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Celis JE, Squadrone S, Berti G, Abete MC, Sandoval M, Espejo W. Distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in the feathers of gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) from different geographical locations of the Antarctic peninsula area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170923. [PMID: 38354803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Antarctica is the most remote and coldest regions of the planet, but the presence of REEs there has received little attention. This study assessed REE-contents in the feathers of adult gentoo penguins from Ardley Island, Kopaitic Island and Base O'Higgins. Field work was accomplished during 2011 (austral summer), and determination of elements was performed with ICP-MS. In general, REE-levels showed descending relations as follows: Ce > La > Y > Nd > Sc > Pr > Gd > Sm > Dy >Er > Yb > Eu > Ho > Tb > Tm > Lu. The data showed an increase of the levels of REEs from the lower part of the feather to the tip. This finding seems to be spatially dependent, but geochemical, anthropogenic conditions, feeding habits, sex, or even health status of birds should also be considered. It is a subject that requires deeper attention in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Berti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Sandoval
- Department of Soil & Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Winfred Espejo
- Department of Soil & Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile.
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2
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Daniels-Abdulahad M, Giarikos D, Adkesson MJ, Hirons AC. Evaluation of Metal Partitioning across Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) Egg Components. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:474-489. [PMID: 38314908 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) population declines are attributable to several multifaceted anthropogenic impacts. At present, the exposure of Humboldt Penguins to high concentrations of heavy metals in the marine environment is a preeminent concern, due to mining along the Peruvian coast near key rookery sites. Metal and selenium concentrations were determined in eggs collected from September 2020 to April 2021 from a managed-care penguin population at the Brookfield Zoo to establish reference values for health indices conducted on wild populations. Concentrations of 16 elements, with emphasis on those found in mine efflux-arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc-were assessed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in yolk, albumen, and eggshell. Data analyses indicate a clear delineation between egg constituents, with lipid-rich yolk displaying notably higher concentrations (μg/g) of arsenic (0.20 ± 0.064), chromium (0.086 ± 0.03), cobalt (0.01 ± 0.003), iron (238.65 ± 54.72), lead (0.32 ± 0.97), manganese (2.71 ± 0.66), molybdenum (0.57 ± 0.14), tin (3.29 ± 0.99), and zinc (64.03 ± 13.01) than other components (albumen and eggshell). These data confirm that heavy metals are partitioned differently across Humboldt Penguin egg components, which provides insight into the potential connection between embryonic nutrient source contamination and subsequent chick viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mya Daniels-Abdulahad
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, Florida 33004, USA
| | - Dimitrios Giarikos
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314, USA
- SECLER: Study of Environmental Conservation through Leading-Edge Research, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314, USA
| | - Michael J Adkesson
- Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, Illinois 60513, USA
| | - Amy C Hirons
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, Florida 33004, USA
- SECLER: Study of Environmental Conservation through Leading-Edge Research, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314, USA
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Mo L, Wan N, Zhou B, Shao M, Zhang X, Li M, Liu Y, Mai B. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in waterbird feathers around Poyang Lake, China: Compound and species-specific bioaccumulation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116141. [PMID: 38394760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116141] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
As a nondestructive means of environmental monitoring, bird feathers have been used to analyze levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in specific environments. In this study, feather samples from 10 waterbird species around Poyang Lake were collected, and a pretreatment method for PFASs in feathers was optimized. The results showed that a combined cleaning method using ultrapure water and n-hexane effectively removed external PFASs. Twenty-three legacy and emerging PFASs were identified in the feathers of waterbirds, of which hexafluoropropylene oxides (HFPOs), chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), and sodium p-perfluorinated noneoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) were reported for the first time, with their concentrations ranging from 0.060-2.4 ng·g-1 dw, 0.046-30 ng·g-1 dw, and lower than the method detection limit to 30 ng·g-1 dw, respectively. Compound- and species-specific bioaccumulation of PFASs was observed in the feathers of different waterbird species, suggesting that different PFAS types can be monitored through the selection of different species. Moreover, the concentrations of most PFCAs (except perfluorobutyric acid), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were significantly positively correlated with δ15N (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of HFPOs, Cl-PFESAs, and OBS had significant positive correlations with δ13C. This indicates that the bioaccumulation of legacy and emerging PFASs in waterbird feathers is affected by their trophic level, feeding habits, and foraging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Mo
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China; Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Nannan Wan
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Institute of Biological Resources, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Mingqin Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China.
| | - Xinghui Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Mingqi Li
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China.
