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Toledo FADO, Santos DOD, Vasconcelos IMA, Oliveira AR, Cabral JAG, Toledo RARD, Cunha PHH, Batista DFA, Paes Leme FDO, Carvalho MPND, da Paixão TA, Machado-Neves M, Melo MM, Santos RL. Heavy metals bioaccumulation in free-ranging South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) in Southeastern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:32339-32349. [PMID: 38653891 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33432-5] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are the main sources of soil, air, and water pollution by metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), the metalloid arsenic (As), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The goal of this study was to assess the presence and concentration of toxic (As, Cd, Pb, and Cr) and essential metals (Mg, Zn, and Cu) in the liver and kidneys from 96 free-ranging rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) from Minas Gerais (Brazil). Bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in males and heavier rattlesnakes (those with body weight above the average of the study population). Average ± standard deviations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mg, Zn, and As in the general population (n = 96) were 3.19 ± 2.52; 5.98 ± 8.49; 0.66 ± 1.97; 3.27 ± 2.85; 776.14 ± 2982.92; 27.44 ± 29.55; and 0.32 ± 1.46; respectively. Bioaccumulation of some metals correlated positively with changes in hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. Results of this study were contrasted with previous studies assessing metal bioaccumulation in other species of terrestrial or aquatic snakes. Considering their position in the food chain and the broad range of bioaccumulation of both toxic and essential metals observed in this study, rattlesnakes may function as highly relevant biological sentinels for environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Oliveira Dos Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Ayisa Rodrigues Oliveira
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro Hugo Henriques Cunha
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Diego Felipe Alves Batista
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Tatiane Alves da Paixão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Marilia Martins Melo
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Yaghmour F, Els J, Maio E, Whittington-Jones B, Samara F, El Sayed Y, Ploeg R, Alzaabi A, Philip S, Budd J, Mupandawana M. Oil spill causes mass mortality of sea snakes in the Gulf of Oman. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154072. [PMID: 35217042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154072] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills in the marine environment inflict significant impacts on a wide diversity of marine fauna. Despite the abundance of literature describing these impacts on numerous species, no studies describe the impacts on sea snakes. In this study we report, for the first time, details of an oil spill which caused mass mortality of sea snakes. In this study, 39 sea snake mortalities from the Gulf of Oman, in particular, the coast of Kalba, Sharjah, UAE, were examined. The investigated sea snakes belong to four different species (Hydrophis platurus, H. lapemoides, H. spiralis and H. ornatus). The majority (84.6%) of sea snakes were observed to have oil covering 75-100% of their bodies. The majority (91.4%) of sea snakes were also observed with oil covering their snouts and eyes. A large proportion (25.8, 41.4 and 34.5%) of sea snakes were observed with oil in their mouth, esophagus and stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Johannes Els
- Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elisa Maio
- Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brendan Whittington-Jones
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatin Samara
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yehya El Sayed
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alyazia Alzaabi
- Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Susannah Philip
- Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jane Budd
- Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marshall Mupandawana
- Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Haskins DL, Brown MK, Qin C, Xu X, Pilgrim MA, Tuberville TD. Multi-decadal trends in mercury and methylmercury concentrations in the brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116722. [PMID: 33640654 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that poses a threat to aquatic systems globally. Temporal evaluations of Hg contamination have increased in recent years, with studies focusing on how anthropogenic activities impact Hg bioavailability in a variety of aquatic systems. While it is common for these studies and ecological risk assessments to evaluate Hg bioaccumulation and effects in wildlife, there is a paucity of information regarding Hg dynamics in reptiles. The goal of this study was to investigate temporal patterns in total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations across a 36-year period, as well as evaluate relationships among and between destructive (kidney, liver, muscle) and non-destructive (blood, tail) tissue types in a common watersnake species. To accomplish this, we measured THg and MeHg concentrations in multiple tissues from brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota) collected from Steel Creek on the Savannah River Site (SRS; Aiken, SC, USA) from two time periods (1983-1986 and 2019). We found significant and positive relationships between tail tips and destructive tissues. In both time periods, THg concentrations varied significantly by tissue type, and destructive tissues exhibited higher but predictable THg values relative to tail tissue. Methylmercury concentrations did not differ among tissues from the 1980s but was significantly higher in muscle compared to other tissues from snakes collected in 2019. Percent MeHg of THg in N. taxispilota tissues mirrored patterns reported in other reptiles, although the range of % MeHg in liver and kidney differed between time periods. Both THg and MeHg concentrations in N. taxispilota declined significantly from the 1980s to 2019, with average values 1.6 to 4-fold lower in contemporary samples. Overall, our data add further evidence to the utility of watersnakes to monitor Hg pollution in aquatic environments and suggest attenuation of this contaminant in watersnakes in our study system.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30605, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30605, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - M Kyle Brown
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30605, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Chongyang Qin
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Melissa A Pilgrim
- Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, 29303, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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Lettoof DC, Bateman PW, Aubret F, Gagnon MM. The Broad-Scale Analysis of Metals, Trace Elements, Organochlorine Pesticides and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wetlands Along an Urban Gradient, and the Use of a High Trophic Snake as a Bioindicator. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 78:631-645. [PMID: 32123945 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00724-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands and their biodiversity are constantly threatened by contaminant pollution from urbanisation. Despite evidence suggesting that snakes are good bioindicators of environmental health, the bioaccumulation of contaminants in reptiles is poorly researched in Australia. We conducted the first broad-scale analysis of 17 metals and trace elements, 21 organochlorine pesticides, and 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments (4 samples per site, December 2018) from four wetlands along an urban gradient in Perth, Western Australia, and from the livers (5 livers per site, February-April 2019) of western tiger snakes Notechis scutatus occidentalis captured at those sites. All 17 metals and trace elements were detected in the sediments of wetlands as well as 16 in the livers of tiger snakes. Arsenic, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn were at concentrations exceeding government trigger values in at least one sediment sample. Two organochlorine pesticides and six of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the sediments of a single wetland, all exceeding government trigger values, but were not detected in tiger snakes. Metals and trace elements were generally in higher concentration in sediments and snake livers from more heavily urbanised wetlands. The least urbanised site had some higher concentrations of metals and trace elements, possibly due to agriculture contaminated groundwater. Concentrations of nine metals and trace elements in snake livers were statistically different between sites. Arsenic, Cd, Co, Hg, Mo, Sb, and Se near paralleled the pattern of contamination measured in the wetland sediments; this supports the use of high trophic wetland snakes, such as tiger snakes, as bioindicators of wetland contamination. Contamination sources and impacts on these wetland ecosystems and tiger snakes are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Lettoof
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia.
| | - P W Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - F Aubret
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
- CNRS, Station d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UMR 5321 CNRS - Université Paul Sabatier, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - M M Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Haskins DL, Gogal RM, Tuberville TD. Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 249:133-152. [PMID: 30879139 DOI: 10.1007/398_2019_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that has been reported in many wildlife species worldwide. The organic form of Hg bioaccumulates in higher trophic levels, and thus, long-lived predators are at risk for higher Hg exposure. Although ecological risk assessments for contaminants such as Hg include pertinent receptor species, snakes are rarely considered, despite their high trophic status and potential to accumulate high levels of Hg. Our current knowledge of these reptiles suggests that snakes may be useful novel biomarkers to monitor contaminated environments. The few available studies show that snakes can bioaccumulate significant amounts of Hg. However, little is known about the role of snakes in Hg transport in the environment or the individual-level effects of Hg exposure in this group of reptiles. This is a major concern, as snakes often serve as important prey for a variety of taxa within ecosystems (including humans). In this review, we compiled and analyzed the results of over 30 studies to discuss the impact of Hg on snakes, specifically sources of exposure, bioaccumulation, health consequences, and specific scientific knowledge gaps regarding these moderate to high trophic predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Concentrations in the Livers of Free-Ranging Common Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) from Minnesota, USA. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-10-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Gavrić J, Despotović S, Prokić M, Gavrilović B, Radovanović T, Anđelković M, Tomović L, Borković-Mitić S, Pavlović S, Saičić Z. Do different diets affect oxidative stress biomarkers and metal bioaccumulation in two snake species? Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 223:26-34. [PMID: 31128280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study we examined possible differences in heavy metal accumulation and oxidative stress parameters in the liver and muscle of two semi-aquatic snakes: grass snake (Natrix natrix) and dice snake (N. tessellata), that inhabit the same environment but differ in prey diversity. The obtained results revealed some interspecies, inter-tissue, prey-snake and prey-prey differences in heavy metal concentrations. Grass snakes pray contained significantly higher concentrations of Al, Cr and Fe as compared to food of dice snakes. Both investigated snakes accumulated generally lower concentrations of metals than their prey, indicating that they are not at risk of contaminant biomagnification. A significant interspecies difference in accumulation was observed only for Cu and Mn concentrations. On the other hand, analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers showed clear differences between the investigated snake species and the two investigated tissues. The liver of grass snake had increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in comparison to dice snake. In muscle, a reverse trend was observed for the activities of these three enzymes, as well as for glutathione peroxidase activity. The higher number of significant correlations observed between oxidative stress biomarkers and heavy metal concentrations in grass snake points to upregulation of the antioxidative system (AOS), which resulted in a lower TBARS concentration. Results show that while the investigated snake species did not differ significantly in the accumulated metals, their defense mechanisms were different. This reveals the complexity of the AOS and points to the cooperation of different AOS components in individuals from natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Gavrić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Svetlana Despotović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Prokić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka Gavrilović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Radovanović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Anđelković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Tomović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slavica Borković-Mitić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Saičić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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Frossard A, Carneiro MTWD, Silva ELDFD, Camargo Filho CB, Rossi Júnior JL. Concentração de elementos traços em serpentes do litoral e da região serrana do Espírito Santo. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2017001000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO: Os elementos químicos, em sua maioria, encontram-se em ciclos bioquímicos e geoquímicos fechados e em concentrações que não causam efeitos nocivos aos organismos. Contudo, ações antrópicas aceleradas promovem alterações ambientais, como o aumento no aporte de contaminantes. Com essas informações, o presente trabalho buscou caracterizar a presença aos elementos traços em duas espécies de serpentes comuns na região sudeste, Boa constrictor e Bothrops jararaca. Os exemplares de B. constrictor (n=18) foram provenientes de atropelamentos ocorridos no trecho da Rodovia ES-060 do Km 0 ao Km 67,5. Os exemplares de B. jararaca (n=18) foram capturados por fazendeiros na zona rural da região serrana do Espírito Santo. Foram analisados 1 grama de fragmento de rim, de espécimes necropsiados. Os rins coletados foram digeridos com mistura ácida (HNO3;HCl; 1:1) a 300oC, 40min e a quantificação de microelementos (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb e Zn) foi realizada por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre machos e fêmeas, exceto para Cromo nas B. constrictor (p=0,03), com média de 1,6595 nas concentrações de Cr nas fêmeas e 0,2896 em machos. Contudo, quando foram comparadas as diferentes espécies de serpentes, diferentes concentrações foram encontradas, para todos os elementos determinados, com destaque para o Ferro com uma concentração de 106,2mg/g em B. constrictor e 120,3mg/g em B. jararaca, provavelmente por esses animais virem de áreas próximas à portos de minério de ferro. A concentração de Zinco em B. constrictor foi de 1261,8mg/g e em B. jararaca foi de 28,4mg/g. O presente estudo indica que as serpentes analisadas, que habitam as regiões da Grande Vitória e serrana do Espírito Santo apresentam elevadas concentrações dos microelementos Zn e Fe.
