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Ruuskanen S. Early-life environmental effects on birds: epigenetics and microbiome as mechanisms underlying long-lasting phenotypic changes. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246024. [PMID: 38449325 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Although the long-lasting effects of variation in early-life environment have been well documented across organisms, the underlying causal mechanisms are only recently starting to be unraveled. Yet understanding the underlying mechanisms of long-lasting effects can help us predict how organisms will respond to changing environments. Birds offer a great system in which to study developmental plasticity and its underlying mechanisms owing to the production of large external eggs and variation in developmental trajectories, combined with a long tradition of applied, physiological, ecological and evolutionary research. Epigenetic changes (such as DNA methylation) have been suggested to be a key mechanism mediating long-lasting effects of the early-life environment across taxa. More recently, changes in the early-life gut microbiome have been identified as another potential mediator of developmental plasticity. As a first step in understanding whether these mechanisms contribute to developmental plasticity in birds, this Review summarizes how changes in early-life environment (both prenatal and postnatal) influence epigenetic markers and the gut microbiome. The literature shows how both early-life biotic (such as resources and social environment) and abiotic (thermal environment and various anthropogenic stressors) factors modify epigenetic markers and the gut microbiome in birds, yet data concerning many other environmental factors are limited. The causal links of these modifications to lasting phenotypic changes are still scarce, but changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have been identified as one putative pathway. This Review identifies several knowledge gaps, including data on the long-term effects, stability of the molecular changes, and lack of diversity in the systems studied, and provides directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Survontie 9C, 40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnankatu 5, 20500 Turku, Finland
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2
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Ross M, Corimanya JL, Kaplan R, Kilgour DAV, Linkous CR, Guindre-Parker S. Elevated lead (Pb) in urban European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) feathers is not correlated to physiology or behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168932. [PMID: 38048995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168932] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is rapidly changing the environment and creating new challenges in the lives of animals across the globe. Anthropogenic contaminants-like heavy metals-can persist within the environment for prolonged periods of time and present a widespread problem for those living near contaminated areas. Lead (Pb) was a commonly used heavy metal that continues to threaten the health of all organisms despite being phased out, especially in urban areas where historical use was more common. In this study, a common urban-adapter, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), was trapped to explore whether feather Pb burden is greater in birds from urban habitats than rural habitats, as well as whether Pb burdens were correlated with behavior, physiology, and feather development. Across four sites (two rural and two urban), soil Pb concentrations were measured and 197 free-living starlings were captured to measure feather Pb concentrations. Using linear mixed models, this study found that urban starling nestlings had elevated feather Pb burdens compared to rural nestlings. In contrast, there was no correlation between Pb and urbanization in adult birds whose exposure to Pb may reflect a larger spatial range compared to nestlings. For both nestlings and adults, feather Pb was uncorrelated to corticosterone, testosterone, aggressive behavior, or feather growth rates. These findings suggest that starlings may be a useful biomonitoring tool to detect Pb in the local environment, however, the age and spatial range of birds is a critical consideration in applying this tool. Further work is needed to understand the intricate relationship between heavy metals, behavior, morphological development, and physiology in free-living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ross
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna L Corimanya
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Rachel Kaplan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Denyelle A V Kilgour
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Courtney R Linkous
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Guindre-Parker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
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3
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Kucharska K, Binkowski ŁJ, Dudzik K, Barker J, Barton S, Rupérez D, Hahn A. Temporal and spatial trends in lead levels in the blood and down of Black Stork nestlings in central Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165758. [PMID: 37495121 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165758] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Young birds at an intensive growth stage are especially vulnerable to the deleterious effects of contaminants such as lead (Pb). This element negatively influences organs, development and even behavior, which can consequently lead to lower survival and reproductive success of the population. There was a suspicion that these mechanisms, along with other factors, retarded population growth of the Black Stork - still a heavily understudied species in respect to pollution, especially Pb. Therefore, we undertook a study concerning Pb concentrations in the down and blood of Black Stork nestlings from breeding grounds in central and southern Poland (Europe). To investigate the effects of Pb exposure on nestling condition, scale mass index and reduced glutathione levels were also studied, but results indicated that Pb did not influence either of these parameters. The highest blood Pb concentration reached 0.247 μg/g, while the highest down Pb concentrations was significantly higher reaching 4.95 μg/g. Concentrations in blood and down were not correlated with each other. Nest location and year of sampling were not influential for blood but were influential for down Pb concentrations. Relationships between Pb concentrations, habitat characteristics and proximity to emitters were not significant. Overall Pb concentrations in Black Stork nestlings were below the toxicity threshold and did not have negative effects on specimens studied. They were probably related to maternal exposure during migration, on stopover and breeding grounds as well as with food provided by parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Łukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Dudzik
- Eagle Conservation Committee, K. Jagiellończyka 45, 10-062 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - James Barker
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - Stephen Barton
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - David Rupérez
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - Andreas Hahn
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
