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Liu X, Kümmel S, Wu L, Richnow HH. Tracking the transformation of persistent organic pollutants in food webs using multi element isotope and enantiomer fractionation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134046. [PMID: 38513442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In order to track the transformation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food webs, field experiments were conducted at two sites using stable isotope and enantiomer fractionation concepts. The enantiomers of α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) were selected as representative compounds for POPs. Isotope and enantiomer fractionation allowed the characterization of α-HCH enantiomer biotransformation processes along trophic levels of the food web - from soil and plants to animal livers, fat tissues and milk. The enrichment of heavy isotopes in soils, plants and sediments as well as the changes of enantiomer fractionation indicate that the biotransformation of α-HCH occurred in these compartments. Moreover, the increase of carbon and chlorine isotopic compositions as well as the changes of enantiomer fractionation of liver, fat tissues and milk demonstrated that the overall HCH exposure was much higher than estimates based on concentration levels, while the isotope and enantiomer fractionation revealed the enantiomer specific enantiomer uptake across the blood-brain barriers. Dual element isotope analysis suggested that complex transformation processes have occurred along the potential food web from the HCH sources over different environmental compartments to animal livers, fat tissues and milk. The results imply that the analyses of stable isotope compositions and concentrations has potential to reconstruct the exposure of higher organisms to POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Kümmel
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Langping Wu
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Ecometrix Incorporated, 6800 Campobello Road, Mississauga, ON L5N 2L8, Canada; Isodetect GmbH, Deutscher Platz 5b, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hans H Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Isodetect GmbH, Deutscher Platz 5b, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Valverde I, Defosseux I, Le Bot T, Jouvion G, Le Barzic C, Arné P, Gasparini J. Effect of urbanization on the trace element concentrations in the kidney, liver and spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169944. [PMID: 38199357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration. We analyzed the kidney, liver and spines of 50 European hedgehogs. Moreover, we carried out geographic information system (GIS) with 31 individuals to examine the effects of human pressure (human density and urbanization) on TE concentrations in tissues. We detected the 7 TEs in all tissues. Trace elements, especially Pb and Zn, in the liver, kidney and spines seem to be influenced by human density and urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valverde
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Isabelle Defosseux
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tanguy Le Bot
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Histology and Pathology Unit, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Le Barzic
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Arné
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julien Gasparini
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
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3
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Rasmussen SL, Pertoldi C, Roslev P, Vorkamp K, Nielsen JL. A Review of the Occurrence of Metals and Xenobiotics in European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:232. [PMID: 38254401 PMCID: PMC10812797 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring data from several European countries indicate that European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) populations are declining, and research exploring the causes of the decline, including exposure to potentially harmful xenobiotics and metals, may inform conservation initiatives to protect this species in the wild. Hedgehogs are ground-dwelling mammals, feeding on a range of insects, slugs, snails, and earthworms, as well as eggs, live vertebrates, and carrion, including carcasses of apex predator species representing higher levels of the food chain. Consequently, hedgehogs come into close contact with contaminants present in their habitats and prey. This review investigated the studies available on the subject of the occurrence of metals and organic xenobiotics in hedgehogs. This study found that a vast range of different pesticides; persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine compounds and brominated flame retardants (BFRs); as well as toxic heavy metals could be detected. Some compounds occurred in lethal concentrations, and some were associated with a potential adverse effect on hedgehog health and survival. Due to their ecology, combined with the opportunity to apply non-invasive sampling techniques using spines as sampling material, we suggest that the European hedgehog is a relevant bioindicator species for monitoring the exposure of terrestrial wildlife to potential toxicants in urban and rural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Aalborg Zoo, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Roslev
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
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García-Muñoz J, Cacciola NA, Plazzi F, Prado Míguez-Santiyán M, Rodríguez FS, López-Beceiro A, Fidalgo LE, Martínez-Morcillo S, Pérez-López M. Metal and metalloid concentrations in wild mammals from SW Europe: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and badger (Meles meles). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118855-118870. [PMID: 37922086 PMCID: PMC10697895 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been increasing ecological and global concerns associated to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). Thus, the relevance of wild mammals as biomonitors has been globally recognised. In the present study, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and As concentrations were quantified in European hedgehog and badger inhabiting SW Europe, and cumulative trends in relation to age and sex were evaluated. Liver and kidney samples were collected, mineralised and PTE content was determined by ICP-MS. Zn was the most abundant element quantified in both organs (239 and 89.8 mg kg-1 for hedgehogs and 179 and 164 mg kg-1 dw for badgers). In hedgehogs, very high Hg concentration were quantified (4.35 and 15.5 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney), and Cd was the most abundant for badgers (4.70 and 7.61 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney). Positive correlations were observed for the concentrations of PTE in the organs of both species. Age-dependence increased only Cd concentration, with levels in adult kidneys being significantly higher. In this study, European hedgehog and badger were used as biomonitors for the determination of PTEs to provide current reference values in relatively non-polluted areas of SW Europe, and to enhance the use of these species for future ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Muñoz
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Plazzi
- Department of Biologia Evoluzionistica Sperimentale, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Salomé Martínez-Morcillo
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Sartorius A, Cahoon M, Corbetta D, Grau-Roma L, Johnson MF, Sandoval Barron E, Smallman-Raynor M, Swift BMC, Yon L, Young S, Bennett M. Relationships between soil and badger elemental concentrations across a heterogeneously contaminated landscape. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161684. [PMID: 36690105 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the links between environmental and wildlife elemental concentrations is key to help assess ecosystem functions and the potential effects of legacy pollutants. In this study, livers from 448 European badgers (Meles meles) collected across the English Midlands were used to investigate the relationship between elemental concentrations in topsoils and wildlife. Mean soil sample concentrations within 2 km of each badger, determined using data from the British Geological Survey's 'Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment', were compared to badger liver elemental concentrations, focusing primarily on Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, K, Mn, Pb, Se, Zn. Generally, the badgers appeared to have elemental concentrations comparable with those published for other related animals, though Cu concentrations tended to be lower than expected. While there was no relationship between soil and badger liver concentrations for most biologically essential elements, biologically non-essential elements, specifically Pb, Cd, As, and Ag, were positively correlated between soil and badger livers. Lead and Cd, the elements with the strongest relationships between soils and badger livers, were primarily elevated in badgers collected in Derbyshire, a county with a millennia-long history of Pb mining and significant Pb and Cd soil pollution. Cadmium concentrations in badgers were also, on average, almost nine times higher than the local soil concentrations, likely due to Cd biomagnification in earthworms, a dietary staple of badgers. While badgers are good models for studying associations between soil and wildlife elemental concentrations, due to their diet, burrowing behaviours, and site fidelity, all flora and fauna local to human-modified environments could be exposed to and impacted by legacy pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sartorius
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
| | - Molly Cahoon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Davide Corbetta
- Farm Pathology and Companion Animal Pathology Departments, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Veterinary Pathology Service, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Llorenç Grau-Roma
- Farm Pathology and Companion Animal Pathology Departments, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Veterinary Pathology Service, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK; Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Elsa Sandoval Barron
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | | | - Benjamin M C Swift
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Lisa Yon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Scott Young
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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6