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Burger J, Gochfeld M, Jeitner C, Zappalorti R, Pittfield T, DeVito E. Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury and Selenium Concentrations in Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) from the New Jersey Pine Barrens. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 72:586-595. [PMID: 28424837 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Top trophic level predators are at risk from bioaccumulation of heavy metals from their prey. Using nondestructively collected tissues as a method of assessing metal concentrations in snakes is useful for populations that are threatened or declining. This paper reports concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in tissues of Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) from the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a relatively pristine, undisturbed habitat. We also determined if skin is an appropriate indicator of internal concentrations and identified the factors (tissue, year of collection, length, sex) that might explain variations in metal concentrations. Because they can grow to 2-m long and live for 25 years, we suggest that these snakes might accumulate heavy metals. Multiple regression models were significant, explaining 16% (lead) to 61% (mercury) of variation by tissue type. For mercury and chromium, size also was significant. The highest concentrations were in liver and kidney for all metals, except chromium and lead. Mercury concentrations in tissues were within the range reported for other snakes and were below effects concentrations in reptiles. The concentrations in skin were correlated with all internal tissues for mercury and for all internal tissues except heart for cadmium. These data show that shed skin can be used as an indicator of metals in pine snakes and that, at present, concentrations of heavy metals in this population are within the range of those found in other snake species from uncontaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Robert Zappalorti
- Herpetological Associates, Inc., 405 Magnolia Road, Pemberton, NJ, 08068, USA
| | - Taryn Pittfield
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Emile DeVito
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills, NJ, 07931, USA
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HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FREE-RANGING EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES (DRYMARCHON COUPERI) IN GEORGIA, UNITED STATES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 47:1000-1012. [PMID: 28080899 DOI: 10.1638/2015-0127.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical pathology and nutritional parameters are useful in evaluating and monitoring threatened and endangered wildlife populations, but reference ranges for most snake species are lacking. From 2001 to 2005, health assessments were performed on 58 eastern indigo snakes (EIS) (Drymarchon couperi) captured in the wild in southeastern Georgia, United States. Health and nutritional assessments performed included hematology, serum biochemistry, fat-soluble vitamins, heavy metals, pesticide contaminants, parasitology, and surveys of other pathogens. Significant differences in total solids, packed cell volume, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, albumin : globulin ratio, amylase, triglycerides, and bile acids between males and females were observed. Additionally, there was a significant difference between liver and kidney concentrations for vitamins A and E. As previously noted in captive EIS, total Ca was elevated in comparison to concentrations reported in other snake species. Parasitism was a common finding in sampled EIS, but the overall health status of this free-ranging population appeared good. A winter-time dermatitis was found in most snakes, which resolved in the summer months. This study represents the first health and nutritional assessment of free-ranging EIS, and provides needed data to guide monitoring and conservation efforts.
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Wood DA, Halstead BJ, Casazza ML, Hansen EC, Wylie GD, Vandergast AG. Defining population structure and genetic signatures of decline in the giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas): implications for conserving threatened species within highly altered landscapes. CONSERV GENET 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-015-0720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Drewett DVV, Willson JD, Cristol DA, Chin SY, Hopkins WA. Inter- and intraspecific variation in mercury bioaccumulation by snakes inhabiting a contaminated river floodplain. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:1178-1186. [PMID: 23401211 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although mercury (Hg) is a well-studied contaminant, knowledge about Hg accumulation in snakes is limited. The authors evaluated Hg bioaccumulation within and among four snake species (northern watersnakes, Nerodia sipedon; queen snakes, Regina septemvittata; common garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis; and rat snakes, Elaphe obsoleta [Pantherophis alleghaniensis]) from a contaminated site on the South River (Waynesboro, VA, USA) and two nearby reference sites. Total Hg (THg) concentrations in northern watersnake tail tissue at the contaminated site ranged from 2.25 to 13.84 mg/kg dry weight (mean: 4.85 ± 0.29), or 11 to 19 times higher than reference sites. Blood THg concentrations (0.03-7.04 mg/kg wet wt; mean: 2.24 ± 0.42) were strongly correlated with tail concentrations and were the highest yet reported in a snake species. Within watersnakes, nitrogen stable isotope values indicated ontogenetic trophic shifts that correlated with THg bioaccumulation, suggesting that diet plays a substantial role in Hg exposure. Female watersnakes had higher mean THg concentrations (5.67 ± 0.46 mg/kg) than males (4.93 ± 0.49 mg/kg), but no significant differences between sexes were observed after correcting for body size. Interspecific comparisons identified differences in THg concentrations among snake species, with more aquatic species (watersnakes and queen snakes) accumulating higher mean concentrations (5.60 ± 0.40 and 4.59 ± 0.38 mg/kg in tail tissue, respectively) than the more terrestrial species, garter snakes and rat snakes (1.28 ± 0.32 and 0.26 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively). The results of the present study warrant further investigation of potential adverse effects and will aid in prioritizing conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V V Drewett