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Hitt LG, Khalil S, Blanchette A, Finkelstein ME, Iverson ENK, McClelland SC, Durães Ribeiro R, Karubian J. Lead exposure is correlated with reduced nesting success of an urban songbird. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115711. [PMID: 36940819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure is a concern in urban ecosystems, with physiological and behavioral effects well documented in humans. Wildlife inhabiting urban ecosystems are also exposed to lead, yet little work has documented the sublethal effects of lead exposure in urban wildlife. We studied northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) in three neighborhoods of New Orleans, Louisiana, two with high soil lead and one with low soil lead, to better understand how lead exposure may influence mockingbirds' reproductive biology. We monitored nesting attempts, measured lead concentrations in blood and feathers of nestling mockingbirds, documented egg hatching and nesting success, and assessed rates of sexual promiscuity in relation to neighborhood soil lead levels. We found that nestling mockingbirds' blood and feather lead levels reflected the soil lead levels of their neighborhoods and nestling blood lead levels were similar to those of adult mockingbirds in the same neighborhoods. Nest success, as evaluated by daily nest survival rates, was higher in the lower lead neighborhood. Clutch sizes varied substantially across neighborhoods, but rates of unhatched eggs did not covary with neighborhood lead levels, suggesting that other drivers are influencing variation in clutch sizes and hatching success in urban habitats. At least one-third of nestling mockingbirds were sired by an extra-pair male, and there was no relationship between extra-pair paternity rates and neighborhood lead levels. This study provides insight on how lead contamination may influence reproduction in urban-dwelling wildlife and suggests that nestling birds could serve as useful bioindicators of lead levels in urban neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Hitt
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA; University of California, Davis, Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Sarah Khalil
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Annelise Blanchette
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Myra E Finkelstein
- University of California, Santa Cruz, Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Erik N K Iverson
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA; University of Texas at Austin, Department of Integrative Biology, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Renata Durães Ribeiro
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Tulane University, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Markowski M, Kaliński A, Wawrzyniak J, Glądalski M, Skwarska J, Bańbura J. Microsatellite Instability Assay as a Potential Approach to Evaluate Genotoxicity: Lead Exposure in a Nestling Passerine Bird at the Stage of Intensive Erythropoiesis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081325. [PMID: 37106888 PMCID: PMC10135023 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081325] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many avian studies have investigated the toxic effects of lead on important biochemical and physiological processes, organ and system function, and behavior, studies evaluating the specific genotoxic effects of exposure to lead are scarce. Nowadays, rapid technological advances can provide new molecular techniques in this regard. In this study, as a novel approach in bird studies, we used a panel of ten microsatellite loci to investigate the microsatellite instability (MSI) in response to experimental lead intoxication in a common hole-nesting species, the great tit Parus major. For this purpose, an experiment based on an intentional single supplementation of a lead (II) acetate trihydrate compound was conducted, with the use of two different doses, applied to randomly chosen great tit nestlings from randomly selected broods, being at the stage of intensive erythropoiesis. Although this preliminary study did not find any MSI in the seven microsatellite markers retained for the final comparison, it contributes to the examination of this molecular technique in field conditions as being potentially applicable in ecotoxicological bird studies. We believe that certain issues should be considered in finding an explanation for our result. First, the single doses of lead used in this study may have been too weak to induce genetic instability. Second, the panel of microsatellite markers studied may have been unsusceptible to lead genotoxicity in general. Third, the relatively short time interval (5 days) between the experimental procedure (lead exposure) and the sampling of post-exposure material (blood) for genetic analyses could have limited the effect of lead genotoxicity. Further analyzes are needed to verify these findings and to evaluate the scope of application of the MSI analysis in wild bird population studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Markowski
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Adam Kaliński
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jarosław Wawrzyniak
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Glądalski
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Skwarska
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Bańbura
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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6
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White JH, Heppner JJ, Ouyang JQ. Increased lead and glucocorticoid concentrations reduce reproductive success in house sparrows along an urban gradient. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2688. [PMID: 35754197 PMCID: PMC9722646 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is increasing at a rapid pace globally. Understanding the links among environmental characteristics, phenotypes, and fitness enables researchers to predict the impact of changing landscapes on individuals and populations. Although avian reproductive output is typically lower in urban compared with natural areas, the underlying reasons for this discrepancy may lie at the intersection of abiotic and biotic environmental and individual differences. Recent advances in urban ecology highlight the effect of heavy metal contamination on stress physiology. As high levels of glucocorticoid hormones decrease parental investment, these hormones might be the link to decreased reproductive success in areas of high environmental pollution. In this study, we aimed to identify which abiotic stressors are linked to avian reproductive output in urban areas and whether this link is mediated by individual hormone levels. We used fine-scaled estimates (2 m2 spatial resolution) of nighttime light, noise, and urban density to assess their impacts on the physiological condition of adult house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We measured circulating levels of lead and glucocorticoid concentrations in 40 breeding pairs of free-living house sparrows and related these physiological traits to reproductive success. Using structural equation modeling, we found that increased urban density levels linked directly to increased plasma corticosterone and lead concentrations that subsequently led to decreased fledgling mass. Sparrows with increased lead concentrations in plasma also had higher corticosterone levels. Although urban areas may be attractive due to decreased natural predators and available nesting sites, they may act as ecological traps that increase physiological damage and decrease fitness. To illustrate, avian development is strongly explained by parental corticosterone levels, which vary significantly in response to urban density and lead pollution. With fine-scale ecological mapping for a species with small home ranges, we demonstrated the presence and impacts of urban stressors in a small city with high human densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin H White
