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Sánchez-Fortún M, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Mercury stable isotopes in seabirds in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula): Inter-specific and temporal differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123739. [PMID: 38458513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which particularly affects aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. Top-predators depending on these environments, such as seabirds, are regarded as suitable bioindicators of Hg pollution. In the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula), legacy Hg pollution from a chlor-alkali industry operating in Flix and located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro River mouth has been impacting the delta environment and the neighboring coastal area. Furthermore, levels of Hg in the biota of the Mediterranean Sea are known to be high compared to other marine areas. In this work we used a Hg stable isotopes approach in feathers to understand the processes leading to different Hg concentrations in three Laridae species breeding in sympatry in the area (Audouin's gull Ichthyaetus audouinii, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, common tern Sterna hirundo). These species have distinct trophic ecologies, exhibiting a differential use of marine resources and freshwater resources (i.e., rice paddies prey). Moreover, for Audouin's gull, in which in the Ebro Delta colony temporal differences in Hg levels were documented previously, we used Hg stable isotopes to understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on Hg levels in the colony over time. Hg stable isotopes differentiated the three Laridae species according to their trophic ecologies. Furthermore, for Audouin's gull we observed temporal variations in Hg isotopic signatures possibly owing to anthropogenic-derived pollution in the Ebro Delta. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time Hg stable isotopes have been reported in seabirds from the NW Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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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: 1.5] [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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Smart WA, Collier N, Rolland V. Non-native rats detected on uninhabited southern Grenadine islands with seabird colonies. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4172-4181. [PMID: 33976801 PMCID: PMC8093698 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Seabirds are among the most endangered avian groups, with populations declining worldwide because of various threats, including invasive nest predators. Similar decreasing trends are occurring in the Southern Grenadines; however, the causes of decline remain uncertain, although non-native rats have been suspected. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether non-native rats are present on five Southern Grenadine islands that harbor seabird colonies, during May-July 2014-2017, using four methods (chew cards, tunnels, cameras, and questionnaires). Les Tantes East and Lee Rocks were the only two islands where cameras detected black rats (Rattus rattus). Although rat occupancy was low (0.125 ± 0.061) and the number of individuals and nesting attempts increased (except in 2017) for most species, the low detection probability and small number of nests prevented any inference about rat impact on seabirds. Rats might have affected seabird colonies, but other factors, such as seabird harvest, prey availability, or climatic fluctuations, could have also driven previous seabird population declines in the Southern Grenadines. However, non-native rats are present and future research should focus on estimating their density and distribution on these and other islands of the region before an appropriate rat eradication program can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne A. Smart
- Department of Biological SciencesArkansas State UniversityState UniversityJonesboroARUSA
| | - Natalia Collier
- Environmental Protection in the CaribbeanGreen Cove SpringsFLUSA
| | - Virginie Rolland
- Department of Biological SciencesArkansas State UniversityState UniversityJonesboroARUSA
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de Medeiros Costa G, Lázaro WL, Sanpera C, Sánchez-Fortún M, Dos Santos Filho M, Díez S. Rhamphotheca as a useful indicator of mercury in seabirds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:141730. [PMID: 32920380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of mercury (Hg) toxicity in wildlife species has prompted a search for sensitive indicators to accurately measure the body burden of Hg. Despite the extensive use of feathers as an indicator of Hg in birds, they do not appear to be an entirely suitable indicator of the extent of contamination in certain conditions and bird species since Hg levels are influenced by the growth period, timing of the last moult and migration. This research aimed to evaluate rhamphotheca as a potential indicator of environmental Hg concentrations in seabirds. We used culled yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) (n = 20) and determined THg in rhamphotheca and feathers. We distinguished between upper and lower rhamphotheca, and divided each one into 16 equal portions along the culmen to analyse their THg content spatially. In each bird, THg was also determined in primary (P1) and secondary (S8) feathers and compared with rhamphotheca. The median (25th, 75th percentile) rhamphotheca Hg concentration was 13.44 (9.63, 17.46) μg/g, which was twofold higher than in the feathers 7.56 (4.88, 12.89) μg/g. Median THg in rhamphotheca was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females 15.05 (10.35, 23.04) μg/g than in males 12.34 (8.57, 15.19) μg/g, whereas no differences (p > 0.05) were found in the feathers. No significant differences in Hg levels were found between upper and lower beak mandibles or along either. In contrast, significant differences in Hg concentrations were found between the P1 and S8 feathers (mean, 12.04 vs. 6.04 μg/g). No correlation was found between Hg content in rhamphotheca and feathers. Mercury levels in rhamphotheca exhibited stronger significant relationships with weight (R2 = 0.568), length (R2 = 0.524) and culmen (R2 = 0.347) than the levels in the feathers, which showed no correlation. Overall, our results suggest that rhamphotheca is a suitable tissue indicator for Hg monitoring in gulls; however, further studies are needed to extend our research to other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlane de Medeiros Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Wilkinson L Lázaro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manoel Dos Santos Filho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Pedrobom JH, Menegário AA, Gemeiner H, Sulato ET, Elias LP, Serafini PP, Rodrigues CJ, Barreto AS, de Araújo Júnior MAG. Intraspecific variation of trace elements in the kelp gull ( Larus dominicanus): influence of age, sex and location. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05994. [PMID: 33521359 PMCID: PMC7820554 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic tissue of Larus dominicanus sampled on the coastline of the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil between October 2016 and May 2018 was used to evaluate intraspecific trends and spatial distribution of essential trace elements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo and Cr) and non-essential trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ba and V). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated differences in the bioaccumulation of trace elements between female adults and male adults, differences to sex and age were indicated by Kruskal-Wallis test. Heat maps suggest hot spots in locals with high concentration of trace elements in liver of Larus dominicanus. In general, the concentration of trace elements were comparable with values reported in other studies carried out for this species in South America and other regions of the world. The heat maps showed to be a promising tool to identify influences of the locality on bioaccumulation of trace elements in Larus dominicanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Henrique Pedrobom
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Amauri A. Menegário
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Hendryk Gemeiner
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Everton Tiago Sulato
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Pellegrini Elias
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pereira Serafini
- Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation – ICMBio, Rodovia Jornalista Maurício Sirotski Sobrinho, km 2, CEP 88053-700, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Claudinei José Rodrigues
- Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation – ICMBio, Rodovia Jornalista Maurício Sirotski Sobrinho, km 2, CEP 88053-700, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - André S. Barreto
- Biodiversity and Geoprocessing Informatics Laboratory, University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Rua Uruguai, 458, CEP 88302-901, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Marcus Antônio Gonçalves de Araújo Júnior
- Research and Development Center Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello – CENPES, PETROBRAS - Petróleo Brasileiro S.A, Avenida Horácio Macedo, 950, CEP 21941-915, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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6
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Sánchez-Fortún M, Ouled-Cheikh J, Jover C, García-Tarrasón M, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Following up mercury pollution in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain): Audouin's gull fledglings as model organisms to elucidate anthropogenic impacts on the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115232. [PMID: 32712528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As top-predators in marine ecosystems, seabirds are regarded as appropriate bioindicator species for a variety of contaminants. Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which can biomagnify along marine and freshwater food webs. Therefore, mercury body burden in seabirds, such as gulls, will integrate information about pollution in the environment. In the Ebro Delta (NE Spain), legacy mercury pollution from a chlor-alkali industry located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro river mouth has been affecting the delta environment. We have analyzed a 15-year temporal series (2004-2019) of Hg in birds from a breeding colony of Audouin's gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) in the Ebro Delta to understand how fluctuations in Hg levels are coupled to human activities in the industrial area in the upstream region of the river. Stable isotopic signatures of C and N (δ13Cbulk and δ15Nbulk) are determined to characterize the trophic ecology of the species. Since only δ13Cbulk but not δ15Nbulk was associated with THg levels, we used compound-specific stable nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids (AA-CSIA) to evaluate the causes of variation in δ15Nbulk to further investigate the idea of a decoupling of δ15Nbulk and THg over time. We found Audouin's gull to be sensitive to Hg variations in the environment due to anthropogenic changes and to be a good indicator species for this contaminant in the Ebro Delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jazel Ouled-Cheikh
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Jover
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel García-Tarrasón
- Secretaría General de Pesca. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), Spain
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Korbecki J, Gutowska I, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Lead (Pb) in the tissues of Anatidae, Ardeidae, Sternidae and Laridae of the Northern Hemisphere: a review of environmental studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12631-12647. [PMID: 30895550 PMCID: PMC6478642 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the ability of birds to travel long distances in the air, the potential feeding area of each individual is much larger than that of typical terrestrial animals. This makes birds a convenient indicator of environmental lead (Pb) pollution over large areas, in particular areas of inland and coastal waters. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of Pb in various organs of water birds from a variety of locations. The focus was on ducks, geese and swans (Anatidae); herons and egrets (Ardeidae); terns (Sternidae); and gulls (Laridae). This article describes the level of lead in the most commonly studied tissue types: feathers, bones and the liver. The study also presents data concerning the concentration of lead in the eggs of water birds. The highest levels of lead pollution can be observed in China and Korea, related to their high level of industrialization. In Iran too, environmental lead pollution is high, likely due to the developed petrochemical industry. Lead pollution in Japan, as well as in Western European countries (Spain, France, Italy), seems to be much lower than in China, India or Iran. Nevertheless, the level of pollution in Europe is higher than satisfactory, despite the introduction of a number of bans related to, for example, the use of leaded petrol or lead-containing paints. Finally, the USA and Canada appear to be the areas with the lowest lead pollution, possibly due to their low population densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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8