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Padilha JAG, Santos S, Willems T, Souza-Kasprzyk J, Leite A, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa AR, Eens M, E P, Torres JPM, Das K, Lepoint G, Dorneles PR, Bervoets L, Groffen T. Assessing the trophic ecology and migration on the exposure of cape petrels and Wilson's storm petrels from Antarctica to perfluoroalkylated substances, trace and major elements. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117827. [PMID: 38072112 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117827] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pollution is a global concern as contaminants are transported and reach even the remote regions of Antarctica. Seabirds serve as important sentinels of pollution due to their high trophic position and wide distribution. This study examines the influence of migration and trophic ecology on the exposure of two Antarctic seabirds, Wilson's storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus - Ooc), and Cape petrel (Daption capense - Dca), to chemical elements and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Our methodology involved assessing the concentration of these pollutants in feather samples obtained from carcasses, offering a practical means for monitoring contamination. Trace and major element concentrations were comparable in both species, suggesting that migratory patterns have a minimal impact on exposure levels. However, Ooc had higher concentration of PFAS compared to Dca (mean, ng g-1dry weight, PFOA: Ooc:0.710, Dca:0.170; PFTrDA: Ooc:0.550, Dca:0.360, and PFTeDA: Ooc:1.01, Dca:0.190), indicating that migration to the more polluted Northern Hemisphere significantly affects PFAS exposure. Furthermore, while no strong associations were found between either trace elements or PFAS and the three stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S), a negative association was observed between PFUnDA and δ15N, hinting at potential biodilution. The research concludes that the migratory patterns of these seabird species affect their PFAS exposure, underscoring the critical need for further exploration and understanding of these relationships to better inform conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A G Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - S Santos
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - T Willems
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Souza-Kasprzyk
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Leite
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - L S T Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Environment and Sustainability, State University of Rio Grande do Sul, Assis Brasil Street, 842, Downtown, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R Pessôa
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Prinsen E
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Trophic and Isotope Ecology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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5
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Padilha JAG, Souza-Kasprzyk J, Pinzoni M, Prohaska G, Espejo W, Leite A, Santos S, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa AR, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Mercury exposure in Antarctic seabirds: Assessing the influence of trophic position and migration patterns. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139871. [PMID: 37611760 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Although naturally present in the environment, mercury (Hg) input is significantly amplified by anthropogenic activities on a global scale, leading to a growing concern about the recent increase in Hg levels observed in Antarctica. This study investigated total mercury (THg) concentrations in feathers and eggs of resident and migratory Antarctic seabirds. Stable isotope data (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were employed to ascertain the key factors influencing the exposure of these species to Hg. We gathered feathers and eggs from three resident species - Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as five migratory species - Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, Southern Giant Petrel, Kelp Gull, and South Polar Skua. These samples were collected from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, in the Antarctica Peninsula. For all species, THg concentrations were higher in feathers (mean ± SD: 2267 ± 2480 ng g-1 dw) than in eggs (906 ± 1461 ng g-1 dw). Species occupying higher trophic positions, such as the Southern Giant Petrel (5667 ± 1500 ng g-1 dw) and South Polar Skua (4216 ± 1101 ng. g-1 dw), exhibited higher THg levels in their feathers than those at lower positions, like Antarctic Tern (1254 ± 400 ng g-1 dw) and Chinstrap Penguin (910 ± 364 ng g-1 dw). The δ15N values, which serve as a proxy for the trophic position, significantly correlated with THg concentrations. These findings reveal that trophic position influences THg concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Migration did not appear to significantly affect the exposure of seabirds to THg, contrary to initial expectations. This research highlights the importance of evaluating the impacts of THg contamination on the Antarctic ecosystem by considering a variety of species. This multi-species approach offers critical insights into the factors that may potentially influence the exposure of these species to contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A G Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - J Souza-Kasprzyk
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Pinzoni
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - G Prohaska
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A Leite
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - S Santos
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade. Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - K Das
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
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Celis JE, Squadrone S, Berti G, Abete MC, Sandoval M, Espejo W. Burden of rare earth elements and trace elements in feathers of magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southern Chilean Patagonia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115364. [PMID: 37556862 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115364] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Patagonia is one of the last pristine regions on the southern hemisphere. The impact of rare earth element (REEs) and trace elements (TEs) in this region have received little attention. The main goal was to assess REEs burden in feathers of adult magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Sampling was performed at Magdalena Island of the Chilean Patagonia during the austral summer of 2011. Multi-elemental determination of 16 REEs and 24 TEs was performed with ICP-MS. The levels of REEs, TEs, and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were measured to assess the factors that condition the avian exposure to environmental contaminants. The results showed an increase of the levels of REEs and TEs from the calamus to the feather's tip. In the whole feather, the highest levels corresponded to Ce, which exhibited more than two order of magnitude than Lu and Tm levels. Similar to other penguin species, magellanic penguins can be vectors of REEs and metals in remote regions. Stable isotopes revealed that trophic ecology may influence some of the element concentrations in feathers of magellanic penguins, an issue that requires deeper attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Berti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Sandoval
- Department of Soil & Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Winfred Espejo
- Department of Soil & Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile.
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Jarzynowska M, Saniewska D, Fudala K, Wilman B, Balazy P, Płońska P, Saniewski M. Mercury and methylmercury in birds and marine mammals inhabiting the coastal zone of the two King George Island's bays: Admiralty and King George Bay (maritime Antarctic). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115237. [PMID: 37421914 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic is particularly sensitive to mercury (Hg) pollution and even low levels of Hg may cause significant damage in this fragile environment. The aim of this study was to investigate routes of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) elimination by animals inhabiting the maritime Antarctic. The results showed that organisms at the highest trophic level (elephant seal) have the highest concentrations of THg and MeHg in both excrement and fur samples. Interspecies differences in mercury levels were observed in materials sourced from penguins of the genus Pysgocelis.13C and 15N values confirmed differences in the diets and foraging areas, which may affect Hg concentration in the tissues we analyzed. Time variations in THg and MeHg concentrations were observed in the excrement of the penguin species, which may be due to periods of fasting and intense feeding closely related to egg laying and moulting stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Jarzynowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Fudala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Wilman
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Piotr Balazy
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712, Sopot, Poland
| | - Patrycja Płońska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
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8
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Monserrate-Maggi L, Serrano-Mena L, Delahaye L, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Ruiz-Barzola O, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Microorganisms isolated from seabirds feathers for mercury bioremediation. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by mercury has received increasing attention in recent years. Several studies have warned of the high rates of biomagnification in superior levels of marine food networks affecting seabirds. Although seabird feathers are reported as bioindicators of mercury, the possibility of using the microbiota associated with them for the bioremediation of this metal has not been considered. Despite the potential of the seabird feather microbiota, the cultivable microorganisms from this sample matrix have not been identified. In this study, we isolated and identified the organisms in the feathers from three types of seabirds, two species of penguins (Pygoscelis antartica and Pygoscelis papua) and the brown skua bird (Catharacta lonnbergi) through poisoned media a final concentration of 10 mg / L Hg2+ in the culture medium for the microbial consortia. Yeast isolates belonged to the genus Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, and Rhodotorula, and fungi genera Leiotrametes, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, and Cladosporium were identified. Adult bird feathers with high mercury concentrations can serve as a matrix to isolate microorganisms capable of removing mercury.