- Department of Economics and Geosciences, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
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7
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Sriram A, Roe W, Gartrell B. Blood lead concentration in an urban parrot: Nestling Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) demonstrate evidence of exposure to lead via eggs and parental feeding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157357. [PMID: 35843315 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157357] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a persistent, highly toxic heavy metal known to affect physiological function and survival in birds. Nestlings are particularly at risk as exposure during critical stages of development can result in life-long deficits. Urban environments are increasingly associated with high levels of contamination and lead exposure at the urban-wildlife interface can have significant population health effects on wildlife. Wellington has an established population of Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) and provides the ideal opportunity to study the risks of lead exposure in an urban context. We sampled 139 nestlings over two breeding seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) and examined concentrations of lead in blood samples. Nestlings were subjected to a clinical and neurological examination. Lead concentrations of egg shells were measured to evaluate maternal transfer of lead to nestlings. Overall, 36.7 % of nestlings showed evidence of lead exposure based on blood lead concentrations, ranging from <3.3μg/dL to 42.9μg/dL, with no detectable clinical signs of toxicity. The pattern of exposure in the majority of nestlings is indicative of exposure from hatch via eggshells and also direct parental feeding of lead following hatch. Lead concentrations in this cohort of Kaka have the potential to contribute to morbidity and mortality in this species. The lack of measurable neurological or physiological deficits associated with lead exposure is suggestive of an innate tolerance to these concentrations of lead in this population. However, the well-described subclinical and persistent effects of lead suggests a need for continued monitoring of this toxicant and its effects on Kaka behaviour and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sriram
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Wendi Roe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Brett Gartrell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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8
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HEALTH STATUS INCLUDING LEAD LEVELS OF NESTLING BALD EAGLES (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA IN 2012 AND 2013. J Zoo Wildl Med 2022; 53:204-208. [DOI: 10.1638/2021-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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9
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Mäkinen H, van Oers K, Eeva T, Ruuskanen S. The effect of experimental lead pollution on DNA methylation in a wild bird population. Epigenetics 2021; 17:625-641. [PMID: 34369261 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1943863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution is known to negatively influence an organism's physiology, behaviour, and fitness. Epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, has been hypothesized as a potential mechanism to mediate such effects, yet studies in wild species are lacking. We first investigated the effects of early-life exposure to the heavy metal lead (Pb) on DNA methylation levels in a wild population of great tits (Parus major), by experimentally exposing nestlings to Pb at environmentally relevant levels. Secondly, we compared nestling DNA methylation from a population exposed to long-term heavy metal pollution (close to a copper smelter), where birds suffer from pollution-related decrease in food quality, and a control population. For both comparisons, the analysis of about one million CpGs covering most of the annotated genes revealed that pollution-related changes in DNA methylation were not genome wide, but enriched for genes underlying developmental processes. However, the results were not consistent when using binomial or beta binomial regression highlighting the difficulty of modelling variance in CpGs. Our study indicates that post-natal anthropogenic heavy metal exposure can affect methylation levels of development related genes in a wild bird population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Mäkinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Turku, Finland
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Turku, Finland
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Goodchild CG, Beck ML, VanDiest I, Czesak FN, Lane SJ, Sewall KB. Male zebra finches exposed to lead (Pb) during development have reduced volume of song nuclei, altered sexual traits, and received less attention from females as adults. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 210:111850. [PMID: 33421715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111850] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a pervasive global contaminant that interferes with sensitive windows for neurological development and causes oxidative damage to tissues. The effects of moderate and high exposure to Pb have been well-studied in birds, but whether low-level early-life exposure to Pb influences adult phenotype remains unclear. Female songbirds use a male's song and coloration to discriminate between high- and low-quality males. Therefore, if early-life exposure to Pb disrupts song learning ability or shifts the allocation of antioxidant pigments away from colorful secondary sexual traits, male birds exposed to Pb may be less attractive to females. We exposed developing zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to Pb-contaminated drinking water (100 or 1000 parts per billion [ppb]) after hatching (days 0-100). Once male finches reached adulthood (120-150 days post hatch), we measured song learning ability, coloration of bill and cheek patches, and volume of song nuclei in the brain. We also measured female preference for Pb-exposed males relative to control males. Finally, we measured motoric and spatial cognitive performance in male and female finches to assess whether cognitive traits differed in their sensitivity to Pb exposure. Male zebra finches exposed to 1000 ppb Pb had impaired song learning ability, reduced volume of song nuclei, bills with less redness and received less attention from females. Additionally, Pb exposure impaired motoric performance in both male and female finches but did not affect performance in a spatial cognitive task. Adult finches exposed to Pb-contaminated water had higher blood-Pb levels, though in all cases blood-Pb levels were below 7.0 µg dL-1. This study suggests that low-level exposure to Pb contributes to cognitive deficits that persist into adulthood and may indirectly influence fitness by altering secondary sexual traits and reducing male attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Goodchild
- Virgina Tech, Dept. of Biology, Blacksburg, VA, USA; University of Central Oklahoma, Dept. of Biology, Edmond, OK, USA.