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Radonjić M, Subotić S, Višnjić-Jeftić Ž, Mrdak D, Ćirović D. Assessment of macro-, trace- and toxic elements in Small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson, 1836), from Montenegro: potential use for biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:60514-60523. [PMID: 37036654 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of 28 elements in the liver, kidney, muscle, and heart of a small Indian mongoose from Montenegro. Element concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in elemental concentrations between analyzed tissues were observed for Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, S, Se, and Zn. The concentrations of Ag, Fe, Mo, and S were significantly different between all analyzed tissues. Muscle tissue is characterised by higher concentrations of some macroelements (K, Mg, S) and liver tissue by higher concentrations of some trace elements (Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn). Cardiac tissue could be the target organ for bioaccumulation of Ag and Se. The molar ratio Se:Hg was higher than 1 in all studied tissues. There were few significant differences between element concentrations in mongooses from three analyzed (Airport, Saline, Inland) groups. Significantly higher concentrations of Ag and Se were found in liver tissue of Inland mongooses compared to animals from Airport and Saline. There were few significant differences (Zn in liver and muscle, Fe in muscle) in element concentrations between females and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Radonjić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona Bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Srđan Subotić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Željka Višnjić-Jeftić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danilo Mrdak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona Bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kalisińska E, Kot K, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N. Red fox as a potential bioindicator of metal contamination in a European environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:138037. [PMID: 36736471 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In times of widespread environmental pollution with heavy metals of anthropogenic origin and the increasing dynamics of this process, it is justified to collect as much data as possible on the concentration of metals in terrestial mammals from unpolluted areas. The purpose of this research was to present the concentration of essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), probably essential (nickel, vanadium) and non-esential element (cadmium, lead, silver, strontium, and tin) in the liver, kidneys, muscles and brain of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) inhabiting north-western Poland. We revealed that the concentration of all metals, apart from Ni, was different between studied tissues. Sn and Mo have the highest affinity to the liver, whereas Ag, Sr, Cr had higher concentrations in the brain than in other organs. Various positive relationship between the concentrations of metals were observed in the tissues. Moreover, we noted negative correlations between Ag and Sn in the kidneys and brain, and between Cu and Ag in the liver. In our study the red fox was used as biomonitor for the assessment of exposure of carnivores to metals, in the generally unpolluted areas of Central Europe. Data presented in the report may be used as comparative values in similar ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Kalisińska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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Durkalec MM, Nawrocka A, Kitowski I, Filipek A, Sell B, Kmiecik M, Jedziniak P. Lead, cadmium, and other trace elements in the liver of golden eagles and white-tailed eagles: recent data from Poland and a systematic review of previous studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38566-38581. [PMID: 36585589 PMCID: PMC10039830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), being apex predators and facultative scavengers, can bioaccumulate different environmental contaminants, including toxic elements that may adversely affect their health. We analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and other metals and metalloids, including arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in liver samples taken from three golden eagles and 36 white-tailed eagles that were found dead across Poland to verify their exposure. We also used a systematic review to summarize the available literature data on Cd, Pb, and other studied elements in the liver of both eagle species. Analyses of trace elements in the liver samples of the Polish eagles revealed interspecific differences in Cd, Cu, and Mn and differences in Co, Mn, Tl, and Zn among study regions. All elements tested except Pb were below the suggested thresholds linked with adverse health effects in birds. The hepatic Pb found in almost half of all the tested individuals suggests environmental exposure to this toxic element. One of the tested white-tailed eagles had hepatic Pb above the threshold of sublethal poisoning. Although our results seem optimistic, as previous Polish studies showed a higher prevalence of birds with hepatic Pb exceeding the toxicity threshold, they indicate that exposure to this toxic metal could still pose an additional threat to the health of Polish eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Marcin Durkalec
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Nawrocka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Ignacy Kitowski
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Filipek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Bartosz Sell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Mirosława Kmiecik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Piotr Jedziniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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Ding J, Wang S, Yang W, Zhang H, Yu F, Zhang Y. Tissue distribution and association of heavy metal accumulation in a free-living resident passerine bird tree sparrow Passer montanus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120547. [PMID: 36343853 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Passerine birds have been increasingly used as effective sentinels of ecosystem contamination. They can provide direct evidence of the bioavailability and accumulation of heavy metal elements in the environment. In this study, the bioaccumulation of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) and Ca in different organs and tissues (feathers, internal organs, skeletons, and muscles) of an urban bird, tree sparrow (Passer montanus), collected from a polluted site [Baiyin (BY)] and a relatively unpolluted site [Liujiaxia (LJX)], and their associations were investigated. There were significantly higher and lower concentrations of heavy metals and Ca, respectively, in different organs and tissues of sparrows in BY than those in LJX. However, except for Pb, the heavy metal levels were below the threshold of sublethal effects. Age-dependent variations in metals were quantified, and it was found that adult bird contained higher concentration of different organs and tissue metals, except for feathers, compared with nestlings and juveniles. The tissue distribution of heavy metals in sparrows of different ages and sex was similar in the two study sites, and heavy metal elements were mainly accumulated in the feathers. This study further investigated the correlation between heavy metals in different organs and tissues and found that the correlations between them were strong in nestlings and adults but weak in juveniles. In addition, Pb and Cd in internal organs, skeletons, and muscles of young sparrows can be estimated using feathers, whereas Cu and Zn were found in adult sparrows. Altogether, our results suggest that tree sparrows will serve as valuable biomonitors of environmental heavy metal pollution and will underscore the importance of tissue types in avian ecotoxicology field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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10
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SHINYA S, YOHANNES YB, IKENAKA Y, NAKAYAMA SMM, ISHIZUKA M, FUJITA S. Characteristics of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism in the liver of the wild raccoon, Procyon lotor. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:1665-1672. [PMID: 36328483 PMCID: PMC9791232 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is exposed to a wide range of xenobiotics in the natural environment. In order to appropriately assess xenobiotic-induced toxicity in wildlife, it is necessary to understand metabolic capacities. Carnivores, in general, have low metabolic abilities, making them vulnerable to a variety of chemicals. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the wild have been found to have high levels of xenobiotics. However, little is known about the metabolic capacity of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in this species. Thus, this study used liver samples to investigate the characteristics of CYP enzymes in wild raccoons. In 22 wild raccoons, CYP concentrations in hepatic microsomes were examined. To better understand the properties of CYP-dependent metabolism, in vitro metabolic activity studies were performed using ethoxyresorufin, pentoxyresorufin and testosterone as substrates. In addition, three raccoons were fed commercial dog food in the laboratory for one week, and the effects on CYP-dependent metabolism were investigated. In comparison to other mammalian species, raccoons had very low concentrations of CYP in their livers. In an in vitro enzymatic analysis, raccoons' ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD) metabolic capacities were less than one-fifth and one-tenth of rats', respectively. These results indicate the possible high risk in raccoons if exposed to high levels of environmental xenobiotics because of their poor CYP activity. In this study, the features of CYP-dependent metabolism in wild raccoons are described for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- So SHINYA
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yared Beyene YOHANNES
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshinori IKENAKA
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan,Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan,One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido,
Japan,Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and
Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Shouta MM NAKAYAMA
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan,Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Veterinary
Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mayumi ISHIZUKA
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan,Correspondence to: Ishizuka M: ,
Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University,
Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shoichi FUJITA
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
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11
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Durkalec M, Martínez-Haro M, Nawrocka A, Pareja-Carrera J, Smits JEG, Mateo R. Factors influencing lead, mercury and other trace element exposure in birds from metal mining areas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113575. [PMID: 35644495 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-ferrous metal mining is considered one of the largest sources of toxic metal released to the environment and may threaten ecosystems, notably biota. We explored how birds that inhabit non-ferrous metal mining sites are exposed to mercury, lead, and other trace elements by analyzing their feathers and verifying which factors may influence element concentrations in feathers. We sampled a total of 168 birds, representing 26 species, with different feeding habits and migration patterns in a non-polluted reference site and two historical metal mining areas: Almadén, which is considered one of the most heavily mercury-contaminated sites worldwide, and the Sierra Madrona mountains where lead has been mined since ancient times. The quantification of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Feather analysis revealed contamination by Hg and Pb, in Almadén and Sierra Madrona, respectively. We found that granivorous birds had the lowest feather Hg levels compared to those found in omnivorous, insectivorous, and piscivorous species, whereas feather Pb was about twice as high in granivores and omnivores, than in insectivorous and piscivorous birds. We also found differences among study sites in 13 elements and confirmed the influence of feather age, migratory patterns of the birds, and external deposition of elements, on metal concentrations in the feathers. Our results highlight that despite the cessation of metal mining in the study areas, local avifauna are being exposed to Hg and Pb from abandoned mines and old tailings sites, indicating that appropriate measures are needed to protect biota from overexposure to these toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Durkalec