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Chin SY, Willson JD, Cristol DA, Drewett DVV, Hopkins WA. High levels of maternally transferred mercury do not affect reproductive output or embryonic survival of northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:619-626. [PMID: 23233365 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maternal transfer is an important exposure pathway for contaminants because it can directly influence offspring development. Few studies have examined maternal transfer of contaminants, such as mercury (Hg), in snakes, despite their abundance and high trophic position in many ecosystems where Hg is prevalent. The objectives of the present study were to determine if Hg is maternally transferred in northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) and to evaluate the effects of maternal Hg on reproduction. The authors captured gravid female watersnakes (n = 31) along the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia, USA, where an extensive Hg-contamination gradient exists. The authors measured maternal tissue and litter Hg concentrations and, following birth, assessed (1) reproductive parameters (i.e., litter size and mass, neonate mass); (2) rates of infertility, death during development, stillbirths, malformations, and runts; and (3) the overall viability of offspring. Mercury concentrations in females were strongly and positively correlated with concentrations in litters, suggesting that N. sipedon maternally transfer Hg in proportion to their tissue residues. Maternal transfer resulted in high concentrations (up to 10.10 mg/kg dry wt total Hg) of Hg in offspring. The authors found little evidence of adverse effects of Hg on these measures of reproductive output and embryonic survival, suggesting that N. sipedon may be more tolerant of Hg than other vertebrate species. Given that this is the first study to examine the effects of maternally transferred contaminants in snakes and that the authors did not measure all reproductive endpoints, further research is needed to better understand factors that influence maternal transfer and associated sublethal effects on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Y Chin
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Rezaie-Atagholipour M, Riyahi-Bakhtiari A, Sajjadi M, Yap CK, Ghaffari S, Ebrahimi-Sirizi Z, Ghezellou P. Metal concentrations in selected tissues and main prey species of the annulated sea snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus) in the Hara Protected Area, northeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, Iran. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:416-421. [PMID: 22188905 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study is the first detailed ecotoxicological study of the annulated sea snake, Hydrophis cyanocinctus. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, nickel and vanadium were evaluated in muscle, liver, kidney, skin and blood of the annulated sea snake (H. cyanocinctus) and in the whole bodies of its main prey species (Periophthalmus waltoni and Boleophthalmus dussumieri) in the Hara Protected Area, the Persian Gulf. The mean concentrations of lead and vanadium were highest in the kidney, which identified the kidney as a target organ for metals in sea snakes as it is in other reptilian groups. Mean concentrations of cadmium and nickel were highest in the liver and skin, respectively. Mean cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in the liver compared to prey species, which indicated that prey items may be a source of cadmium for the annulated sea snake in the study area. Data presented here may be considered as a baseline for further ecotoxicological studies in sea snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rezaie-Atagholipour
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Hormozgan, P.O. Box 3995, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
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Bechard MJ, Perkins DN, Kaltenecker GS, Alsup S. Mercury contamination in Idaho bald eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 83:698-702. [PMID: 19690789 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-009-9848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Because mercury contamination is potentially threatening to bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) populations, we collected molted feathers at nests to determine the level of contamination in bald eagles in the state of Idaho, USA. Eagle feathers contained measurable amounts of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), as well as mercury (Hg). Cadmium, Cr, Se, and Pb levels averaged 0.17, 4.68, 2.02, and 1.29 mg/kg dry weight, respectively, and were at or below concentrations indicated as causing reproductive failure in bald eagles. Mercury contamination was found to be the highest averaging 18.74 mg/kg dry weight. Although a concentration of only 7.5 mg/kg dry weight Hg in bird feathers can cause reduced productivity and even sterility, all of the eagles we sampled bred successfully and the population of bald eagles continues to grow annually throughout the state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Bechard
- Raptor Research Center, Department of Biology, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
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