| | - Michelle L Beck
- Virgina Tech, Dept. of Biology, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Rivier University, Dept. of Biology, Nashua, NH, USA
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11
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Powolny T, Bassin N, Crini N, Fourel I, Morin C, Pottinger TG, Massemin S, Zahn S, Coeurdassier M. Corticosterone mediates telomere length in raptor chicks exposed to chemical mixture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 706:135083. [PMID: 31841853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Stressors experience early in life by animals may have carry over impacts on life-traits over the life cycle. Accelerated telomere attrition induced by stress during development and growth could play a role in such delayed effects. Among stressors, exposure to chemicals may modify telomere dynamic but, to date, the trends evidenced between exposure and telomere shortening remains inconsistent. Moreover, the role of corticosterone as a possible mediator of chemical impact on telomere is not yet clearly established. Here, we investigated in wild populations of Red kite whether nestling exposure to metals and pesticides was related to corticosterone concentrations in feathers and telomere length measured in 47 individuals. Lead and mercury concentrations in blood ranged from 2.3 to 59.0 µg L-1 and to 1.4 to 115.7 µg L-1, respectively, and were below the toxicity thresholds proposed for wildlife. Rodenticides were detected in 30% of the chicks. Corticosterone increased with mercury and lead in interaction, showing a synergistic effect of these 2 non-essential metals on this stress hormone. Telomere length was not linked to metals and/or rodenticide exposure while it was related negatively to corticosterone. The relationship between telomere and corticosterone was modulated by nestling's age, which suggests that the rate of telomere shortening is higher when corticosterone increases. Our findings propose an effect of low exposure of Red Kite nestlings to mercury and lead mixture to raise baseline corticosterone in feathers. The relationships established suggest the hypothesis that telomere attrition could be an indirect consequence of metal exposure mediated by corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Powolny
- Laboratoire Chrono-environment - University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR/CNRS 6249, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France.
| | - N Bassin
- Laboratoire Chrono-environment - University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR/CNRS 6249, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - N Crini
- Laboratoire Chrono-environment - University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR/CNRS 6249, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - I Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - C Morin
- LPO Franche-Comté, 7 rue Voirin, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - T G Pottinger
- CEH, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4AP, Lancaster, UK
| | - S Massemin
- IPHC - University of Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67038 Strasbourg, France
| | - S Zahn
- IPHC - University of Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67038 Strasbourg, France
| | - M Coeurdassier
- Laboratoire Chrono-environment - University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR/CNRS 6249, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
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12
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Ai S, Yang Y, Ding J, Yang W, Bai X, Bao X, Ji W, Zhang Y. Metal Exposure Risk Assessment for Tree Sparrows at Different Life Stages via Diet from a Polluted Area in Northwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:2785-2796. [PMID: 31433519 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the risk of metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) exposure of tree sparrows through food at different life stages (including nestling, juvenile, adult in summer, and adult in winter), metal daily intake (MDI), metal daily intake per unit of body weight (MDIBW ), and exposure risks (hazard quotient and hazard index) of tree sparrows at different life stages from a polluted area, Baiyin, and a control area, Liujiaxia, were assessed. Metal daily intakes and MDIBW s of tree sparrows from Baiyin were higher than those from Liujiaxia, which can be attributed to higher metal concentrations of food sources in Baiyin than those in Liujiaxia. Metal daily intakes and MDIBW s of nestlings were higher than those of adults and juveniles. This difference is observed probably because nonphytophagous invertebrates, the predominant food fed to nestlings, possessed the highest metal concentrations. In addition, adults in summer had higher MDIs and MDIBW s than juveniles and adults in winter. This finding is probably observed because juveniles and adults in winter consumed a higher proportion of maize, which had the lowest metal concentrations. In addition, the biomagnification of 4 metals through the food chain increased the health risks of tree sparrows. Exposure risks of tree sparrows to metals were comparable to those of waterfowl and raptors, even when soil metals were below threshold. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2785-2796. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Ai
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bai
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinkang Bao
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weihong Ji
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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13
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Markowski M, Kaliński A, Bańbura M, Glądalski M, Wawrzyniak J, Skwarska J, Bańbura J. Effects of experimental lead exposure on physiological indices of nestling great tits Parus major: haematocrit and heterophile-to-lymphocyte ratio. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz067. [PMID: 31687145 PMCID: PMC6821246 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most toxic trace elements that can induce a wide range of negative health effects in wildlife. Because the investigation of basic environment-sensitive physiological indicators is easy to perform in wild birds, they have been considered as valuable bioindicators of lead contamination. The harmfulness of lead poisoning can depend on the type of exposure, and in most studies of birds, an effect of chronic lead exposition has been considered. In this study, we investigated whether a single exposure to specific doses of lead affected such physiological indices as haematocrit and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio). For this purpose, we conducted an experiment based on intentional lead supplementation, with the use of two different doses, applied to randomly chosen great tit (Parus major) nestlings from randomly selected broods. A few days after the exposure (when the nestlings were 15 days old), we determined haematocrit and the H/L ratio as potentially sensitive physiological indicators of lead intoxication. We found that the treatment with lead resulted in a significant decline in haematocrit level. In addition, we found that the age when lead exposure occurred can be considered as an important factor influencing haematocrit variation. A decrease in haematocrit was observed on consecutive days of nestling life. In contrast, the H/L ratio did not show any significant response to lead exposure. These results clearly show that the assessment of haematocrit level for nestling great tits can provide a simple and rapid method of indirect evaluation of physiological effects of lead intoxication caused by a single exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Markowski
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
| | - Adam Kaliński
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
| | - Mirosława Bańbura
- Museum of Natural History, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Kilińskiego 101, 90-011 Łódź, Poland
| | - Michał Glądalski
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jarosław Wawrzyniak