Keywords: Antarctica, bioremediation, feathers, mercury, microorganisms
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Monserrate-Maggi
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Lizette Serrano-Mena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Louise Delahaye
- VIVES University CollegePost-graduate International Cooperation North-South, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Paola Calle
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Ruiz-Barzola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; ; . 4 Universidad de Salamanca, Departamento de Estadística; Campus Miguel de Unamuno. 37007, Salamanca -España;
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil ; Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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9
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Pessôa ARL, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Trace elements in migratory species arriving to Antarctica according to their migration range. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114693. [PMID: 36773589 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The levels of eighteen trace elements (TEs) were evaluated in association with stable isotopes (δ15N, δ34S, and δ13C) in feathers and eggs of five migratory species breeding on the Antarctic Peninsula to test the factors that influence their exposure to contaminants. The feathers of seabirds migrating to the Northern Hemisphere (South polar skua) have concentrations (mean ± SD, μg. g-1) of Li (1.71 ± 2.08) and Mg (1169.5 ± 366.8) one order of magnitude higher than southern migrants, such as Snowy sheathbill Li (0.01 ± 0.005) and Mg (499.6 ± 111.9). Feathers had significantly higher concentrations for 11 of a total of 18 metals measured compared to eggs. South polar skua have higher concentrations of all TEs in eggs compared to antarctic tern. Therefore, the present study showed that migration and trophic ecology (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) influence Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se concentrations in feathers of Antarctic seabirds. The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Rb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr are higher than previously reported, which may be due to increased local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Soils and Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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10
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Leineweber C, Gohl C, Lücht M, Marcordes S, Steinmetz HW, Marschang RE. Comparison of Plasma Trace Elements Between 2 Captive Humboldt Penguin ( Spheniscus humboldti) Populations. J Avian Med Surg 2023; 36:362-371. [PMID: 36935207 DOI: 10.1647/21-00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants and their effect on wildlife health play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and can be clinically relevant in captive animals too. Data on relevant concentrations of trace elements in captive birds with no known exposures are rare. For this study, silver, arsenic, gold, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, thallium, selenium, and zinc were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in lithium heparinized plasma samples from 18 Humboldt penguins at 2 zoological collections in Germany. The results showed that the plasma concentrations of silver, arsenic, gold, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, and selenium differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the 2 penguin collections. The results indicate that the location of the birds has a strong influence on the plasma trace element concentrations. Well water used in the enclosures was suspected to be associated with these significant differences. Trace elemental concentrations in feed (eg, marine fish) and contamination from enclosure construction materials may also play a role. This study could provide a basis for further comparative, biomonitoring, toxicity, and reference interval studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Gohl
- Tier-park Hellabrunn AG, Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Lücht
- Tier-park Hellabrunn AG, Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Marcordes
- AG Zoologischer Garten Köln, Riehler Strasse 173, 50735 Cologne, Germany
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11
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Espejo W, Chiang G, Kitamura D, Kashiwada S, O'Driscoll NJ, Celis JE. Occurrence of rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements (TEs) in feathers of adult and young Gentoo penguins from King George Island, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114575. [PMID: 36640502 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Penguins are sentinel species for marine pollution, but their role as potential biovectors of REEs or TEs to ecosystems has been poorly studied. The present study analyzed (ICP-MS) feathers of young and adult Gentoo penguins from Fildes Bay, for 63 elements (including 15 REEs). Most of the REEs were present at very low levels, ranging from 0.002 (Lu) to 0.452 (Sm) μg g-1 d.w., several orders of magnitude lower than TEs. The content of TEs varied widely, with Al, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, Ti and Mn as the seven having the highest concentrations in the feathers of both age groups. The results show that P. papua deposits REEs and TEs through the feathers on the penguin rockery, whose potential actual impacts and long-term fate in remote regions need deeper research. This work presents essential baseline data that will be useful for further studies on Antarctic penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred Espejo
- Soils and Natural Resources Department, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
| | - Gustavo Chiang
- Sustainability Research Centre-Ecology & Biodiversity Department, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daiki Kitamura
- Research Center for Life and Environmental Sciences, Toyo University, Oura 374-0193, Japan
| | - Shosaku Kashiwada
- Research Center for Life and Environmental Sciences, Toyo University, Oura 374-0193, Japan
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile.
