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Chen X, Cao S, Wen D, Geng Y, Duan X. Sentinel animals for monitoring the environmental lead exposure: combination of traditional review and visualization analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:561-584. [PMID: 35348990 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In nature, certain animals share a common living environment with humans, thus these animals have become biomonitors of health effects related to various environmental exposures. As one of the most toxic environmental chemicals, lead (Pb) can cause detriment health effects to animals, plants, and even humans through different exposure pathways such as atmosphere, soil, food, water, and dust, etc. Sentinel animals played an "indicative" role in the researches of environmental pollution monitoring and human health. In order to comprehend the usage of sentinel animals in the indication of environmental Pb pollution and human Pb exposure completely, a combination of traditional review and visualization analysis based on CiteSpace literature was used to review earlier researches in this study. In the first instance, present researches on exposure sources and exposure pathways of Pb were summarized briefly, and then the studies using sentinel animals to monitor environmental heavy metal pollution and human health were combed. Finally, visualization software CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to explore and analyze the hotspots and frontiers of lead exposure and sentinel animals researches at home and abroad. The results showed that certain mammals were good indicators for human lead exposure. Sentinel animals had been widely used to monitor the ecological environment and human lead exposure. Among them, the blood lead levels of small mammals, particularly for domestic dogs and cats, had a significant correlation with the blood lead levels of human living in the same environment. It indicated that certain biological indicators in animals can be used as surrogates to monitor human body exposure to heavy metals. This study also explored the challenges and perspectives that may be faced in sentinel animal research, in order to provide a certain theoretical basis and train of thought guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - SuZhen Cao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dongsen Wen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yishuo Geng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoli Duan
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Somerville R, Fisher M, Persson L, Ehnert-Russo S, Gelsleichter J, Bielmyer-Fraser G. Analysis of Trace Element Concentrations and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Muscle Tissue of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:371-390. [PMID: 32865634 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Metals occur naturally in the environment; however, anthropogenic practices have greatly increased metal concentrations in waterways, sediments, and biota. Metals pose health risks to marine organisms and have been associated with oxidative stress, which can lead to protein denaturation, DNA mutations, and cellular apoptosis. Sharks are important species ecologically, recreationally, and commercially. Because they occupy a high trophic level, assessing muscle tissue metal concentrations in sharks may reflect metal transfer in marine food webs. In this study, concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc were measured in the muscle of Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) from 12 sites along the coast of the southeastern United States. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) also were examined in the muscle tissue of R. terraenovae. A total of 165 samples were analyzed, and differences in trace element bioaccumulation and enzyme activity were observed across sites. R. terraenovae samples collected from South Florida and South Carolina had the highest cumulative trace element concentrations whereas those collected from North Carolina and Alabama had the lowest cumulative concentrations. Trace element concentrations in shark muscle tissue were significantly correlated to antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly with glutathione peroxidase, suggesting that this enzyme may serve as a non-lethal, biomarker of metal exposure in R. terraenovae. This is one of the most extensive studies providing reference levels of trace elements and oxidative stress enzymes in a single elasmobranch species within the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Somerville
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA.