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Skwarska
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jerzy Bańbura
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
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14
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Ruuskanen S, Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Sarraude T, Hsu BY, Pajunen P, Costa RA, Eens M, Hargitai R, Török J, Eeva T. Transgenerational endocrine disruption: Does elemental pollution affect egg or nestling thyroid hormone levels in a wild songbird? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:725-735. [PMID: 30721863 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) include a wide array of pollutants, such as some metals and other toxic elements, which may cause changes in hormonal homeostasis. In addition to affecting physiology of individuals directly, EDCs may alter the transfer of maternal hormones to offspring, i.e. causing transgenerational endocrine disruption. However, such effects have been rarely studied, especially in wild populations. We studied the associations between environmental elemental pollution (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb) and maternally-derived egg thyroid hormones (THs) as well as nestling THs in great tits (Parus major) using extensive sampling of four pairs of polluted and reference populations across Europe (Finland, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal). Previous studies in these populations showed that breeding success, nestling growth and adult and nestling physiology were altered in polluted zones compared to reference zones. We sampled non-incubated eggs to measure maternally-derived egg THs, measured nestling plasma THs and used nestling faeces for assessing local elemental exposure. We also studied whether the effect of elemental pollution on endocrine traits is dependent on calcium (Ca) availability (faecal Ca as a proxy) as low Ca increases toxicity of some elements. Birds in the polluted zones were exposed to markedly higher levels of toxic elements than in reference zones at the populations in Finland, Belgium and Hungary. In contrast to our predictions, we did not find any associations between overall elemental pollution, or individual element concentrations and egg TH and nestling plasma TH levels. However, we found some indication that the effect of metals (Cd and Cu) on egg THs is dependent on Ca availability. In summary, our results suggest that elemental pollution at the studied populations is unlikely to cause overall TH disruption and affect breeding via altered egg or nestling TH levels with the current elemental pollution loads. Associations with Ca availability should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Silvia Espín
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland; Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espínardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland; Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espínardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tom Sarraude
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland; GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bin-Yan Hsu
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Piia Pajunen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Rute A Costa
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rita Hargitai
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Török
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
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15
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Exposure to Pb impairs breeding success and is associated with longer lifespan in urban European blackbirds. Sci Rep 2019; 9:486. [PMID: 30679484 PMCID: PMC6345771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several factors have been highlighted to explain the influence of urbanization on bird fitness and survival, the role of persistent toxicants such as lead (Pb), which is typically present in urban areas worldwide, has seldom been studied despite the ecological importance of such a widespread stressor. Studying free-living European blackbirds (Turdus merula) in city parks, we tested the hypothesis that low-dose chronic exposure to Pb could shape the life-history traits of urban birds. The feather concentrations of Pb and cadmium were typical of urban areas and low-to-moderate contamination of sites. Although the lifetime breeding success of females decreased with increasing exposure to Pb, the lifespan and survival probabilities of blackbirds increased with Pb contamination regardless of gender. Breeding effort-dependent patterns in the relationship between lifespan and Pb levels were highlighted. No significant relationships were detected between cadmium and life-history traits. The results suggest a possible trade-off between self-maintenance and reproduction, with the most affected birds redirecting allocations towards their own survival, which is consistent with the “stress hormone hypothesis”. These findings suggest that Pb pollution in urban environments may shape avian ecological features and be one of the drivers of wildlife responses to urbanization and that some urban areas may function as ecological traps driven by pollutants.
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16
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Hernout BV, Gibson LJ, Walmsley AJ, Arnold KE. Interspecific variation in the spatially-explicit risks of trace metals to songbirds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 642:679-689. [PMID: 29909336 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many wild animals can be adversely affected by trace metals around point sources but little is known about the risks to birds across their ranges. Trace metals in the soil are ubiquitously, if heterogeneously distributed, across the world due to natural and anthropogenic sources. Here, we built, parameterized and applied a spatially explicit modelling framework to determine the risks of soil-associated metals to 30 invertebrate-consuming passerine species across their spatial distribution in England and Wales. The model uses a risk characterization approach to assess the risks of soil-associated metals. Various monitoring datasets were used as input parameters: soil metal concentrations in England and Wales, bird spatial distribution; bird diet, bioaccumulation and toxicity data were extracted from the literature. Our model highlights significant differences in toxicity risks from Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn across the UK distributions of different species; Pb and Zn posed risks to all species across most of species' distributions, with more localised risks to some species of conservation concern from Cd and Cu. No single taxa of invertebrate prey drove avian exposure to metal toxicity. Adults were found to be at higher risk from Pb and Zn toxicity across their distributions than nestlings. This risk was partially driven by diet, with age differences in diets identified. Our spatially explicit model allowed us to identify areas of each species' national distribution in which the population was at risk. Overall, we determined that for all species studied an average of 32.7 ± 0.2%, 8.0 ± 0.1%, 86.1 ± 0.1% and 93.2 ± 0.1% of the songbird spatial distributions in the UK were characterized at risk of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. Despite some limitations, our spatially explicit model helps in understanding the risks of metals to wildlife and provides an efficient method of prioritising areas, contaminants and species for environmental risk assessments. The model could be further evaluated using a targeted monitoring dataset of metal concentration in bird tissues. Our model can assess and communicate to stakeholders the potential risks of environmental contaminants to wildlife species at a national and potentially international scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise J Gibson
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Adam J Walmsley
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Kathryn E Arnold
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, UK.