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Mónica Martínez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAG del Chaparrillo, Ctra. de Porzuna s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Agnieszka Nawrocka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Jennifer Pareja-Carrera
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Judit E G Smits
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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12
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Dahmardeh Behrooz R, Poma G, Barghi M. Non-destructive mercury exposure assessment in the Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas): spines as indicators of endogenous concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:56502-56510. [PMID: 35347622 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation characteristics, and toxicity, environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is of high concern for human health, living organisms, and ecosystems, and its biological monitoring is highly relevant. In this study, the levels of total Hg were measured in organs, tissues, and spines of 50 individuals of Brandt's hedgehog collected in Iran in 2019. The Hg median levels in kidneys, liver, muscle, and spines were 156, 47, 47, and 20 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the levels of Hg in kidneys and liver (r = 0.519; p < 0.01) and in spines and muscle (r = 0.337, p < 0.01) and kidneys (r = 0.309, p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in Hg levels in organs and tissues were also observed depending on the sex, weight, length, and age of the individuals. In addition, the median levels of total Hg in kidneys of Brandt's hedgehogs from an agricultural ecotype (median 190 ± 65) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those collected from a forest ecotype (median 126 ± 50), suggesting that the habitat could have a significant impact on animal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Sistan, Iran.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Mandana Barghi
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
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13
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Ding J, Yang W, Wang S, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Does environmental metal pollution affect bird morphometry? A case study on the tree sparrow Passer montanus. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133947. [PMID: 35151700 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Morphological characteristics are the leading indicators of the health status of birds. To explore the effects of heavy metals on bird morphometry in natural populations, tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were studied in a polluted site [Baiyin (BY)] and a relatively unpolluted site [Liujiaxia (LJX)]. This study aimed to examine whether morphological variables, the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of the wing, tarsus, and toe length, were associated with heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) and Ca levels in different tissues and feces of adults and nestlings. Results showed that adults collected from BY contained relatively higher heavy metal concentrations and lower Ca concentrations in different tissues than those from LJX. Smaller body sizes and higher FA levels of adults and nestlings were found in BY than in LJX. Although higher heavy metal concentrations in some tissues were associated with smaller morphological characteristics of adults, the effects were not obvious in nestlings. The most correlated heavy metal with as many characteristics was heavy metal in primary feather in both sites, and the most affected characteristic was body mass in BY. The FA values of adults and nestlings in BY were positively affected by heavy metal concentrations in different tissues and feces. The growth rate of wing and tarsus length of nestlings in BY were negatively affected by the FA values of wing and tarsus length, respectively. Taken together, environmental metal pollution might affect the morphological characteristics of tree sparrows. These findings suggest that the morphological characteristics of tree sparrows, especially FA, can be used as indicators of metal pollution, underscoring the importance of measuring morphological characteristics in avian ecotoxicology field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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14
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Horai S, Abiko Y, Unoki T, Shinkai Y, Akiyama M, Nakata K, Kunisue T, Kumagai Y. Concentrations of nucleophilic sulfur species in small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) in Okinawa, Japan. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133833. [PMID: 35120952 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reactive sulfur species (RSS), such as hydrogen per (poly)sulfide, cysteine per (poly)sulfide, glutathione per (poly)sulfide, and protein-bound per (poly)sulfides, can easily react with environmental electrophiles such as methylmercury (MeHg), because of their high nucleophilicity. These RSS are produced by enzymes such as cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and are found in mammalian organs. Organs of wildlife have not been analyzed for hydrogen sulfide, cysteine, glutathione, and RSS. In this study, low molecular weight nucleophilic sulfur substances, including RSS, were quantified by stable isotope dilution assay-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl iodoacetamide to capture the target chemicals in the small Indian mongoose which species possesses high mercury content as same as some marine mammals. Western blotting revealed that the mongoose organs (liver, kidney, cerebrum, and cerebellum) contained proteins that cross-reacted with anti-CBS and CSE antibodies. The expression patterns of these enzymes were similar to those in mice, indicating that mongoose organs contain CBS and CSE. Moreover, bis-methylmercury sulfide (MeHg)2S, which is a low toxic compound in comparison to MeHg, was found in the liver of this species. These results suggest that the small Indian mongoose produces RSS and monothiols associated with detoxification of electrophilic organomercury. The animals which have high mercury content in their bodies may have function of mercury detoxification involved not only Se but also RSS interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawako Horai
- Environmental Health Section, Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yumi Abiko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Hygienic Chemistry Section, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Shinkai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Akiyama
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Katsushi Nakata
- Nansei Environmental Laboratory Co., Ltd., 4-4 Agarizaki, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0105, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Kunisue
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
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15
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Evans MN, Waller S, Müller CT, Goossens B, Smith JA, Bakar MSA, Kille P. The price of persistence: Assessing the drivers and health implications of metal levels in indicator carnivores inhabiting an agriculturally fragmented landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112216. [PMID: 34656630 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Patterns and practices of agricultural expansion threaten the persistence of global biodiversity. Wildlife species surviving large-scale land use changes can be exposed to a suite of contaminants that may deleteriously impact their health. There is a paucity of data concerning the ecotoxicological impacts associated with the global palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) industry. We sampled wild Malay civets (Viverra tangalunga) across a patchwork landscape degraded by oil palm agriculture in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using a non-lethal methodology, we quantified the levels of 13 essential and non-essential metals within the hair of this adaptable small carnivore. We robustly assessed the biological and environmental drivers of intrapopulation variation in measured levels. Metal concentrations were associated with civet age, weight, proximity to a tributary, and access to oxbow lakes. In a targeted case study, the hair metal profiles of 16 GPS-collared male civets with differing space use patterns were contrasted. Civets that entered oil palm plantations expressed elevated aluminium, cadmium, and lead, and lower mercury hair concentrations compared to civets that remained exclusively within the forest. Finally, we paired hair metal concentrations with 34 blood-based health markers to evaluate the possible sub-lethal physiological effects associated with varied hair metal levels. Our multi-facetted approach establishes these adaptable carnivores as indicator species within an extensively altered ecosystem, and provides critical and timely evidence for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan N Evans
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK; Danau Girang Field Centre, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia.
| | - Simon Waller
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Carsten T Müller
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Benoit Goossens
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK; Danau Girang Field Centre, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia; Sustainable Places Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3BA, UK; Sabah Wildlife Department, Kota Kinabalu, 88100, Malaysia
| | - Jeremy A Smith
- School of Applied Sciences, University of South Wales, CF37 4BB, UK
| | | | - Peter Kille
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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16
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Secrets of the Astute Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes, Linnaeus, 1758): An Inside-Ecosystem Secret Agent Serving One Health. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An ecosystem’s health is based on a delicate balance between human, nonhuman animal, and environmental health. Any factor that leads to an imbalance in one of the components results in disease. There are several bioindicators that allow us to evaluate the status of ecosystems. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes, Linnaeus, 1758) has the widest world distribution among mammals. It is highly adaptable, lives in rural and urban areas, and has a greatly diverse diet. Being susceptible to environmental pollution and zoonotic agents, red foxes may act as sentinels to detect environmental contaminants, climatic changes and to prevent and control outbreaks of emerging or re-emerging zoonosis. This paper aims to compile the latest information that is related to the red fox as a sentinel of human, animal, and environmental health.