| | - Maya Fisher
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | - Louise Persson
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
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3
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Hough S, Lockhart JM, Loughry WJ, Bielmyer-Fraser GK. Assessment of Metal Concentrations in Wild-Caught Raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the Southeastern US. SOUTHEAST NAT 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/058.019.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hough
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698
| | | | - W. James Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698
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Hough SE, Lockhart JM, Loughry WJ, Bielmyer-Fraser GK. Comparative metal analysis in a species assemblage of mammals from the Southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:306. [PMID: 32323028 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08259-5] [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: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Metal pollution commonly occurs in many terrestrial environments and may pose a threat for the animals inhabiting such areas. Here, we present concentrations of six metals (cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], selenium [Se], and zinc [Zn]) in the liver tissues of seven species of mammals obtained from a study that examined the impact of mesopredator removal on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations. A total of 1326 samples were collected from 2003 to 2006 at four sites in southwest Georgia and north Florida from nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), bobcats (Lynx rufus), feral cats (Felis catus), coyotes (Canis latrans), grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and raccoons (Procyon lotor). Data from armadillos, bobcats, opossums, and raccoons were published previously to examine age, sex, spatial (between sites), and temporal (between years) variation. In this paper, we present similar comparisons for the remaining three species as well as comparisons of metal concentrations among all seven species. Concentrations of Cu and Pb exhibited strong negative relationships with body weight in coyotes, while Ni was positively correlated with weight in feral cats. Concentrations of these metals, as well as the other two tested (Cd and Zn), were not significantly correlated with one another in any of the three species. The only sex difference in liver metal concentrations was observed in female feral cats, which had higher levels of Pb than did males. Coyotes exhibited significant differences in Cu concentrations between sites and between years (2005 versus 2006). We also found significant differences between sites in Pb concentrations for both feral cats and grey foxes. There were significant differences in metal concentrations among all seven species for all metals except Cd. With the exception of Cd and Se (tested only in bobcats and opossums), a three-way ANOVA with species, year, and site as the three factors revealed significant differences among species for every metal but only a single main effect of year for Cu, and no main effects of site. In sum, our results provide an extensive survey of metal concentrations in a diverse assemblage of mammals and suggest that metal accumulation may be heavily influenced by species identity, which in turn may reflect ecological lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hough
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, 31698-0015, USA
| | - J Mitchell Lockhart
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, 31698-0015, USA
| | - W J Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, 31698-0015, USA
| | - Gretchen K Bielmyer-Fraser
- Department of Chemistry, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA.
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Rodrigues TF, Mantellatto AMB, Superina M, Chiarello AG. Ecosystem services provided by armadillos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1-21. [PMID: 31448491 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of the natural ecological processes provided by organisms that benefit human well-being has significantly progressed towards the goal of making conservation a mainstream value. Identifying different services and the species that provide them is a vital first step for the management and maintenance of these so-called ecosystem services. Herein, we specifically address the armadillos, which play key functional roles in terrestrial ecosystems, including as ecosystem engineers, predators, and vectors of invertebrates and nutrients, although these roles have often been overlooked. Armadillos can control pests, disperse seeds, and be effective sentinels of potential disease outbreaks or bioindicators of environmental contaminants. They also supply important material (meat, medicines) and non-material (learning, inspiration) contributions all over the Americas. We identify key gaps in the understanding of ecosystem services provided by armadillos and areas for future research required to clarify their functional role in terrestrial ecosystems and the services they supply. Such information will produce powerful arguments for armadillo conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago F Rodrigues
- Applied Ecology Program, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline M B Mantellatto
- Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Porto Seguro, 45810-000, BA, Brazil
| | - Mariella Superina
- Laboratorio de Medicina y Endocrinología de la Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU - CCT CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, 5500, Argentina
| | - Adriano G Chiarello
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil