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17
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Eeva T, Holmström H, Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Klemola T. Leaves, berries and herbivorous larvae of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus as sources of metals in food chains at a Cu-Ni smelter site. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 210:859-866. [PMID: 30048938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ericaceous dwarf shrubs, such as bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, have an important role in nutrient cycling of boreal forests, but in metal polluted environments they also form a link between heavy metal pool of the soil, primary consumers and upper trophic levels. From the viewpoint of metal transfer in a food chain, we document metallic element (As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) concentrations in leaves, berries and herbivorous larvae of V. myrtillus around a Finnish copper-nickel smelter and compare those with levels in relatively unpolluted reference sites, and with levels documented in soil and feces (a proxy of dietary levels) of an insectivorous bird, the pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca. Herbivorous larvae of the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), grown experimentally on V. myrtillus, showed slower growth rate but not higher mortality in the polluted area. In general, metal levels in leaves, berries and larvae were higher in the polluted area and comparable to those reported at other smelter sites in Europe. The levels of the main toxic metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb) followed the general pattern: soil > bird feces > leaves > larvae = berries, and levels in V. myrtillus, E. autumnata and F. hypoleuca reflected soil metal levels. The lowest levels were found in those matrices that are most important sources of food for birds and humans, i.e. leaf-eating larvae and berries, reducing a risk of toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland.
| | - Hanna Holmström
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Tero Klemola
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
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18
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Chatelain M, Gasparini J, Frantz A, Angelier F. Reproduction impairments in metal-polluted environments and parental hormones: No evidence for a causal association in an experimental study in breeding feral pigeons exposed to lead and zinc. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 161:746-754. [PMID: 29957582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Humans are responsible for land-cover changes resulting in the emission of hazardous chemical elements including metallic trace elements i.e. MTEs. As a consequence, urban wildlife is exposed to high concentrations of MTEs, which exposure is linked to reproductive impairments. MTE effects on reproduction outputs might result from MTE exposure disrupting the endocrine pathways involved in reproductive behaviours. In birds, there is strong evidence that prolactin, corticosterone and testosterone are all involved in the regulation of parental effort during incubation and chick rearing. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals might stimulate or inhibit the production of those hormones and consequently alter parental investment and reproductive success outcomes. We measured baseline corticosterone, prolactin and testosterone plasma levels, and the corticosterone stress response of breeding feral pigeons (Columba livia) experimentally exposed to ecologically relevant lead and/or zinc concentrations. Independently of lead and/or zinc exposure, male and female plasma levels of corticosterone and prolactin (but not testosterone) showed temporal variations along the reproduction stages (i.e. incubation, early rearing and late rearing). In addition, both hatching and fledging success were slightly correlated with corticosterone, prolactin and testosterone levels. However, our study did not find any influence of lead or zinc exposure on hormone levels, suggesting that MTE effects on reproductive outputs might not be explained by MTE-induced modifications of corticosterone, prolactin and testosterone-linked behaviours during incubation and rearing. Alternatively, MTE-induced reproductive impairments might result from MTE exposure having direct effects on offspring phenotypes or prenatal indirect effects on the embryo (e.g. maternal transfer of MTEs, hormones or immune compounds).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chatelain
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, Paris, F-75005, France.