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17
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Albayrak T, Pekgöz AK. Heavy metal effects on bird morphometry: A case study on the house sparrow Passer domesticus. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130056. [PMID: 33711794 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined some possible effects of heavy metal accumulations on bird morphometry. House sparrows Passer domesticus were caught in unpolluted and polluted areas having a thermal power plant, in Turkey. Fifteen different morphometric characters were compared with the heavy metal accumulations of Cu, Co, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Cr in samples from muscle, kidney, and liver. We found positive or negative correlations between some heavy metal accumulations in some tissues and the length of some morphometric characters of sparrows (p < 0.01). The most correlated heavy metal with as many characters was Zn in muscle and liver, followed by Cu in liver and Cu in muscle. We found mainly negative coefficient values of some heavy metal bioaccumulation for morphometry using stepwise linear regression analysis. Negative coefficient values of Zn accumulation in muscle and the liver for body mass and feathers were found (p < 0.01). Length of bill and claws were affected by the bioaccumulation; the positive coefficient values of Zn in the muscle and the liver and negative coefficient values of Cu in the kidney for the length of the bill, positive coefficient value of Cu in muscle and the negative coefficient value of Mn in the kidney for length of the claws were found respectively (p < 0.01). The heavy metal accumulations in the tissues were found to affect morphometric characters' length. The effects of heavy metal accumulations in tissues should be considered in further morphometrical studies of a bird species, especially in polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Albayrak
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Science and Arts Faculty, Department of Biology, Lab of Ornithology, İstiklâl Yerleşkesi, 15030, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Asuman Karadeniz Pekgöz
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Science and Arts Faculty, Department of Biology, Lab of Ornithology, İstiklâl Yerleşkesi, 15030, Burdur, Turkey
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18
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Kalisinska E, Lanocha-Arendarczyk N, Podlasinska J. Current and historical nephric and hepatic mercury concentrations in terrestrial mammals in Poland and other European countries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145808. [PMID: 33621879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The long-term anthropogenic release of mercury (Hg) into the environment has led to contamination of the biosphere, with all forms of Hg showing toxic effects and the ability to accumulate in organisms. Since the 1970s, efforts have been made in Western Europe to reduce Hg emissions and for the economic use of Hg, leading to a reduction in Hg exposure to humans and entire ecosystems. The purpose of this research was to present the total mercury (THg) burden in three mustelids (the piscivorous Eurasian otter and American mink, and the invertebrativorous European badger) inhabiting north-western Poland (mostly floodplains) and other European countries (literature data). Moreover, we wanted to investigate whether reductions in the environmental Hg burden in Europe have resulted in reductions in liver and kidney levels in wild terrestrial mammals (Eurasian otter, wild boar, red deer, roe deer, cervids, leporids, rodents, and ecotrophic groups: piscivorous mustelids, non-mustelids whose diets include aquatic prey, canids and other carnivores, omnivores, herbivores), between samples collected before and after 2000. We revealed significantly higher nephric THg levels in roadkilled than in trapped American minks. As roadkilled piscivorous mustelids from the same floodplain had similar hepatic and nephric THg concentrations, we suggest that the European research on Hg ecotoxicology should more often use alien American mink instead of the protected Eurasian otter. Badgers inhabiting Polish and other European floodplains bioaccumulated higher amounts of THg than those from other areas, and as such, may be recommended as bioindicator of mercury soil contamination. Our analysis of abundant data on mammalian hepatic and nephric THg concentrations (excluding non-piscivores mustelids) showed that in 12 of 21 cases, Hg concentrations had dropped significantly since 2000. This data signals a reduction in Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals, such as the Eurasian otter, and may be reason for cautious optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Kalisinska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Natalia Lanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Podlasinska
- Department of Environmental Management, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
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19
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Abstract
Erinaceus europaeus is a cosmopolitan mammalian species broadly distributed in Europe, from natural to suburban areas. Due to its ecological role and susceptibility to distinct zoonotic agents, E. europaeus could be a suitable sentinel candidate for many global problems that negatively affect human and animal health. Hedgehogs can work as bioindicators to environmental contamination and can be hosts for multiple tickborne zoonotic agents. Thus, people who directly or indirectly make physical contact with this species are exposed to a variety of threats. Moreover, it has also been studied as an indicator for antibiotic resistance, which was already confirmed for tetracyclines. Additionally, it was also reported as a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). More recently, hedgehogs have been recently recognised as potential reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains. Among other animals, this species can possibly represent an intermediate reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to briefly expose the scientific attainments about hedgehog health, namely agents, diseases, and threats that significantly affect general health concerns and that contribute to achieve One Health principles.
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20
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González-Gómez X, Cambeiro-Pérez N, Figueiredo-González M, Martínez-Carballo E. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) as bioindicator for environmental exposure to organic pollutants. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:128848. [PMID: 33172674 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Organic pollutants (OPs) are widely distributed around the globe, their presence has become an issue of great concern in the last years due to their potential health effects. Wildlife biomonitoring of OPs has been nowadays a common approach to assess chemical exposure in wildlife and humans. In a sample of 60 wild boars (Sus scrofa) from NW Spain, we evaluated the suitability of using liver and hair samples for the assessment of exposure and bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin and non-dioxin like PCBs (DLPCBs and NDLPCBs), organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides (OCPs and OPPs, respectively), polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pyrethroids (PYRs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Selective pressurized liquid extraction (SPLE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) methodologies were used to determine the target OPs in liver and hair samples. Clean-up of extracts was performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using EZ-POP cartridges and detection by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS). We found a distribution pattern of ΣPAHs > ΣOCPs > ΣPYRs > ΣNDLPCBs > ΣOPPs > ΣDLPCBs > ΣPBDEs in liver and of ΣPAHs > ΣOCPs > ΣNDLPCBs > ΣPYRs > ΣOPPs > ΣDLPCBs > ΣPBDEs in hair. Significant correlations (p < 0.050) between the socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age and place) and OP concentrations of OCPs, PBDEs, PYRs, OPPs and PAHs were detected. Moderate correlation was found between HCB, PCB28, PCB157 and chlorpyrifos contents in both hair and liver samples. On the basis of these results, our data shows the correlation and complementary information given by both biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiana González-Gómez
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - Noelia Cambeiro-Pérez
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - María Figueiredo-González
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - Elena Martínez-Carballo
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Agri-Food Research and Transfer Cluster (CITACA), Campus da Auga, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
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21
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The Life Hidden Inside Caves: Ecological and Economic Importance of Bat Guano. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/9872532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bats are emblematic hosts of caves. These small flying mammals deserve special attention because their presence has a great economic and ecological impact; they introduce organic matter, the guano, in the ecosystem they live in. Indeed, “guano” (a Quechua word meaning “fertilizer”) is the accumulation of their fecal matter (excreta); its deposition can reach several meters. The composition of guano is influenced by the bat’s food. In addition to its role within the caves, the bat guano is exploited for various purposes; it is used as an effective fertilizer for the cultivation of plants because of having exceptionally high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium and also for the improvement of detergents and other products of great value for humans. The bat guano hosts various classes of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protists), which are adapted to the cave environment. Since guano is highly acidic, these microorganisms can be considered as extremophiles. They produce functional organic compounds in extreme conditions that could be of interest not only in the drug industry but also in different biotechnological areas. Here, we review already available information on the ecological and economic effects of bats and their guano. We report their food preferences, foraging behaviors, and environmental impacts. Information on these aspects may be useful in finding a solution about protection and preservation of bat populations.