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Kirkly JA, Bielmyer-Fraser GK, Elder JF, Bechler DL. The Alapahoochee watershed microgeographic structure and its potential influence on metal concentrations and genetic structure in the Florida cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti, within the watershed. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:220. [PMID: 29546570 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6579-5] [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: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the microgeographic structure of the Alapahoochee watershed, part of the Suwannee River basin, south-central GA, USA, and relates it to variations in liver metal concentrations and genetic structure of the Florida cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti. One objective was to determine if liver metal concentrations in A. piscivorus differ between Grand Bay and Mud creeks, which form the watershed's upper portion. Grand Bay Creek is relatively pristine, whereas Mud Creek is polluted with various metals. Genetic analyses were used to assess possible migration patterns between the creeks indicating whether the basin possesses a single population or two populations. Collections occurred in 2008 and 2009. Specimens were captured, euthanized, or collected as road kills, and liver metal concentrations were analyzed and DNA extracted. No differences in metal concentrations were detected between the creeks, except for nickel in females. Metal concentrations in A. piscivorus were not significantly different between males and females nor show a relationship to body size. Genetic analyses were limited to three primer sets, which amplified informative loci. Locus, CH4B, was highly divergent between the putative populations and particularly informative. Genetic structure indicates potential population isolation within the two creeks. Results suggest that two distinct A. piscivorus populations were present and those populations did not differ in their liver metal concentrations (exception being nickel), despite the differences in environmental metal concentrations in the areas. These findings provide new insight into metal accumulation and detoxification in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ashley Kirkly
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, 4809 Val Tech Road, Valdosta, GA, 31602, USA
| | | | - John F Elder
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
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Luaces JP, Rossi LF, Chirino MG, Browne M, Merani MS, Mudry MD. Genotoxic effects of Roundup Full II® on lymphocytes of Chaetophractus villosus (Xenarthra, Mammalia): In vitro studies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182911. [PMID: 28817615 PMCID: PMC5560724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In Argentina, Chaetophractus villosus has a wide distribution that overlaps with agricultural areas where soybean is the predominant crop. In such areas the pesticide Roundup Full II® (RU) is widely applied. The genotoxic effect of its active ingredient glyphosate (RU is 66.2% glyphosate) on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of C. villosus was tested over a range of concentrations (280, 420, 560, 1120 μmol/L). Culture medium without glyphosate served as negative control, while medium containing mitomycin C served as positive control. Genetic damage was characterized in terms of the percentage of cells with chromosome aberrations (CA), the mean number of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) per cell, and the modification of cell proliferation kinetics via the calculation of the replication index. Significant increases (p < 0.0001) were seen in the CA frequency and the mean number of SCEs per cell compared to negative controls at all the RU concentrations tested. Chromatid breaks, the only form of CA observed, under the 560 μmol/L RU conditions and in presence of mitomycin C were four to five times more common than at lower concentrations, while no viable cells were seen in the 1120 μmol/L treatment. The mean number of SCEs per cell was significantly higher under the 280 μmol/L RU conditions than the 420 or 560 μmol/L RU conditions; cells cultivated in the presence of MMC also showed significantly more SCEs. All the RU concentrations tested (except in the 1120 μmol/L RU treatment [no viable cells]) induced a significant reduction in the replication index (p < 0.0001). The present results confirm the genotoxic effects of RU on C. villosus lymphocytes in vitro, strongly suggesting that exposure to RU could induce DNA damage in C. villosus wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Luaces
- Laboratorio de Biología Cromosómica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay, Piso 10 Lab. 6, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Francisco Rossi
- Laboratorio de Biología Cromosómica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay, Piso 10 Lab. 6, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Gabriela Chirino
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Citogenética de Insectos, Depto. Ecología, Genética y Evolución, FCENyN-UBA. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. IEGEBA-CONICET. Lab. 110. Piso 4 –Pabellón II—Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melanie Browne
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Susana Merani
- Laboratorio de Biología Cromosómica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay, Piso 10 Lab. 6, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marta Dolores Mudry
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE), Depto. Ecología Genética y Evolución, FCEyN-UBA. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. IEGEBA-CONICET. Labs. 43–46. Piso 4—Pabellón II- Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bielmyer-Fraser GK, Waters MN, Duckworth CG, Patel PP, Webster BC, Blocker A, Crummey CH, Duncan AN, Nwokike SN, Picariello CR, Ragan JT, Schumacher EL, Tucker RL, Tuttle EA, Wiggins CR. Assessment of metal contamination in the biota of four rivers experiencing varying degrees of human impact. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:23. [PMID: 27987131 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5738-9] [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: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization, agriculture, and other land transformations can affect water quality, decrease species biodiversity, and increase metal and nutrient concentrations in aquatic systems. Metal pollution, in particular, is a reported consequence of elevated anthropogenic inputs, especially from urbanized areas. The objectives of this study were to quantify metal (Cu, Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb) concentrations in the waters and biota of four streams in South Georgia, USA, and relate metal concentrations to land use and abiotic and biotic stream processes. Additionally, macrophytes, invertebrates, and fish were identified to assess biodiversity at each site. Metal concentrations in the three trophic levels differed among sites and species, correlating to differences in land use surrounding the rivers. The highest metal concentrations (except Al) were found in the streams most impacted by urbanization and development. Al concentrations were highest in streams surrounded by land dominated by forested areas. Metal content in macrophytes reflected metal concentrations in the water and was at least three orders of magnitude higher than any other trophic level. Despite metal concentration differences, all four streams contained similar water quality and were healthy based on macroinvertebrate community structure. This study provides insight into the impact of urbanization and the fate and effects of metals in river ecosystems with varying degrees of anthropogenic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pratik P Patel