| | - J Gasparini
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - A Frantz
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - F Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS-ULR, UMR 7372, F-79360 Villiers en Bois, France
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19
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de Jong ME, Scheiber IBR, van den Brink NW, Braun A, Matson KD, Komdeur J, Loonen MJJE. Indices of stress and immune function in Arctic barnacle goslings (Branta leucopsis) were impacted by social isolation but not a contaminated grazing environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:132-141. [PMID: 28550726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.183] [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: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In many areas around the Arctic remains and spoil heaps of old mines can be found, which have been abandoned after their heydays. Runoff from tailings of these abandoned mines can directly contaminate the local environment with elevated concentrations of trace metals. Few studies have investigated the possible negative effects of contaminants on Arctic terrestrial animals that use these areas. Trace metals can accumulate in animals and this accumulation has been linked to negative effects on fitness. Both, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and/or the immune system have been named as possible underlying causes for these observations. Free-living animals are often exposed to multiple stressors simultaneously, however, and this is often not considered in studies on the effects of contaminants on animal physiology. Here, we performed a study on Spitsbergen (Svalbard) taking both potential effects of trace metal contamination and social stress into account. We investigated experimentally effects of exposure to contaminants from a historic coal mine area on plasma corticosterone levels and on four innate immune parameters (haemolysis, haemagglutination, haptoglobin-like activity and nitric oxide) before and after social isolation in human-raised barnacle goslings (Branta leucopsis). Baseline corticosterone and immune parameters were not affected by mine-exposure. After social isolation, mine goslings tended to show decreased haemagglutination in comparison with control goslings, but we detected no difference in the other measures. Social isolation increased corticosterone and decreased haptoglobin-like activity in all goslings. Immunology and corticosterone levels of barnacle goslings thus seem unaffected, at least on the short term, by Arctic coal mining contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margje E de Jong
- Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718 CW Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Isabella B R Scheiber
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nico W van den Brink
- Department of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna Braun
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Matson
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten J J E Loonen
- Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718 CW Groningen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Rainio MJ, Ruuskanen S, Eeva T. Spatio-temporal variation in the body condition of female pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) in a polluted environment. Urban Ecosyst 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Provencher JF, Forbes MR, Hennin HL, Love OP, Braune BM, Mallory ML, Gilchrist HG. Implications of mercury and lead concentrations on breeding physiology and phenology in an Arctic bird. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:1014-1022. [PMID: 27567168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Although physiological traits and phenology are thought to be evolved traits, they often show marked variation within populations, which may be related to extrinsic factors. For example, trace elements such as mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) alter biochemical processes within wildlife that may affect migration and breeding. While there is a growing understanding of how contaminants may influence wildlife physiology, studies addressing these interactions in free-living species are still limited. We examined how four non-essential trace elements (cadmium, Hg, Pb and selenium) interacted with physiological and breeding measures known to influence breeding in a free-living population of common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima). We collected blood from female eiders as they arrived at a breeding colony in northern Canada. Blood was subsequently assessed for baseline corticosterone (CORT), immunoglobulin Y (IgY), and the four trace elements. We used model selection to identify which elements varied most with CORT, IgY, arrival condition, and arrival timing. We then used path analysis to assess how the top two elements from the model selection process (Hg and Pb) varied with metrics known to influence reproduction. We found that arrival date, blood Hg, CORT, and IgY showed significant inter-annual variation. While blood Pb concentrations were low, blood Pb levels significantly increased with later arrival date of the birds, and varied negatively with eider body condition, suggesting that even at low blood concentrations, Pb may be related to lower investment in reproduction in eiders. In contrast, blood Hg concentrations were positively correlated with eider body condition, indicating that fatter birds also had higher Hg burdens. Overall, our results suggest that although blood Hg and Pb concentrations were below no-effect levels, these low level concentrations of known toxic metals show significant relationships with breeding onset and condition in female eider ducks, factors that could influence reproductive success in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Provencher
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - M R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - H L Hennin
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - O P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - B M Braune
- WLSD, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - M L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - H G Gilchrist
- WLSD, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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22
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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: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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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23
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Ruiz S, Espín S, Rainio M, Ruuskanen S, Salminen JP, Lilley TM, Eeva T. Effects of dietary lead exposure on vitamin levels in great tit nestlings - An experimental manipulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 213:688-697. [PMID: 27023278 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to metal pollution negatively affects animal physiology, including nutrient metabolism, but in the wild an effect can seldom be attributed to a single metal. Moreover, little is known about how the metabolism of vitamins, essential micronutrients for developing juveniles, is affected by toxic metals. Therefore we experimentally investigated the effects of lead (Pb), a widespread toxic metal, on four fat-soluble vitamins A (total and retinol), D3, E (total and α-tocopherol) and K and carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and unidentified) in great tit (Parus major) nestlings. In addition to a control group where no Pb was provided, two Pb-dosed groups were compared to a metal exposed group in the vicinity of a Ni-Cu smelter. We examined whether Pb treatment affects vitamin homeostasis and how the response of Pb-treated birds relates to that of a population under industrial exposure of Pb and other metals. For this purpose, vitamin and carotenoid levels were quantified with UPLC-MS from plasma of 7 days-old nestlings. All metal exposed groups showed increased vitamin A and retinol levels. However, vitamin levels were not directly associated with fecal Pb levels, with the exception of retinol, which was positively correlated with fecal Pb. Alpha-tocopherol, lutein and zeaxanthin levels were positively associated with body mass and wing growth rate. To conclude, Pb exposure increased plasma vitamin A and retinol levels while the levels of other vitamins and carotenoids rather reflected secondary pollution effects via differences in habitat and diet quality at the smelter site. Our findings suggest Pb exposed nestlings may allocate the vitamins needed for growth and development to fight the physiological stress thus compromising their fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ruiz