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12
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Draghi S, Agradi S, Riva F, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Ercan AM, Or ME, Brecchia G, Vigo D, Arioli F, Di Cesare F, Curone G. Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus) Hair as a Bioindicator for the Environmental Presence of Toxic and Trace Elements. TOXICS 2023; 11:49. [PMID: 36668775 PMCID: PMC9864796 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The return to pasture use as an alternative to intensive livestock farming implies some risks with the lack or the excessive presence of potentially toxic elements; in this regard, wild animals have been used as bioindicators for decades. Thus, the purpose of this study is quantifying Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Al, Fe, and Mg in fur from roe deer and understanding if it is a valid bioindicator tool. Hair was collected from 39 hunted roe deer and divided by age (<36 months old/≥36 months old), sex (male/female), and area of origin (urbanized/rural area). The mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, Mn, Al, Cr, and Pb were higher (p < 0.05) in the urbanized group; the mean levels of Mg and Cr were higher (p < 0.05) in older animals; and Cu, Fe, Mg, Cd, and Cr showed a higher accumulation in females. Our findings showed an age-related variation of elements, with higher concentrations in adult animals and females. In conclusion, our findings prove that hair is a valid matrix for this type of survey, and wild animals are good bioindicators for monitoring the presence of trace elements in pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Duygu Tarhan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bengü Bilgiç
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Dokuzeylül
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erman Or
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Arioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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13
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Padilha J, de Carvalho GO, Willems T, Lepoint G, Cunha L, Pessoa ARL, Eens M, Prinsen E, Costa E, Torres JP, Dorneles P, Das K, Bervoets L, Groffen T. Perfluoroalkylated compounds in the eggs and feathers of resident and migratory seabirds from the Antarctic Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114157. [PMID: 36027956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114157] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated factors that influence the differences in exposure of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from eight species of Antarctic seabirds, including Pygoscelis penguins, Stercorarius maccormicki, and Macronectes giganteus. We analyzed the relationship between foraging ecology (based on δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values) and PFAAs accumulated in eggs and breast feathers. Ten out of 15 targeted PFAAs were detected in eggs compared to eight in feathers. Mean ∑PFAA concentrations in feathers ranged from 0.47 in P. antarcticus to 17.4 ng/g dry weight (dw) in S. maccormicki. In eggs, ∑PFAA concentrations ranged from 3.51 in P. adeliae to 117 ng/g dw in S. maccormicki. The highest concentrations of most PFAAs were found in trans-equatorial migrators such as S. maccormicki, probably due their high trophic position and higher concentrations of PFAAs in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Based on stable isotopes correlations, our results suggest that the trophic position (δ15N) and the foraging area (δ13C and δ34S) influence PFAAs concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Our results point to the possibility that long-distance migratory birds may have as bio-vectors in the transport of pollutants, including PFCAs, in Antarctic environments, although this must be further confirmed in future studies using a mass balanced approach, such as extractable organofluorine (EOF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeide Padilha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel O de Carvalho
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tim Willems
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Larissa Cunha
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana R L Pessoa
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Els Prinsen
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erli Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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14
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Sparaventi E, Rodríguez-Romero A, Barbosa A, Ramajo L, Tovar-Sánchez A. Trace elements in Antarctic penguins and the potential role of guano as source of recycled metals in the Southern Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131423. [PMID: 34329144 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Penguins dominate the Antarctic avifauna. As key animals in the Antarctic ecosystem, they are monitored to evaluate the ecological status of this pristine and remote region and specifically, they have been used as effective bioindicators suitable for long-term monitoring of metals in the Antarctic environment. However, studies about the role of this emblematic organism could play in the recycling of trace metals (TMs) in the Antarctic ecosystem are very limited. In this study we evaluate, using the peer review research articles already published and our own findings, the distribution of metals (i.e., Ca, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Mg, Cu, K, Cd, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, V, Ba, Co, La, Ag, Rb, Hf, Sc, Au and Cs) and metalloids (As and Sb), measured in different biotic matrices, with emphasis on guano, of the Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus), Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguins. Regarding bioactive metals, the high concentrations (μg g-1 dry weight) of Cu (2.0 ± 1.4) x 102, Fe (4.1 ± 2.9) x 102, Mn (30 ± 34) and Zn (210 ± 90) reported in the guano from all the penguin species studied including our data, are of the same order of magnitude as those reported for whale feces (μg g-1 dry weight): Cu (2.9 ± 2.4) x 102, Fe (1.5 ± 1.4) x 102, Mn (28 ± 17) and Zn (6.2 ± 4.3) x 102, and one order of magnitude higher than the metal contents in krill (μg g-1 dry weight) of Cu (10.2 ± 5.5), Fe (24 ± 29) and Zn (13.5 ± 1.7). This suggest that penguin's excretion products could be an important source of these essential elements in the surface water, with an estimated annual release on a breeding season for Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn respectively of 28, 56, 4 and 29 tons, for the Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins. The results provide evidence on the potential influence of penguins recycling TMs in the surface layer of the water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sparaventi
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, ICMAN (CSIC), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Araceli Rodríguez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry. Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro, Puerto Real, 11510, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Andrés Barbosa
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Ramajo
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Avenida Ossandón 877, Coquimbo, Chile; Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia (CR)(2), Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Antonio Tovar-Sánchez
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, ICMAN (CSIC), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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15
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Mercury Levels in Feathers of Penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula Area: Geographical and Inter-Specific Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189918. [PMID: 34574839 PMCID: PMC8471030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Polar regions, symbols of wilderness, have been identified as potential sinks of mercury coming from natural and anthropogenic sources at lower latitudes. Changes in ice coverage currently occurring in some areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula could enhance these phenomena and their impacts on local biota. As long-lived species at the top of food chains, seabirds are particularly sensitive to this highly toxic metal with the capacity to be biomagnified. Specifically, their feathers can be useful for Hg monitoring since they mainly accumulate its most toxic and persistent form, methyl-Hg. To that end, feathers of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) (n = 108) were collected by passive sampling in seven different locations throughout the Antarctic Peninsula area and analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave-digestion. More than 93% of the samples showed detectable Hg levels (range: 6.3–12,529.8 ng g−1 dry weight), and the highest ones were found in the feathers of chinstrap penguins from King George Island. Hg bioconcentration and biomagnification seem to be occurring in the Antarctic food web, giving rise to high but non-toxic Hg levels in penguins, similar to those previously found in Arctic seabirds.