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22
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Yang C, Song G, Lim W. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in pigs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114505. [PMID: 32268228 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with the expression, synthesis, and activity of hormones in organisms. They are released into the environment from flame retardants and products containing plasticizers. Persistent pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorobenzene, also disrupt the endocrine system through interaction with hormone receptors. Endogenous hormones, such as 17β-estradiol (E2), are released in the urine and feces of farm animals and seep into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through sewage. Pigs are widely used as animal models to determine the effects of EDCs because they are physiologically, biochemically, and histologically similar to humans. EDCs primarily disrupt the reproductive and nervous systems of pigs. Moreover, embryonic development during the prenatal and early postnatal periods is particularly sensitive to EDCs. Mycotoxins, such as zearalenone, are food contaminants that alter hormonal activities in pigs. Mycotoxins also alter the innate immune system in pigs, making them vulnerable to diseases. It has been reported that farm animals are exposed to various types of EDCs, which accumulate in tissues, such as those of gonads, livers, and intestines. There is a lack of an integrated understanding of the impact of EDCs on porcine reproduction and development. Thus, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of literature regarding the effects of EDCs in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwon Yang
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Dahmardeh Behrooz R, Poma G, Covaci A. Assessment of persistent organic pollutants in hair samples collected from several Iranian wild cat species. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109198. [PMID: 32044571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α, β and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, and the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180), were determined in hair samples collected from 41 Iranian wild cats belonging to 8 different species. This is the first report on the presence of selected POPs in feline hair from museum collections and it is an indication of the concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in Iran from 2000 to 2010. Median concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, PCBs, and HCB were 108, 99, 70 and 38 ng/g hair, respectively. p,p'-DDE and β-HCH were the most abundant OCPs (detected in 91% and 74%, respectively, of the analyzed samples), while CB 180 and CB 138 were the predominant PCB congeners, found respectively in 49% and 61% of the samples. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in the median concentrations of DDTs were found among species grouped according to both their feeding habits and territory range. Levels of DDTs and PCBs were generally higher in the omnivorous species compared with the carnivorous ones, likely due to both their dietary habits and habitat in the proximity of human settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Sistan, Iran.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk-Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk-Antwerpen, Belgium
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24
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Detection of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and Crested Porcupines (Hystrix cristata). J Wildl Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-03-068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Sedláková J, Řezáč P, Fišer V, Hedbávný J. Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes L., as a Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution in the Countryside of Czech Republic. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2019. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun201967020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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26
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Ferrante M, Spena MT, Hernout BV, Grasso A, Messina A, Grasso R, Agnelli P, Brundo MV, Copat C. Trace elements bioaccumulation in liver and fur of Myotis myotis from two caves of the eastern side of Sicily (Italy): A comparison between a control and a polluted area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 240:273-285. [PMID: 29751326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a topic of great interest because it directly affects the quality of ecosystems and of all living organisms at different trophic and systematic levels. Together with the global climate change, the long-term surviving of many species of plants and animals is threaten, distributional patterns at global and regional levels are altered and it results in local assemblages of species that are quite different from those that currently constitute coevolved communities. .For this study, the species Myotis myotis was used as bioindicator and it was sampled from two caves in the south-east of Sicily, Pipistrelli chosen as control area and Palombara chosen as polluted area, to measure the concentrations of trace elements in fur and liver tissues. Results showed higher content of essential elements in fur in bats sampled from Pipistrelli. Conversely, higher concentrations of toxic metals in liver such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg were measured in bat samples in Palombara cave, where specimens have a hunting area extended within the boundaries of the petrochemical plant. Nevertheless, we cannot consider Palombara population as polluted by metal contamination since their tissue concentrations are overall lower than toxic thresholds values suggested for small mammals. Likewise, we cannot exclude other kind of pollutants as potential stressors of the examined population, contributing with the decreasing of bat colonies in Sicily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Spena
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - Béatrice Veronique Hernout
- Texas A&M Galveston Campus, Department of Marine Biology, 1001 Texas Clipper Road Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - Alfina Grasso
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Andrea Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - Rosario Grasso
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - Paolo Agnelli
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania 95123, Italy.
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27
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Kumar A, Divoll TJ, Ganguli PM, Trama FA, Lamborg CH. Presence of artisanal gold mining predicts mercury bioaccumulation in five genera of bats (Chiroptera). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:862-870. [PMID: 29475173 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury, a toxic trace metal, has been used extensively as an inexpensive and readily available method of extracting gold from fine-grained sediment. Worldwide, artisanal mining is responsible for one third of all mercury released into the environment. By testing bat hair from museum specimens and field collected samples from areas both impacted and unimpacted by artisanal gold mining in Perú, we show monomethylmercury (MMHg) has increased in the last 100 years. MMHg concentrations were also greatest in the highest bat trophic level (insectivores), and in areas experiencing extractive artisanal mining. Reproductive female bats had higher MMHg concentrations, and both juvenile and adult bats from mercury contaminated sites had more MMHg than those from uncontaminated sites. Bats have important ecological functions, providing vital ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. Natural populations can act as environmental sentinels and offer the chance to expand our understanding of, and responses to, environmental and human health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Kumar
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Timothy J Divoll
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, USA; Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, Indiana State University, 600 Chestnut St., Terre Haute, IN, USA.
| | - Priya M Ganguli
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry, 266 Woods Hole Road, MS#51, Woods Hole, MA, USA; Department of Geological Sciences, Water Science Program, CalState University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA, USA.
| | - Florencia A Trama
- Centro Neotropical de Entrenamiento en Humedales-Perú, Jr. Puerto Inca #174 Dept. 302, Urb. Los Olivos-Surco, Lima 33, Lima, Peru.
| | - Carl H Lamborg
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Rd., Woods Hole, MA, USA; Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
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28
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Turzańska-Pietras K, Chachulska J, Polechońska L, Borowiec M. Does heavy metal exposure affect the condition of Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) nestlings? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:7758-7766. [PMID: 29290059 PMCID: PMC5847627 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution results in high concentrations of heavy metals in the environment. Due to their persistence and a high potential for bioaccumulation, metals are a real threat for birds breeding in industrial areas. The aim of the present study has been to explore the contents of heavy metals (arsenic As, cadmium Cd, chromium Cr, copper Cu, iron Fe, nickel Ni, lead Pb and zinc Zn) in the excreta of Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) nestlings living in polluted environment and to investigate the relationship between these contents and the nestlings' condition. Excrement samples contained all the studied elements. The contents of arsenic, cadmium, copper and zinc in the excreta of nestlings from nests located close to a slag dump were several times higher than in the soil near the dump, which suggested accumulation in food consumed by the birds. Condition parameters (body mass and haemoglobin concentration) were not related to heavy metal concentrations in the nestlings' excreta, except of Zn. It is possible that Whitethroats are able to detoxicate heavy metals to a certain extent. Detailed, multi-element analysis of the environment, food and bird tissues or excreta should be performed to explore relations between different chemicals and bird condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justyna Chachulska
- Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, ul. prof. Z. Szafrana St. 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Ludmiła Polechońska
- Department of Ecology, Biogeochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Wrocław, ul. Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Borowiec
- Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
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29
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Arıkan K, Arıkan ZY, Turan SL. Persistent Organochlorine Contaminant Residues in Tissues of Hedgehogs from Turkey. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:361-368. [PMID: 29333580 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2272-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The residues of persistent organochlorinated pollutants (POPs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (HCHs, CHLs, HCCPs, DDTs, and dicofol congeners) were investigated in the hair and muscle of road-killed Erinaceus roumanicus and E. concolor in Turkey. Mean residue levels were as follows: in hair, PCBs = 7.43 ± 4.88 ng/g and OCPs = 9.21 ± 1.27 ng/g; in muscle, PCBs = 30.73 ± 2.51 ng/g and OCPs = 145.04 ± 16.59 ng/g. There was no significant difference between species and sex, while there was significant difference between habitats and regions in terms of either total PCB and OCP levels, or POP levels (p < 0.05). Age was a determinative factor for the bio-accumulation of POPs. The contaminant levels were high in the species, sample areas, and habitats. The data also showed that tissues of hedgehogs are suitable for monitoring and evaluating the bioaccumulation of POP levels in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalender Arıkan
- Pesticide Research and References Laboratory, Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Yaşar Arıkan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Tandoğan Campus, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salih Levent Turan
- Pesticide Research and References Laboratory, Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey
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30
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Neila C, Hernández-Moreno D, Fidalgo LE, López-Beceiro A, Soler F, Pérez-López M. Does gender influence the levels of heavy metals in liver of wild boar? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 140:24-29. [PMID: 28231502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for risk assessment studies. For this purpose, the levels of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined in liver tissues of wild boars sampled in NW Spain. The mean values were 0.383, 0.326, 23.50 and 56.86mg/kg dried weight, respectively. In general, the levels detected were similar to or lower than the levels reported in literature. This study not only provides a useful baseline for biomonitoring the levels of the analyzed contaminants in wildlife in NW Spain, it also helps to understand the effects of gender on the levels of these elements. Similar to studies performed in other geographical regions, no significant gender-related differences could be detected. Although differences were not significant, the levels of zinc, cadmium and lead were modestly higher in males (55.78, 0.346 and 0.424mg/kg, respectively) compared to females (45.25, 0.305 and 0.341mg/kg). Our results indicate that, although gender did not significantly affect heavy metal uptake and toxicokinetics of contaminants in wild boars, these effects could vary between species, populations, organs, and elements. It is therefore essential to investigate gender-related differences for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Neila
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - D Hernández-Moreno
- National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile
| | - L E Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - A López-Beceiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - F Soler
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain; IPROCAR Research Institutes
| | - M Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), 10003 Caceres, Spain; INBIO G+C Research Institutes.