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Pereira MG, Lawlor A, Bertolero A, Díez S, Shore RF, Lacorte S. Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Mercury in Gulls Eggs from the Iberian Peninsula. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:394-404. [PMID: 30564852 PMCID: PMC6422990 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined how coastal mercury contamination varied spatially and temporally across the Iberian Peninsula by measuring mercury concentrations in the eggs of the sentinel biomonitor yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). Samples were collected from eight colonies that ranged from the Atlantic across the south and northern areas of the Mediterranean. We also measured Hg residues in eggs of the one of the most endangered gull species in the world, the Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) from the Ebro Delta, where colonies of yellow-legged and Audouin's gull co-occur. Fresh eggs were collected in 2009 and 2016 and samples were pooled from each colony for analysis. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gulls ranged between 0.4 and 2.8 mg/kg dry weight (dw); although there were no significant differences in concentrations between sampling periods, significant differences were found between colonies. Higher concentrations were associated with northern Mediterranean colonies (Columbretes and Ebro Delta), likely due to proximity to emission sources, circulatory marine currents and diet composition. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gull eggs were lower than those reported to result in impaired hatching. Residues in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta were significantly higher (4.0-5.6 mg/kg dw) than those in yellow-legged gull from the same location, probably associated with dietary differences. Mercury levels in Audouin's gull were ten times above the benchmark suggested to reduce nest success by 10%. Overall, these results raise concern for adverse health impacts in this protected seabird species and further investigation in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glória Pereira
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Alan Lawlor
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Albert Bertolero
- Associació Ornitològica Picampall de les Terres de l'Ebre, Amposta, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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9
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Borghesi F, Migani F, Andreotti A, Baccetti N, Bianchi N, Birke M, Dinelli E. Metals and trace elements in feathers: A geochemical approach to avoid misinterpretation of analytical responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:476-494. [PMID: 26657393 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Assessing trace metal pollution using feathers has long attracted the attention of ecotoxicologists as a cost-effective and non-invasive biomonitoring method. In order to interpret the concentrations in feathers considering the external contamination due to lithic residue particles, we adopted a novel geochemical approach. We analysed 58 element concentrations in feathers of wild Eurasian Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus fledglings, from 4 colonies in Western Europe (Spain, France, Sardinia, and North-eastern Italy) and one group of adults from zoo. In addition, 53 elements were assessed in soil collected close to the nesting islets. This enabled to compare a wide selection of metals among the colonies, highlighting environmental anomalies and tackling possible causes of misinterpretation of feather results. Most trace elements in feathers (Al, Ce, Co, Cs, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Nb, Pb, Rb, Ti, V, Zr, and REEs) were of external origin. Some elements could be constitutive (Cu, Zn) or significantly bioaccumulated (Hg, Se) in flamingos. For As, Cr, and to a lesser extent Pb, it seems that bioaccumulation potentially could be revealed by highly exposed birds, provided feathers are well cleaned. This comprehensive study provides a new dataset and confirms that Hg has been accumulated in feathers in all sites to some extent, with particular concern for the Sardinian colony, which should be studied further including Cr. The Spanish colony appears critical for As pollution and should be urgently investigated in depth. Feathers collected from North-eastern Italy were the hardest to clean, but our methods allowed biological interpretation of Cr and Pb. Our study highlights the importance of external contamination when analysing trace elements in feathers and advances methodological recommendations in order to reduce the presence of residual particles carrying elements of external origin. Geochemical data, when available, can represent a valuable tool for a correct interpretation of the analytical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Borghesi
- Bologna University, Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Department (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Bianchi
- Siena University, Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment Department, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Manfred Birke
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Stillweg, 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Bologna University, Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Department (BiGeA), Operative Unit of Ravenna, Via Sant'Alberto, 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
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García-Tarrasón M, Bécares J, Bateman S, Arcos JM, Jover L, Sanpera C. Sex-specific foraging behavior in response to fishing activities in a threatened seabird. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:2348-58. [PMID: 26120425 PMCID: PMC4475368 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Some seabird species have learnt to efficiently exploit fishing discards from trawling activities. However, a discard ban has been proposed as necessary in Europe to ensure the sustainability of the seas. It is of crucial importance for the management and conservation purposes to study the potential consequences of a discard ban on the foraging ecology of threatened seabirds. We assessed the influence of fishing activities on the feeding habits of 22 male and 15 female Audouin's gulls (Larus audouinii) from the Ebro Delta (Mediterranean Sea) during the breeding period using GPS loggers together with Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA), which provided new insights into their foraging behavior and trophic ecology, respectively. GPS data revealed different sex-specific foraging patterns between workdays and weekends. Females were highly consistent in that they foraged at sea throughout the week even though discarding stops at weekends. In contrast, males switched from foraging at sea during the week (when discards are produced) to an increased use of rice field habitats at weekends (when fishermen do not work). This sex-specific foraging behavior could be related to specific nutritional requirements associated with previous egg production, an energetically demanding period for females. However, on a broader time scale integrated by the SIA, both sexes showed a high degree of individual specialization in their trophic ecology. The need to obtain detailed information on the dependence and response of seabirds to fishing activities is crucial in conservation sciences. In this regard, sex-specific foraging behavior in relation to fisheries has been overlooked, despite the ecological and conservation implications. For instance, this situation may lead to sex differentiation in bycatch mortality in longlines when trawlers do not operate. Moreover, any new fisheries policy will need to be implemented gradually to facilitate the adaptation of a specialized species to a discard ban scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel García-Tarrasón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de BarcelonaAv. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence Manuel García-Tarrasón, Departament de Biologia Animal (Vertebrats), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain., Tel: +34 93 4021041;, Fax: +34 93 4035740;, E-mail:
| | - Juan Bécares
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife)C/Murcia 2-8 local 13, 08026, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Bateman
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de BarcelonaAv. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife)C/Murcia 2-8 local 13, 08026, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Arcos
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife)C/Murcia 2-8 local 13, 08026, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Jover
- Departament de Salut Pública, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaC/Casanova 143 5a planta, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de BarcelonaAv Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de BarcelonaAv. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de BarcelonaAv Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Modelling terrestrial and marine foraging habitats in breeding Audouin's gulls Larus audouinii: timing matters. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120799. [PMID: 25875597 PMCID: PMC4397092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the breeding ecology of Audouin's gull has been widely studied, its spatial distribution patterns have received little attention. We assessed the foraging movements of 36 GPS-tracked adult Audouin's gulls breeding at the Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean), coinciding with the incubation period (May 2011). This also coincided with a trawling moratorium northwards from the colony. We modelled the distribution of the gulls by combining these tracking data with environmental variables (including fishing activities from Vessel Monitoring System, VMS), using Maxent. The modelling range included both marine and terrestrial areas. Models were produced separately for every 2h time interval across the day, and for 2 fishing activity scenarios (workdays vs. weekends), allowing to assess the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of the gulls and the degree of association with fisheries. During workdays, gull distribution at sea fully matched with fishing activities, both trawling (daylight) and purse-seining (nightime). Gulls tended to avoid the area under trawling moratorium, confirming the high influence of fisheries on the distribution patterns of this species. On weekends, gulls made lesser use of the sea and tended to increase the use of rice fields. Overall, Audouin's gull activity was more intense during dailight hours, although birds also showed nocturnal activity, on both workdays and weekends. Nocturnal patterns at sea were more disperse during the latter, probably because these gulls are able to capture small pelagic fish at night in natural conditions, but tend to congregate around purse-seiners (which would enhance their foraging efficiency) in workdays. These results provide important insight for the management of this species. This is of particular relevance under the current scenario of European fisheries policies, since new regulations are aimed at eliminating discards, and this would likely influence Audouin's gull populations.
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Vilavert L, Sisteré C, Schuhmacher M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Environmental concentrations of metals in the catalan stretch of the ebro river, Spain: assessment of temporal trends. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 163:48-57. [PMID: 25283512 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impact and the human health risks associated with exposure to a number of metals before and after initiating the decontamination process in Flix dam (Catalonia, Spain). The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Pb were determined in samples of drinking water, river water, and soils collected in the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River, Spain. The results were compared with those of previous surveys performed in the same zones. Human exposure to metals, as well as the associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, was also estimated. In river and drinking waters, most analyzed metals showed increases, being significant that of Cr. The movements of polluted sludge in Flix dam could be the reason for the Cr levels found in the current survey. However, Hg was not detected in both drinking and river waters. Important differences on Mn levels were found, being higher those in river water than in drinking water. In turn, although soil concentrations of all analyzed metals showed a decreasing temporal trend, the reductions were only significant for Ni. The hazard quotient (HQ) of all elements was below the unity, considered the safe threshold. For carcinogenic risks, all values were found to be lower than 10(-5), which has been defined as the maximum recommended excess of cancer risk according to the Spanish Legislation. The only exception was the As exposure through soil and drinking water, which slightly exceeded this threshold. The current results indicate the need to perform a continuous assessment of metal levels not only in river waters, but also in drinking water in order to assure the harmlessness of the decontamination process for the health of the population living downriver (Ebro) the Flix dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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