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16
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Calizza E, Signa G, Rossi L, Vizzini S, Careddu G, Tramati CD, Caputi SS, Mazzola A, Costantini ML. Trace elements and stable isotopes in penguin chicks and eggs: A baseline for monitoring the Ross Sea MPA and trophic transfer studies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112667. [PMID: 34242962 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112667] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Multi-tissue trace elements (TEs), C, N concentrations and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of chick carcasses and eggs of Adélie and Emperor penguins were studied to i) provide reference data before the recent institution of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (Antarctica), and ii) provide conversion factors that allow estimating C, N, δ13C and δ15N in edible tissues from non-edible ones, thus improving the use of stable isotopes in contamination and trophic transfer studies. Higher concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn and Pb were found in chick carcasses than in eggs, suggesting increasing contamination in recent decades and high toxicity risks for penguin consumers. Isotopic conversion factors highlighted small differences among body tissues and conspecifics. These values suggest that chick carcasses are reliable indicators of the energy pathways underlying the two penguin species, their trophic position in the food web and their exposure to TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Calizza
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Geraldina Signa
- CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Loreto Rossi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Careddu
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Doriana Tramati
- CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Sporta Caputi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzola
- CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Costantini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
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17
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Padilha JA, Carvalho GO, Espejo W, Souza JS, Pizzochero AC, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa ARL, Almeida AP, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Michel LN, Das K, Dorneles PR. Factors that influence trace element levels in blood and feathers of Pygoscelis penguins from South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117209. [PMID: 33932832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant levels are lower in Antarctica than elsewhere in the world because of its low anthropogenic activities. However, the northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula, is close to South America and experiences the greatest anthropogenic pressure in Antarctica. Here, we investigated, in two Antarctic Peninsula islands, intra and interspecific factors that influence the concentrations of 17 trace elements (TEs) in blood and feathers of three penguin species breeding sympatrically in relation to their trophic ecology assessed via a stable isotopic approach (C, N and S). Geographical location, foraging zone (δ13C and δ34S) and diet influences the interspecific difference, and sex and maturity stage diet influence the intraspecific difference of Pygoscelis penguins. Penguins from Livingston showed higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dry weight - dw) of Zn (103), Mn (0.3), and Fe (95) than those from King George Island (Zn: 80, Mn: 1.9, and Fe: 11). Gender-related differences were observed, as males showed significantly higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Rb (3.4) and δ15N in blood of gentoo, and Ca (1344) in Adélie feathers. Chicks of gentoo and Adélie presented higher Zn, Mg, Ca, and Sr and lower 13C values in blood than adults. The highest concentrations (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Cd (0.2) and Cu (26), and the lowest δ15N values were found in chinstrap. Geographical, intraspecific (i.e., ontogenetic and gender-related) and interspecific differences in feeding seemed to have influenced TE and stable isotope values in these animals. The TE bioaccumulation by penguins may have also been influenced by natural enrichment in environmental levels of these elements, which seems to be the case for Fe, Zn, and Mn. However, the high level of some of the TEs (Mn, Cd, and Cr) may reflect the increase of local and global human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - G O Carvalho
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - J S Souza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - A C Pizzochero
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R L Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A P Almeida
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - L N Michel
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - K Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liege, Belgium
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18
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Effects of Diesel, Heavy Metals and Plastics Pollution on Penguins in Antarctica: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092505. [PMID: 34573474 PMCID: PMC8465831 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antarctica is contaminated by anthropogenic pollution. Due to the persistent low temperatures, the toxic impacts of pollution to the environment can be extensive. The severity of the effects varies according to the animal species, chemical type and level of exposure. Penguins are at major risk as they are the most prominent group of animals in Antarctica. This review highlights the background of penguins in Antarctica, the anthropogenic pollution and cases, as well as the toxic effects of diesel, heavy metals and microplastics toward penguins. A bibliometric analysis is also included. Abstract Antarctica is a relatively pristine continent that attracts scientists and tourists alike. However, the risk of environmental pollution in Antarctica is increasing with the increase in the number of visitors. Recently, there has been a surge in interest regarding diesel, heavy metals and microplastics pollution. Contamination from these pollutants poses risks to the environment and the health of organisms inhabiting the continent. Penguins are one of the most prominent and widely distributed animals in Antarctica and are at major risk due to pollution. Even on a small scale, the impacts of pollution toward penguin populations are extensive. This review discusses the background of penguins in Antarctica, the anthropogenic pollution and cases, as well as the impacts of diesel, heavy metals and microplastics toxicities on penguins. The trends of the literature for the emerging risks of these pollutants are also reviewed through a bibliometric approach and network mapping analysis. A sum of 27 articles are analyzed on the effects of varying pollutants on penguins in Antarctica from 2000 to 2020 using the VOSviewer bibliometric software, Microsoft Excel and Tableau Public. Research articles collected from the Scopus database are evaluated for the most applicable research themes according to the bibliometric indicators (articles, geography distribution, annual production, integrated subject areas, key source journals and keyword or term interactions). Although bibliometric studies on the present research theme are not frequent, our results are sub-optimal due to the small number of search query matches from the Scopus database. As a result, our findings offer only a fragmentary comprehension of the topics in question. Nevertheless, this review provides valuable inputs regarding prospective research avenues for researchers to pursue in the future.
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Yao T, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Yan P, Li C, de Boer WF. Bird's feather as an effective bioindicator for detection of trace elements in polymetallic contaminated areas in Anhui Province, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:144816. [PMID: 33545476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution, especially because of trace metals, seriously affects ecological safety, and bird feathers are often used as bioindicators to monitor this risk in various environments. However, the feasibility of feathers as bioindicators for trace metals in polymetallic contaminated areas has not been extensively studied. In this study, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify and compare the contents of nine trace metal(loid)s (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) among soil, plants, insects and birds (feathers and internal tissues) sampled in the mining area of Tongling, a polymetallic contaminated area in Anhui Province, eastern China. We detected significant trace metal pollution in the abiotic and biotic materials. The contents of Cr, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in feathers differed among bird species and among sampling sites, with higher contents often recorded in tree sparrows (Passer montanus). The metal(loid)s V, Mn, Co, Zn, and As had higher contents in feathers than in internal tissues including heart, liver, kidneys, muscles and bones. The contents of some elements in feathers were positively correlated with those in internal tissues, for example, Co, As, and Cd in the heart, V and Co in the kidneys, Cd in the liver, Pb in bones, and As in muscles. Furthermore, the contents of V, Cr, As and Pb in feathers were higher than those in other biomaterials, implying an increasing trend from plants, insects, and feathers. Our study indicates that bird feathers can be used as effective, non-destructive bioindicators to monitor trace metal(loid) pollution, especially for V, Co, As, Cd and Pb, in polymetallic contaminated areas, providing reliable information for ecological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, No.159, Longpan Road, 210037 Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, No. 1, Beijing East Road, 241000 Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, No. 111, Jiulong Road, 230601 Hefei, China.