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31
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Baker NJ, Dahms S, Gerber R, Maina J, Greenfield R. Metal accumulation in House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) from Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2017.1293491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Baker
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Simone Dahms
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruan Gerber
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - John Maina
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Greenfield
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
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32
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Ishii C, Ikenaka Y, Nakayama SMM, Mizukawa H, Yohannes YB, Watanuki Y, Fukuwaka M, Ishizuka M. Contamination status and accumulation characteristics of heavy metals and arsenic in five seabird species from the central Bering Sea. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:807-814. [PMID: 28302954 PMCID: PMC5402206 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seabirds are marine top predators and accumulate high levels of metals and metalloids in
their tissues. Contamination by metals in the highly productive offshore region has become
a matter of public concern. It is home to 80% of the seabird population in the U.S.A., 95%
of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), and major populations of
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), walruses (Odobenus
rosmarus) and whales. Here, the concentrations of eight heavy metals (Hg, Cd,
Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) and a metalloid (As) in the liver and kidneys of the northern
fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), thick-billed murre (Uria
lomvia), short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris),
tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) and horned puffin (Fratercula
corniculata) collected in the Bering Sea were measured. As proxies of trophic
level and habitat, nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotope
ratios of breast muscles were also measured. Hepatic Hg concentration was high in northern
fulmar, whereas Cd level was high in tufted puffin and northern fulmar. The Hg
concentration and δ15N value were positively correlated across individual
birds, suggesting that Hg uptake was linked to the trophic status of consumed prey.
Furthermore, Hg concentration in our study was higher than those of the same species of
seabirds collected in 1990.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Ishii
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.,Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hazuki Mizukawa
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yared Beyene Yohannes
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yutaka Watanuki
- Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan
| | - Masaaki Fukuwaka
- Hokkaido National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-2-4-1 Nakanoshima, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo 062-0922, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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33
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Janaydeh M, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, Bejo MH, Aziz NAA, Taneenah A. The use of feather as an indicator for heavy metal contamination in house crow (Corvus splendens) in the Klang area, Selangor, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:22059-22071. [PMID: 27541152 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Klang area of Peninsular Malaysia has experienced rapid industrial growth with intense activities, which can increase the concentration of pollutants in the environment that significantly impact on habitats and the human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Pb) in the heart, lung, brain, liver, kidney, muscle tissues, and feathers of house crow, Corvus splendens, in Klang, Peninsular Malaysia. House crow samples were collected from the Klang area through the Department of Public Health at Majlis Perbandaran Klang. Quantitative determination of heavy metals was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result shows the presence of heavy metals in all biological samples of house crows. For heavy metals in all the house crow tissues analyzed, Fe concentrations were the highest, followed by those of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni. The feathers and kidney accumulated high concentrations of Pb, whereas the liver accumulated high concentrations of essential heavy metals (Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni). Significant variations were also detected in the concentrations of Pb among adult and juvenile and male and female bird samples. The results also revealed significant positive correlations between Pb metal concentration in the breast feathers and all internal organs. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals in feathers reflected storing and elimination processes, while the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the kidney can be consequential to chronic exposure. The present study clearly shows the usefulness of house crow breast feather as a suitable indicator for heavy metal accumulation in the internal organs of house crows in the Klang area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Janaydeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Ismail
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hair Bejo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azwady Abd Aziz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ayat Taneenah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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34
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Meillère A, Brischoux F, Bustamante P, Michaud B, Parenteau C, Marciau C, Angelier F. Corticosterone levels in relation to trace element contamination along an urbanization gradient in the common blackbird (Turdus merula). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 566-567:93-101. [PMID: 27213675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In a rapidly urbanizing world, trace element pollution may represent a threat to human health and wildlife, and it is therefore crucial to assess both exposition levels and associated effects of trace element contamination on urban vertebrates. In this study, we investigated the impact of urbanization on trace element contamination and stress physiology in a wild bird species, the common blackbird (Turdus merula), along an urbanization gradient (from rural to moderately urbanized areas). Specifically, we described the contamination levels of blackbirds by 4 non-essential (Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb) and 9 essential trace elements (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn), and explored the putative disrupting effects of the non-essential element contamination on corticosterone levels (a hormonal proxy for environmental challenges). We found that non-essential trace element burden (Cd and Pb specifically) increased with increasing urbanization, indicating a significant trace element contamination even in medium sized cities and suburban areas. Interestingly, the increased feather non-essential trace element concentrations were also associated with elevated feather corticosterone levels, suggesting that urbanization probably constrains birds and that this effect may be mediated by trace element contamination. Future experimental studies are now required to disentangle the influence of multiple urban-related constraints on corticosterone levels and to specifically test the influence of each of these trace elements on corticosterone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alizée Meillère
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Bruno Michaud
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Coline Marciau
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, F-79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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Komov VT, Ivanova ES, Gremyachikh VA, Poddubnaya NY. Mercury Content in Organs and Tissues of Indigenous (Vulpes vulpes L.) and Invasive (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray.) Species of Canids from Areas Near Cherepovets (North-Western Industrial Region, Russia). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:480-485. [PMID: 27437948 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Trophic and spatial components of ecological niches of two canids native Vulpes vulpes and introduced Nyctereutes procyonoides are overlapping partially in the studied region. Maximum concentrations of mercury in predatory mammals of Canidae family from surroundings of Cherepovets have been determined in liver and kidneys (over 0.50 mg/kg wet weight), with minimal concentrations in brain (<0.2 mg/kg wet weight). The amount of mercury in the same organs of the red fox and raccoon dog is not significantly different. These levels of mercury content are noticeably higher than those in the predators of Canidae family that inhabit territories of Europe lacking the local sources of mercury. At the same time, absolute values of metal quantity are commensurable with the levels registered in predators from the mercury polluted regions of Spain and Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Komov
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, Russia, 152742.
