, USA
| | - John D Eisemann
- National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80521-2154, USA
| | - Richard M Engeman
- National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80521-2154, USA
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47
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Gómez-Canela C, Barata C, Lacorte S. Occurrence, elimination, and risk of anticoagulant rodenticides and drugs during wastewater treatment. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:7194-203. [PMID: 24622989 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulants are biocides widely used as pest control agents in agriculture, urban infrastructures, and domestic applications for the control of rodents. Other anticoagulants such as warfarin and acenocoumarol are also used as drugs against thrombosis. After use, anticoagulants are discharged to sewage grids and enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Our hypothesis is that WWTP effluents can be a source of anticoagulants to receiving waters and that these can affect aquatic organisms and other nontarget species. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence of 11 anticoagulants in WWTPs receiving urban and agricultural wastewaters. Warfarin was the most ubiquitous compound detected in influent waters and was partially eliminated during the activated sludge treatment, and low nanograms per liter concentration were found in the effluents. Other detected compounds were coumatetralyl, ferulenol, acenocoumarol, flocoumafen, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and difenacoum at concentrations of 0.86-87.0 ng L(-1). Considering water volumes of each WWTP, daily emissions were estimated to be 0.02 to 21.8 g day(-1), and thus, WWTPs contribute to the loads of anticoagulants to receiving waters. However, low aquatic toxicity was observed using Daphnia magna as a model aquatic organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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48
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de L Brooke M, Cuthbert RJ, Harrison G, Gordon C, Taggart MA. Persistence of brodifacoum in cockroach and woodlice: implications for secondary poisoning during rodent eradications. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2013; 97:183-188. [PMID: 24008155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
When planning rodent eradications, that normally involve the use of the anticoagulant poison brodifacoum, it is imperative to minimise impacts on other "non-target" species that dwell alongside the targeted rodents and may indeed be the intended beneficiaries of the eradication. Such impacts can arise either from primary poisoning when the non-target species ingest bait pellets containing toxicant or by secondary poisoning when the non-target species eats prey that has itself eaten brodifacoum. Cockroaches and woodlice, likely to scavenge bait pellets, are widely distributed on tropical and sub-tropical islands where they are eaten by ground-dwelling birds. Combining work on Henderson Island, South Pacific, site of a recent rat eradication project, and UK laboratory experiments, our study first measured brodifacoum concentrations in cockroaches given temporary ad lib access to poison bait pellets, approximately mimicking the aftermath of bait distribution for a rodent eradication. In two separate experiments using different species/exposure times, the mean brodifacoum concentrations among cockroaches immediately after bait exposure was 262±s.e. 131 and 477±168µgkg(-1) wet weight. Values decreased quickly in the following 2 weeks, and then continued to decline at a slower rate over the following 4 weeks in the more prolonged laboratory experiment. A supplementary experiment with woodlice recorded a similar brodifacoum concentration in the animals at the end of the exposure period, 223±66µgkg(-1), and a similar time course for the post-exposure decline. In the context of rails (Rallidae), a group of birds known to be particularly susceptible to primary brodifacoum poisoning, these results suggested that, in terms of acute exposure, individual birds would need to eat a minimum of their own body weight (and more commonly 2-5 times that) of live cockroaches before facing a 50% risk of death. Therefore, we conclude that in eradication scenarios, acute secondary poisoning is of lower concern for these birds than primary poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M de L Brooke
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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Hughes J, Sharp E, Taylor MJ, Melton L, Hartley G. Monitoring agricultural rodenticide use and secondary exposure of raptors in Scotland. Ecotoxicology 2013; 22:974-84. [PMID: 23595554 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the documented risk of secondary poisoning to non-target species by anticoagulant rodenticides there is no statutory post-approval monitoring of their use in the UK. This paper presents results from two Scottish monitoring schemes for the period 2000-2010; recording rodenticide use on arable farms and the presence of residues in raptor carcasses. More than three quarters of arable farms used anticoagulant rodenticides; predominately the second generation compounds difenacoum and bromadiolone. There was widespread exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in liver tissues of the raptor species tested and the residues encountered generally reflected agricultural use patterns. As found in other studies, Red Kites (Milvus milvus) appeared to be particularly vulnerable to rodenticide exposure, 70 % of those sampled (n = 114) contained residues and 10 % died as a result of rodenticide ingestion. More unexpectedly, sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), which prey almost exclusively on birds, had similar exposure rates to species which prey on rodents. Although, with the exception of kites, confirmed mortality from rodenticides was low, the widespread exposure recorded is concerning. Particularly when coupled with a lack of data about the sub-lethal effects of these compounds. This raises questions regarding whether statutory monitoring of use is needed; both to address whether there are deficiencies in compliance with approval conditions or whether the recommended risk management procedures are themselves adequate to protect non-target wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hughes
- Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), Scottish Government, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh, EH12 9FJ, UK.
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Langford KH, Reid M, Thomas KV. The occurrence of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides in non-target raptor species in Norway. Sci Total Environ 2013; 450-451:205-8. [PMID: 23500818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are commonly used for rodent pest control in Norway resulting in the potential exposure of non-target raptor species. In this study the occurrence of flocoumafen, difethialone, difenacoum, bromadiolone and brodifacoum was determined in the livers of five species of raptors found dead in Norway between 2009 and 2011. The SGARs brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum and flocoumafen were detected in golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and eagle owl (Bubo bubo) livers at a total SGAR concentration of between 11 and 255 ng/g in approximately 70% of the golden eagles and 50% of the eagle owls examined in this study. In the absence of specific golden eagle and eagle owl toxicity thresholds for SGARs, a level of >100 ng/g was used as a potential lethal range, accepting that poisoning may occur below this level. Thirty percent (7/24) of the golden eagle and eagle owl livers contained total SGAR residue levels above this threshold. Further estimation of the potential mortality impact on the sampled raptor populations was not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine H Langford
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadallèen 21, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway.
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