| | - Willem F de Boer
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
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20
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Souza JS, Pacyna-Kuchta AD, Teixeira da Cunha LS, Costa ES, Niedzielski P, Machado Torres JP. Interspecific and intraspecific variation in organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls using non-destructive samples from Pygoscelis penguins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116590. [PMID: 33582630 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As humans are present in Antarctica only for scientific and tourism-related purposes, it is often described as a pristine region. However, studies have identified measurable levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the Antarctic region. These are highly toxic anthropogenic compounds with tendency to travel long distances and reach remote environments, where they can bioaccumulate in the biota. Penguins are exposed to POPs mainly through their diet, which they partially eliminate via feathers. Species of the genus Pygoscelis occur around Antarctic continent and its surrounding regions, and can act as indicators of contaminants that reach the continent. Here, we report OCP and PCB levels in feathers of male and female penguins of P. adeliae, P. antarcticus and P. papua from King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Interspecific, sex- and body-size-related differences were investigated in the contamination profiles of PCBs and OCPs. Feather samples were collected from adult penguins (n = 41). Quantification of compounds was performed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The three Pygoscelis species presented similar contamination profiles, with higher concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (∑DDT; 1.56-3.82 ng g-1 dw), lighter PCB congeners (∑PCB: 11.81-18.65 ng g-1 dw) and HCB (hexachlorobenzene: 1.65-4.06 ng g-1 dw). Amongst the three penguin species, P. antarcticus had lower and P. papua higher concentrations of most of the compounds identified. We found interspecific differences in POPs accumulation as well as sex differences in POP concentrations. Our data indicate a small but significant positive correlation between body size and the concentrations of some compounds. Despite the overall low concentrations found, this study increases knowledge of the occurrence of POPs in Antarctic penguins, thereby reinforcing concerns that Antarctica, although remote and perceived to be protected, is not free from the impact of anthropogenic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Silva Souza
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca e de Micropoluentes Jan Japenga, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco G, Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Aneta Dorota Pacyna-Kuchta
- Department of Colloid and Lipid Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Street, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Larissa Schmauder Teixeira da Cunha
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca e de Micropoluentes Jan Japenga, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco G, Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erli Schneider Costa
- Mestrado Profissional em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul. Unidade Universitária Hortênsias. Rua Assis Brasil, 842 - Centro., CEP: 95400-000, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Przemysław Niedzielski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca e de Micropoluentes Jan Japenga, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco G, Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Iqbal F, Ayub Q, Wilson R, Song BK, Talei A, Yeong KY, Hermawan AA, Fahim M, Rahman S. Monitoring of heavy metal pollution in urban and rural environments across Pakistan using House crows (Corvus splendens) as bioindicator. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:237. [PMID: 33783594 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08966-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A widely distributed urban bird, the house crow (Corvus splendens), was used to assess bioavailable heavy metals in urban and rural environments across Pakistan. Bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was investigated in wing feathers of 96 crows collected from eight locations and categorized into four groups pertaining to their geographical and environmental similarities. Results revealed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cr were positively correlated and varied significantly among the four groups. Zn, Fe, Cr, and Cu regarded as industrial outputs, were observed in birds both in industrialized cities and in adjoining rural agricultural areas irrigated through the Indus Basin Irrigation System. Birds in both urban regions accrued Pb more than the metal toxicity thresholds for birds. The house crow was ranked in the middle on the metal accumulation levels in feathers between highly accumulating raptor and piscivore and less contaminated insectivore and granivore species in the studied areas,. This study suggests that the house crow is an efficient bioindicator and supports the feasibility of using feathers to discriminate the local pollution differences among terrestrial environments having different levels and kinds of anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheena Iqbal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Qasim Ayub
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Robyn Wilson
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Beng Kah Song
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Amin Talei
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Aditya Hermawan
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Fahim
- Centre for Omics Sciences, Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Sadequr Rahman
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Pandiyan J, Mahboob S, Govindarajan M, Al-Ghanim KA, Ahmed Z, Al-Mulhm N, Jagadheesan R, Krishnappa K. An assessment of level of heavy metals pollution in the water, sediment and aquatic organisms: A perspective of tackling environmental threats for food security. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1218-1225. [PMID: 33613050 PMCID: PMC7878681 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollution is severely threatening the wetland habitats. Heavy metals are one among of the major pollutants in wetland habitats. The cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn), were assessed in the water, sediment, benthic species (polychaetes, mollusc and crustaceans), prawn and fishes. The assessment of heavy metals was done by using double-beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Hg, Cr and Co were greater in sediment, Ni and Cd were higher in polychaetes and molluscs respectively. However, the Cu and Pb greater in crabs and the Zinc was greater in fishes. The concentration of metals showed significant differences among the various sources examined (P < 0.05) except Cr (P > 0.05). The inter-correlational analysis among the metals assessed from the various sources showed that the Cr and Pb not correlated among the eight metals examined. However, the Cu and Co were correlated with Hg (r = 0.307) and (r = 0.788) respectively. The nickel was correlated with Hg (r = 0.367), Cu (r = 0.362) and Co (r = 0.432). The Zinc was correlated with the Cd (r = 0.331) and Hg (r = 