| | - E S Ivanova
- Cherepovets State University, Lunacharskogo, 5, Cherepovets, Russia, 162600
| | - V A Gremyachikh
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, Russia, 152742
| | - N Y Poddubnaya
- Cherepovets State University, Lunacharskogo, 5, Cherepovets, Russia, 162600
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Binkowski ŁJ, Przystupińska A, Wojtaś W. Levels of Total Mercury in Tissues of Mallard Drakes from Industrialized Wetlands Area. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 96:173-8. [PMID: 26408030 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-015-1657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of total mercury in the bodies of drake mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) inhabiting an industrialized wetland area in southern Poland was studied. The median Hg concentration in tissue of various bones (0.017 µg/g w.w.) was statistically lower than the concentration found in muscle tissue (0.023 µg/g w.w.) and in internal organ tissue samples calculated across the whole range of organ types (0.036 µg/g w.w.). The median concentrations in muscle tissue and organ tissue were comparable. Significant differences within the examined bones were observed, with the beak accumulating the highest amount (0.105 µg/g w.w.). Concentrations were comparable in tissue from various muscles, whereas internal organ tissue displayed a significant variation. The highest median concentration was detected in the kidneys (0.109 µg/g w.w.). Correlations of Hg concentrations between major groups of tissue (i.e. bone, muscle and internal organs) were not statistically significant, but several significant relationships were noted between internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Anna Przystupińska
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Kraków, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Wojtaś
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Kraków, Poland
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Matache ML, Hura C, David IG. Non-invasive Monitoring of Organohalogen Compounds in Eggshells and Feathers of Birds from the Lower Prut Floodplain Natural Park in Romania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proenv.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kim J, Oh JM. Comparison of trace element concentrations in grey heron and black-crowned night heron chicks. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:4124. [PMID: 25410946 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations were measured in the prey and liver of grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) chicks (24-26 days after hatching) at the Pyeongtaek colony, Korea in 2001 (n = 10, respectively) and 2008 (n = 11 and n = 10). Cadmium and Pb concentrations in livers of grey heron (Cd geomean 0.06, Pb 3.90 μg/g dw) and black-crowned night heron (Cd 0.20, Pb 4.24 μg/g dw) chicks were increased with diet concentrations of grey heron (Cd 0.18, Pb 1.76 μg/g dw) and black-crowned night heron (Cd 0.20, Pb 3.96 μg/g dw) chicks. Cadmium and Pb concentrations in prey items of grey heron and black-crowned night heron chicks were a good predictor of chick liver concentrations. Cadmium concentrations in livers of both heron species collected at the Pyeongtaek heronry were relatively low and within the background level (<3 μg/g dw) for birds. Five of 20 (25.0%) grey heron and 4 of 18 (22.2%) black-crowned night heron chicks were higher than the background level for lead (>6 μg/g dw). Prey Cd and Pb concentrations were within the range of other heron and egret studies. Manganese, Zn, and Fe concentrations in grey heron and black-crowned night heron chicks were within the background or normal physiological levels reported earlier in other birds including herons and egrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 446-701, Republic of Korea,
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Carneiro M, Colaço B, Brandão R, Ferreira C, Santos N, Soeiro V, Colaço A, Pires MJ, Oliveira PA, Lavín S. Biomonitoring of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) and metalloid (As) with the Portuguese common buzzard (Buteo buteo). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:7011-21. [PMID: 25074364 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment may have a wide range of health effects on animals and humans. Thus, in this study, the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the blood and tissues (liver and kidney) of Portuguese common buzzards (Buteo buteo) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in order to monitor environmental pollution to these elements. In general, Hg and As were the elements which appeared in the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. A highest percentage of non-detected concentration was found for blood Cd (94.6 %) but, in turn, it was the only metal that was detected in all kidney samples. The kidney was the analyzed sample which showed the highest concentrations of each element evaluated. Statistically, significant differences among blood, liver, and kidney samples were observed for As and Cd (P < 0.05). Cd concentrations in kidney and liver varied significantly with age: Adults showed higher hepatic and renal Cd concentrations than juveniles. Blood Pb concentration seems to show an association with the hunting season. Although raptors are at the top of the food chain and are thus potentially exposed to any biomagnification processes that may occur in a food web, the individuals evaluated in this study generally had low levels of heavy metals in blood and tissues. However, chronic exposure to these metals was verified. The results presented here lend weight to arguments in favor of continuous biomonitoring of metals and metalloids, since heavy metals may accumulate to levels that will pose a risk to both human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Carneiro
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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Kim J, Oh JM. Effect of the environmental quality and food chain on trace element concentrations in Heron and Egret chicks at Pyeongtaek colony, Korea. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:1305-1313. [PMID: 25103117 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Trace element concentrations in the diet can affect the levels in birds. Heron and egret chicks have been recommended as useful biological indicators for monitoring trace element contamination in the aquatic ecosystem. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead and cadmium concentrations were measured in the livers and stomach contents of Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) chicks from Pyeongtaek colony, Korea in 2008. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper and cadmium concentrations in livers differed among four heron and egret species. Stomach content concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium concentrations differed among the four species. Essential elements such as iron, zinc, manganese and copper concentrations were within the range of other heron and egret studies and these levels may be regulated by a normal homeostatic mechanism. Two of 11 (18.2%) Grey Heron and two of 10 (20.0%) Black-crowned Night Heron chicks exceeded the background lead level (<6 µg/g dw) for birds and were at a level considered lead exposed (6-30 µg/g dw). Cadmium concentrations did not exceed the background levels for wild birds. In livers of combined heron and egret chicks, lead, but not cadmium concentrations were associated with concentrations in the stomach contents. These results suggest that lead concentrations in chicks can reflect qualities of feeding area such as streams, rivers and paddy fields and chicks represent a bioindicator to evaluate lead contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 446-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea,
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Manciocco A, Calamandrei G, Alleva E. Global warming and environmental contaminants in aquatic organisms: the need of the etho-toxicology approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 100:1-7. [PMID: 24480426 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants are associated with a wide spectrum of pathological effects. Temperature increase affects ambient distribution and toxicity of these chemicals in the water environment, representing a potentially emerging problem for aquatic species with short-, medium- and long-term repercussions on human health through the food chain. We assessed peer-reviewed literature, including primary studies, review articles and organizational reports available. We focused on studies concerning toxicity of environmental pollutants within a global warming scenario. Existing knowledge on the effects that the increase of water temperature in a contaminated situation has on physiological mechanisms of aquatic organisms is presented. Altogether we consider the potential consequences for the human beings due to fish and shellfish consumption. Finally, we propose an etho-toxicological approach to study the effects of toxicants in conditions of thermal increase, using aquatic organisms as experimental models under laboratory controlled conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Manciocco
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ulisse Aldrovandi 16/b, 00197 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Alleva
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Bayat S, Geiser F, Kristiansen P, Wilson SC. Organic contaminants in bats: trends and new issues. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 63:40-52. [PMID: 24263138 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to contaminants, often pesticides, has been implicated as a major factor contributing to decreases in bat populations. Bats provide essential ecosystem services and a sustained, thriving population is vital for ecosystem health. Understanding issues threatening their survival is crucial for their protection and conservation. This paper provides the first review for 12years on organic pollutants in bats and aims to investigate trends and any new issues impacting bat resilience. Organochlorine (OC) pesticides have been reported most often, especially in the older literature, with the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), present at highest concentrations in tissues analyzed. The OC pesticide concentrations reported in bat tissues have declined significantly since the late 1970s, presumably as a result of restrictions in use. For example, DDE study mean concentrations over time periods 1970-1980, 1981-1999 and 2000-2013 ranged from 2.6-62, 0.05-2.31, 0.08-0.19ppm wet weight, respectively. Exposure, however, still occurs from remaining residues, many years after the compounds have been actively used. In recent years (2000-2013), a range of other organic chemicals have been reported in bat tissues including brominated flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ether at a mean concentration of 2.9ppm lipid weight) and perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanyl sulfonate at a mean concentration 0.09ppm wet weight). The persistent organic compounds concentrate in tissues with higher fat content notably back-depot fat. Numerous factors influence exposure, residues detected and concentrations in different individuals, species and tissues which must be understood to provide meaningful assessment of the impacts of exposure. Exposure can lead to not only acute and lethal impacts, but also physiological sub-lethal and chronic effects, often linked to the annual cycle of fat deposition and withdrawal. Current challenges for bat conservation include collation of a more extensive and standardized database of bat exposure, especially to current use pesticides and emerging contaminants, and better prediction and definition of toxicity end points notably for the sub-lethal effects. Understanding sub-lethal effects will be of greater importance for sustaining populations in the longer-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bayat