- Valdosta State University, 1500 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | | | - Amber Blocker
- Valdosta State University, 1500 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James T Ragan
- Valdosta State University, 1500 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | - Erika L Schumacher
- Valdosta State University, 1500 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | - Rebecca Lea Tucker
- Valdosta State University, 1500 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
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9
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Thomason RK, Lockhart JM, Loughry WJ, Bielmyer-Fraser GK. Metal accumulation in bobcats in the Southeastern USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:565. [PMID: 27629555 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are wide-ranging mammals found throughout the continental USA. As carnivores near the top of their food chain, bobcats would seem to be a useful bioindicator of metal pollution in terrestrial environments. However, there is very limited research on bobcats in toxicology studies. Here, we offer the first analysis of metal (copper, selenium, silver, and zinc) contaminants in the livers of wild bobcats. Liver tissues from 120 adult bobcats (i.e., estimated to be ≥1 year old) were collected from 2003 to 2006 at four sites in Georgia and Florida, USA that experienced relatively similar levels of human disturbance. We found no differences in metal concentrations between males and females. At two of the sites sampled over three consecutive years, there was substantial year-to-year variation in the concentrations of Cu, Se, and Zn. We also documented some variation between sites, but only between sites sampled in different years, which may reflect additional temporal, rather than spatial, variation. Concentrations of Cu and Ag were significantly positively correlated with one another, as were concentrations of Se and Zn. Contrary to expectation, there were no significant relationships between body weight and metal concentrations. Finally, comparison with results from previous metal toxicology studies of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virgianus), collected from the same sites during the same years, showed differential patterns of accumulation across species, suggesting that ecological lifestyle is an important influence on metal accumulation. This study provides reference levels of metal contaminants in the liver of bobcats as well as insight into metal accumulation in a top level carnivore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - W J Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, USA
| | - Gretchen K Bielmyer-Fraser
- Department of Chemistry, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA.
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Lockhart JM, Siddiqui S, Loughry WJ, Bielmyer-Fraser GK. Metal accumulation in wild-caught opossum. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:317. [PMID: 27138002 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5327-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is widespread in the USA, ranging south through Latin America. The ecology of opossums is such that they are in frequent contact with soils, suggesting that they may function as a valuable bioindicator for chemical contamination in terrestrial environments. Surprisingly, there have been virtually no toxicology studies on opossums. Here, we provide the first analysis of metal contaminants in opossum liver tissues. Liver samples were obtained from 471 opossums, collected from 2003 to 2006, at four sites in North Florida and South Georgia, USA, and concentrations of copper, lead, nickel, selenium, and zinc were measured. We found little evidence of age differences in the concentration of any of the metals. However, there were at least some significant differences between years, males and females, and between sites for each metal, although the pattern of these differences was not always consistent across metals. Concentrations of metals in liver tissue were positively correlated with one another, primarily of each metal (except Pb) with zinc. Reference levels of metal contaminants are not available for opossums, but concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in our samples were for the most part significantly higher than those reported from liver tissues of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) collected at the same sites and in the same years. Data from other small mammals studied elsewhere further indicate that metal concentrations in opossums were high, but at this time, it is not possible to determine if these elevated levels generated toxicity. The substantial temporal and spatial variation we found in metal concentrations suggests that determination of baseline levels for opossums may not be straightforward. Nonetheless, this is the first study quantifying metal accumulation in the livers of Didelphis virginiana and, as such, provides an important starting point for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mitchell Lockhart
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, 1500 North Patterson St, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | - Samreen Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, 1500 North Patterson St, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
| | - W J Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, 1500 North Patterson St, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA
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Loughry WJ, McDonough CM. Beyond Natural History: Some Thoughts About Research Priorities in the Study of Xenarthrans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.5537/020.014.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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