0.737). However, correlation of metals among the different sources shown that the metals of polychaetes correlated with sediment r = 0.637, the metals of crabs correlated with the sediment and polychaetes r = 0.630 and r = 842 respectively, the metals of molluscs was also correlated with sediment (r = 0.636), polychaetes (r = 0.889) and crabs (r = 0.894). In addition to that the metals of prawns was correlated with the polychaetes (r = 839), crabs (r = 0.628) and molluscs (r = 0.634). The metals of fishes correlated with polychaetes (r = 0.529), crabs (r = 0.710), molluscs (r = 0.493) and prawns (r = 0.593). Indeed the multiple regression model explained that the metals of sediments influence the accumulation of metals in biotic species such as polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans, prawns and fishes with 84% (F = 21.079; p < 0.001).The order of the heavy metals in the water, sediment and biotic species was Hg > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu > Cd. The study found that the level of heavy metals at various sources in the sanctuary is showing considerable warning and the sanctuary is required intensive assessment on various aspects of pollution since the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is supporting several species of migratory and endangered shorebirds seasonally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeganathan Pandiyan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai - 609305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shahid Mahboob
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Vector Control, Phytochemistry and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.,Unit of Natural Products and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam 612 001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid A Al-Ghanim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Al-Mulhm
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajendran Jagadheesan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai - 609305, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaliyamoorthy Krishnappa
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai - 609305, Tamil Nadu, India
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De La Peña-Lastra S. Seabird droppings: Effects on a global and local level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142148. [PMID: 33254937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142148] [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: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds, with approximately 1 billion specimens, are the main exchangers of nutrients between Terrestial and Marine Systems and they have become an emerging interest group because of their effects on the planet's ecosystem. This review paper aims to highlight the impact of seabird droppings at different trophic levels, their occurrence, ecological risks and effects on soil, water, atmosphere and biota at global and local level to try to understand the ecological and climatic changes associated with the activities of these birds. Seabirds they have a very marked influence on the ecosystems where they form their colonies since, in addition to their function as predators, alongside with their depositions, they condition the primary producers and, consequently, the rest of the food chain. Their excrements contain large amounts of N, P and trace elements, most of which are bioavailable. In this study, besides bringing together the different works on nutrients and trace elements in excrements and differentiating some terms referring to these excrements, a brief historical overview of their importance for agriculture is made. In addition, the impacts produced by these birds on the ecosystem are also analysed according to two levels, at a global and local level. At each of these levels, a current state of the effects on the different compartments of the ecosystems is made, from the biota to the soils, the water or the atmosphere. This review supports the idea that more studies are needed both at the atmospheric level and in the terrestrial or marine environment for a better understanding of the changes these birds generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl De La Peña-Lastra
- CRETUS Institute, Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Spain.
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Pandiyan J, Jagadheesan R, Karthikeyan G, Mahboob S, Al-Ghanim KA, Al-Misned F, Ahmed Z, Krishnappa K, Elumalai K, Govindarajan M. Probing of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds of Central Asian Flyway wintering grounds. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22118. [PMID: 33335186 PMCID: PMC7747699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The study is intended to deliver the incidence of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds from two important Central Asian Flyway (CAF) migratory shorebirds wintering sites such as the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) and Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF), India. Feathers of fifteen species of shorebirds and seven different metals viz., Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn were analyzed. Zn was highest in Dunlin, Little-ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, and Common sandpiper, Ni showed highest in Little ringed plover, and Common sandpiper, Co, Cr, and Cu were maximum in Little stint, Marsh sandpiper, and Dunlin, respectively. The Hg was higher in Black-winged stilt, Common redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian curlew, Lesser Sand-plover, Temminck’s stint, Kentish plover, Spotted redshank, and Wood sandpiper, the Pb found highest in Kentish plover, Painted stork, Spotted redshank, Wood sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Lesser sand-plover. The concentration of metals showed significant variations among the species of shorebirds studied (P < 0.001). The mercury negatively correlated with the other metals than the other six metals studied in both the wetlands. The order of metal concentration in the feathers of shorebirds was Zn > Ni > Co > Cr > Cu > Pb > Hg. Nevertheless, the current study revealed that the level of metals in the shorebirds is alarming; since the PWLS and PMF are located along the CAF routes, it needs intensive studies on various pollutions to manage both the resident as well as migratory shorebirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeganathan Pandiyan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609 305, India.
| | - Rajendran Jagadheesan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609 305, India
| | - Ganesan Karthikeyan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609 305, India
| | - Shahid Mahboob
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid A Al-Ghanim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al-Misned
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kaliyamoorthy Krishnappa
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609 305, India
| | - Kuppusamy Elumalai
- Department of Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology, Government Arts College for Men (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600035, India
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Vector Control, Phytochemistry and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, 608 002, India. .,Unit of Natural Products and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, 612 001, India.