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Fritz Geiser
- Centre for Behavioral and Physiological Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Paul Kristiansen
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Susan C Wilson
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Castellanos CG, Sørvik IB, Tanum MB, Verhaegen S, Brandt I, Ropstad E. Differential effects of the persistent DDT metabolite methylsulfonyl-DDE in nonstimulated and LH-stimulated neonatal porcine Leydig cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 267:247-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Danieli PP, Serrani F, Primi R, Ponzetta MP, Ronchi B, Amici A. Cadmium, lead, and chromium in large game: a local-scale exposure assessment for hunters consuming meat and liver of wild boar. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 63:612-627. [PMID: 22911061 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-012-9791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are ubiquitous in soil, water, and air. Their entrance into the food chain is an important environmental issue that entails risks to humans. Several reports indicate that game meat can be an important source of heavy metals, particularly because of the increasing consumption of game meat, mainly by hunters. We performed an exposure assessment of hunters and members of their households, both adults and children, who consumed wild boar (WB) meat and offal. We estimated the amount of cadmium, lead, and chromium in the tissues of WB hunted in six areas within Viterbo Province (Italy) and gathered data on WB meat and offal consumption by conducting specific diet surveys in the same areas. The exposure to cadmium, lead, and chromium was simulated with specifically developed Monte Carlo simulation models. Cadmium and lead levels in WB liver and meat harvested in Viterbo Province (Italy) were similar to or lower than the values reported in other studies. However, some samples contained these metals at levels greater then the EU limits set for domestic animals. The chromium content of meat or liver cannot be evaluated against any regulatory limit, but our results suggest that the amounts of this metal found in WB products may reflect a moderate environmental load. Our survey of the hunter population confirmed that their consumption of WB meat and liver was greater than that of the general Italian population. This level of consumption was comparable with other European studies. Consumption of WB products contributes significantly to cadmium and lead exposure of both adults and children. More specifically, consumption of the WB liver contributed significantly to total cadmium and lead exposure of members of the households of WB hunters. As a general rule, liver consumption should be kept to a minimum, especially for children living in these hunter households. The exposure to chromium estimated for this population of hunters may be considered to be safe. However, a specific and complete assessment of chromium speciation in relevant dietary and environmental situations should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Danieli
- Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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Curi NHDA, Brait CHH, Antoniosi Filho NR, Talamoni SA. Heavy metals in hair of wild canids from the Brazilian Cerrado. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 147:97-102. [PMID: 22201044 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to assess whether free-ranging wild canids are exposed to heavy metals in one of the most developed and populated regions of Brazil. Hair of 26 wild canids (maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus, crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, and hoary foxes Lycalopex vetulus) from the Cerrado biome in Southeast Brazil were analyzed by spectrophotometry to detect cadmium, chromium, and lead, and also the essential copper, iron, manganese, and zinc traces. All samples showed traces of copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Non-essential lead was detected in 57% (2.35 ± 0.99 mg/kg), and chromium in 88% (2.98 ± 1.56 mg/kg) of samples. Cadmium traces (detection limit 0.8 mg/kg) were not found. Crab-eating foxes had more copper, iron, and manganese in hair than maned wolves. Correlations among element levels differed between maned wolves and crab-eating foxes. Concentrations of chromium and lead were outstandingly higher than in wild canids from other areas. Addressing the causes of such levels and the impacts of the heavy metal pollution in Neotropical ecosystems is urgent for animal health and conservation purposes. We argue that heavy metal pollution should be considered as dangerous threats to wildlife health in Brazil and recommend hair sampling as a biomonitoring tool for heavy metals in Neotropical terrestrial mammals.
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Kalisinska E, Lisowski P, Kosik-Bogacka DI. Red fox Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758) as a bioindicator of mercury contamination in terrestrial ecosystems of north-western Poland. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 145:172-80. [PMID: 21892722 PMCID: PMC3272226 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we determined the concentrations of total mercury (Hg) in samples of liver, kidney and skeletal muscle of 27 red foxes Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758) from north-western Poland, and examined the morphometric characteristics of the collected specimens. The analysis also included the relationship between Hg concentration and the fox size, and the suitability of individual organs as bioindicators in indirect evaluation of environmental mercury contamination. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the analysed samples, the Hg concentration was low and the maximum value did not exceed 0.85 mgHg/kg dry weight (dw). There were no significant differences in Hg concentrations in the analysed material between males and females or between immature and adult groups. The median concentrations of Hg in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle were 0.22, 0.11 and 0.05 mgHg/kg dw, respectively. The correlation coefficients were significant between the concentrations of mercury in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle (positive) and between the kidney Hg concentration and kidney mass (negative). Taking into account our results and findings of other authors, it may be argued that the red fox exhibits a measurable response to mercury environmental pollution and meets the requirements of a bioindicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Kalisinska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich Av. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Lisowski
- Department of Zoology and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Doktora Judyma St. 20, 71-466 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta Izabela Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich Av. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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48
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Mammal road-killing from a Mediterranean area in central Italy: evidence from an atlas dataset. RENDICONTI LINCEI 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-012-0163-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Bilandžić N, Dežđek D, Sedak M, Dokić M, Simić B, Rudan N, Brstilo M, Lisicin T. Trace elements in tissues of wild carnivores and omnivores in Croatia. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 88:94-99. [PMID: 22037661 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-011-0449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The differences in metal exposure (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg) in the muscle, liver and kidney tissues of brown bears (Ursus arctos), grey wolfs (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynxs (Lynx lynx), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and pine martens (Martes martes) from Croatia were observed. The highest mean Cd levels were found in kidney and liver of Eurasian badger (3.05 and 0.537 mg/kg). The highest Cu concentrations (mg/kg) measured in liver tissue were obtained in order: Eurasian badger (15.2) > brown bear (12.1) > pine marten (10.3) > Eurasian lynx (8.43) > grey wolf (6.44). Result presented that Eurasian badger accumulated the highest levels of elements: As, Cu and Pb in muscle; As, Cd, Cu and Pb in liver; Cd and Pb in kidney. Kidney of pine marten accumulated the highest concentrations of As, Cu and Hg. Omnivorous species observed present an important bioindicator for the accumulation of toxic elements indicating an enhanced vulnerability for response to ecological changes in forested terrain. Generally, element concentrations found in five species observed were lower in comparison to levels reported in previous studies and below levels related to toxicosis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Albayrak T, Mor F. Comparative tissue distribution of heavy metals in house sparrow (Passer domesticus, Aves) in polluted and reference sites in Turkey. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2011; 87:457-462. [PMID: 21785879 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-011-0364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Bioindicators are useful for environmental monitoring in ecosystems with pollution loads. We compared concentrations of selected 10 metals in 42 samples of House Sparrow in a polluted by thermal power plant and reference sites. We found mean tissue concentrations of some metals to be significantly higher in sparrows from the polluted area when compared to tissues from the reference site. In liver mean concentrations of Cu (35.85 ± 17.22 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (101.76 ± 26.38 mg kg(-1)) were significantly higher and concentration of Ni (0.43 ± 0.49 mg kg(-1)) were significantly lower in sparrows from the polluted area (p<0.05). The concentration of Cu was significantly higher in muscle and liver at the polluted site. Gender did not seem to influence residue levels, of the elements studied, among sparrows with the exception of kidney cobalt concentrations; which were higher in female sparrows than in males (p<0.05, t=-2.409).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Albayrak
- Department of Biology, Science ad Arts Faculty, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Ortulu Yerleşkesi, 15030 Burdur, Turkey.
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