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Silvia Espín
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Miia Rainio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Thomas M Lilley
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania, PA 17837, USA
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Espín S, Ruiz S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Eeva T. Effects of calcium supplementation on growth and biochemistry in two passerine species breeding in a Ca-poor and metal-polluted area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:9809-9821. [PMID: 26856860 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Several studies provide evidence of calcium (Ca)-limited reproduction in birds. A Ca-supplementation experiment was carried out in 2014 in a Ca-poor area associated with metal pollution in SW Finland. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between Ca availability and heavy metal exposure in free-living passerines, and to compare Ca levels in plasma and feces and the effects of Ca supplementation and metals on breeding, nestling growth, and plasma biochemistry in great tits and pied flycatchers. Although the Ca supplement was used by parents, in general the treatment had limited effects on growth and biochemistry, suggesting that parents are capable of finding sufficient Ca-rich foods to allow nestlings to grow properly. Snail shells were an abundant Ca source in the moderately polluted zone for pied flycatcher, and great tits likely combines the intake of snail shells and other anthropogenic Ca-rich items. Great tits had higher Ca concentrations in feces and plasma than pied flycatcher nestlings, suggesting that they need and sustain higher Ca levels and seem to be more opportunistic in search for Ca than pied flycatcher, since they consumed more of the supplemented Ca. Negative effects of pollution in nestling size and fledgling number were found in great tit. This species may suffer especially from the lower food quality and quantity in the polluted area. The pied flycatcher seems to be adapted to low Ca availability and they can successfully breed when metal concentrations are not too high. Our results show that great tits and pied flycatchers may employ different strategies in response to low Ca availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espín
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Sandra Ruiz
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
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Vallverdú-Coll N, López-Antia A, Martinez-Haro M, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Mateo R. Altered immune response in mallard ducklings exposed to lead through maternal transfer in the wild. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 205:350-6. [PMID: 26123724 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) poisoning has caused significant mortality in waterfowl populations worldwide. In spite of having been banned since 2003, prevalence of Pb shot ingestion in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from the Ebro delta was still 15.5% in 2011-12. We collected mallard eggs from this area to study the effects of maternally transferred Pb on eggshell properties and on immune response and oxidative balance of ducklings. Eggshell Pb levels were positively correlated with Pb levels in the blood of ducklings. Ducklings with blood Pb levels above 180 ng mL(-1) showed reduced body mass and died during the first week post hatching. Blood Pb levels positively correlated with humoral immune response, endogenous antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers, and negatively correlated with cellular immune response. Pb shot ingestion in birds can result in maternal transfer to the offspring that can affect their developing immune system and reduce their survival in early life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Vallverdú-Coll
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Ana López-Antia
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Monica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Ruuskanen S, Eeva T, Kotitalo P, Stauffer J, Rainio M. No delayed behavioral and phenotypic responses to experimental early-life lead exposure in great tits (Parus major). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:2610-2621. [PMID: 25194842 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to pollutants, such as lead, may have long-lasting consequences on health, behavior, and cognition. However, experiments on delayed effects of specific pollutants are very rare in wild animals. We experimentally exposed wild nestling great tits (Parus major) to dietary lead (high, low, or control group) in levels relevant to exposure levels of wild populations in Europe and studied delayed effects on phenotypic and behavioral traits in captivity. We also included a group of birds from a vicinity of a copper smelter, exposed to a mixture of toxic metals and altered food supply during development. This experimental setup allowed us to compare the strength of direct (exposure to lead per se) and indirect (pollution-related changes in diet) effects of pollutants. Our experimental lead treatment significantly increased lead levels in bone and feces compared with controls. However, we found no carry-over effect of early-life dietary lead on morphology, plumage coloration, or heat shock proteins. Treatment did not affect activity, exploration, neophobia, or success in learning and spatial memory task. We conclude that with the exposure levels and relatively short exposure period used, delayed effects on the measured traits were not found. However, it is important to further study other types of behavioral traits and ultimately fitness effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ruuskanen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,
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Rainio MJ, Eeva T, Lilley T, Stauffer J, Ruuskanen S. Effects of early-life lead exposure on oxidative status and phagocytosis activity in great tits (Parus major). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 167:24-34. [PMID: 25182672 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a highly poisonous metal with a very long half-life, distributing throughout the body in blood and accumulating primarily in bones and kidney. We studied the short and long-term effects of early-life lead exposure on antioxidant defense and phagocytosis activity in a small passerine bird, the great tit (Parus major) by manipulating dietary lead levels of the nestlings. We had three experimental groups, exposed to environmentally relevant lead concentrations; high (4 μg/g body mass), low (1 μg/g body mass) and control (0 μg/g body mass) group. As a comparison, a great tit population breeding in the vicinity of a metal smelter was included to the experimental set-up. We measured glutathione, the ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione, and the antioxidant enzymes: glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase together with protein carbonylation and phagocytosis activity to study the effects of lead on the oxidative status and immune function of birds. We found differences in enzyme activities between the study groups, but in most cases the smelter group differed from the other groups. Despite the differences observed in antioxidant enzymes, our results indicate only minor short-term effects of lead exposure on oxidative status, since either glutathione ratio or protein carbonylation were not affected by lead. Phagocytosis activity was not linked to higher lead concentrations either. Interestingly, protein carbonylation was positively associated with enzyme activities and glutathione level. Our results did not show major long-term effects of lead on the oxidative status of great tits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miia J Rainio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Thomas Lilley
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Janina Stauffer
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands.
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