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25
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Sun Y, Lu Z, Xiao K, Zeng L, Wang J, Gabrielsen GW. Antarctic Adélie penguin feathers as bio-indicators of geographic and temporal variations in heavy metal concentrations in their habitats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111135. [PMID: 32866890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111135] [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: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabird feathers are effective indicators of heavy metal contamination. To propose a biological detection method suitable for the long-term monitoring of heavy metals in the Antarctic environment, eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Adélie penguin feathers from different body parts, years, and molting grounds in the Antarctic were investigated in this study. It is found that the concentrations of heavy metals in the feathers showed differences among the body part of origin. The levels of the eight elements in the abdomen and back feathers were approximately the same, but some elements of them were significantly higher than those in the tail feathers. The Hg and Cd concentrations in the abdomen and back feathers increased from root to tip, regardless of the sampling year or molting ground. Based on a structural analysis of the feathers, Hg and Cd were mainly distributed in the feather vane rather than the shaft. The methylmercury content accounted for 83%-97% of the total mercury content in all feather samples, regardless of location, year, or body part, thereby supporting the assumption that mercury entering the feather was predominantly methylated and indicating that a relatively toxic form of Hg is excreted through the feathers. The heavy metals in feathers from the same molting ground showed significant differences over the sampling years. The average concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn increased significantly from 2015 to 2019, whereas those of Cd, Hg, and Pb tended to decrease. The concentrations of the eight elements in Adélie feathers from three molting grounds varied greatly, possibly in relation to their living areas and dietary structures. Feathers from the Ross Sea site had the highest Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn concentrations, the highest As and Cr concentrations were detected in feathers from the Zhongshan site, and feathers from the Great Wall site showed higher Pb concentrations than those from the other two sites. This study established a long-term, nondestructive, and efficient method for monitoring heavy metal contamination in the polar environment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Zhibo Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Kaiyan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lingyun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Juan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Souza JS, Kasper D, da Cunha LST, Soares TA, de Lira Pessoa AR, de Carvalho GO, Costa ES, Niedzielski P, Torres JPM. Biological factors affecting total mercury and methylmercury levels in Antarctic penguins. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 261:127713. [PMID: 32738710 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Penguins in Antarctica occupy high trophic levels, thus accumulating high amounts of mercury (Hg) through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Blood reflects the current levels of contaminants circulating in the body, while feathers are known as the main route of Hg elimination in birds. Studies sampling chicks and adults can provide a comprehensive picture of bioaccumulation and local contamination. Three pygoscelid species (Pygoscelis adeliae, Pygoscelis antarcticus and Pygoscelis papua) have circumpolar distributions being the ideal sentinels of Antarctic environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess Hg contamination of the pristine Antarctic region using non-destructive penguin samples. Fieldwork was carried out during the austral summer of 2013/2014 in the South Shetland Islands, off the north-west Antarctic Peninsula. Concentrations of total Hg (ng.g-1 dw) in blood ranged from 39 to 182 in chicks and 45 to 581 in adults, while concentrations in feathers ranged from 73 to 598 in chicks and 156 to 1648 in adults. Most Hg in feathers (about 70%) is accumulated in the form of methylmercury. Differences were demonstrated in mercury bioaccumulation were related to species and age, but not to sex. To our knowledge this is the first study to report MeHg levels in both juvenile and adult pygoscelid penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Silva Souza
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Daniele Kasper
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Larissa Schmauder Teixeira da Cunha
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tuany Alves Soares
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Rodrigues de Lira Pessoa
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Oliveira de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erli Schneider Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, Unidade Universitária Hortênsias, Rua Assis Brasil 842, 95400-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Przemysław Niedzielski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ebert LA, Branco JO, Barbieri E. Evaluation of trace elements in feathers of young kelp gull Larus dominicanus along the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111676. [PMID: 33181949 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111676] [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: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are used as bioindicators of marine ecosystems, especially for quantifying and tracking pollution sources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination in feathers of young kelp gulls by lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn) on three islands of southern Brazil. The highest values for Pb (2.1310 μg g-1) and Hg (0.0010 μg g-1) were observed in Lobos. Zn was common in all samples with a median around 41.7487 μg g-1 and Cr values were below the quantification limit (0.0300 μg g-1). The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in Pb (H = 21.84; p < 0.05) and Zn (H = 958.80; p < 0.05), but no differences were observed in Cr (H = 3.08; p < 0.05) and Hg (H = 3.0; p < 0.05). This study was important to show the impact of trace element pollutants on the seabird communities and oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Ebert
- UNIASSELVI, Centro Universitário Leonardo da Vinci, Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental e Sanitária, Indaial, SC, Brazil.
| | - Joaquim O Branco
- UNIVALI, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Escola do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Edison Barbieri
- Instituto de Pesca - Secretaria da Agricultura e Abastecimento - Governo do Estado de São Paulo, Cananéia, SP, Brazil
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Furtado R, Pereira ME, Granadeiro JP, Catry P. Body feather mercury and arsenic concentrations in five species of seabirds from the Falkland Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110574. [PMID: 31546110 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Several pollutants, including heavy metals, magnify along the food chain, and top predators such as seabirds can be used to monitor their trends in the marine environment. We studied mercury and arsenic contamination in body feathers in penguins, petrels and cormorants in three islands of the Falklands Islands. There were significant differences among species and sites in the concentration of trace elements in feathers. Black-browed albatrosses and gentoo penguins had consistently high mercury concentrations on New Island, while Rockhopper penguins and imperial shags presented considerably higher concentrations at Beauchene Island. Mercury levels in black-browed albatrosses increased since 1986 on one of the islands, probably reflecting world-wide emission trends. Rockhopper penguins exhibited high arsenic levels, but levels were less variable among species, and were not correlated with mercury levels, suggesting low biomagnification. These results provide a reference line for bioindication studies using feathers from species on the Falkland Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Furtado
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Eduarda Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies/REQUINTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Catry
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Pacyna AD, Jakubas D, Ausems ANMA, Frankowski M, Polkowska Ż, Wojczulanis-Jakubas K. Storm petrels as indicators of pelagic seabird exposure to chemical elements in the Antarctic marine ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:382-392. [PMID: 31351282 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Data on trace element bioavailability in the south-polar marine ecosystem is still scarce, compared to that relating to temperate zones. Seabirds can be used as indicators of ecosystem health and sentinels of environmental pollution, constituting a link between marine and terrestrial environments. Here, we analysed the concentration of 17 elements (with special emphasis on mercury, Hg) in feathers of adults and chicks of two pelagic seabirds - the Wilson's storm petrel Oceanites oceanicus and the black-bellied storm petrel Fregetta tropica - breeding sympatrically in the maritime Antarctic. Since adult feathers are formed during the non-breeding period away from the breeding grounds, but down and body feathers of chicks grow at the breeding sites, we were able to evaluate the birds' exposure to contaminants at various stages of their annual life cycle and in various marine zones. We found that of the two studied species, adult black-bellied storm petrels had significantly higher mercury, selenium and copper levels (5.47 ± 1.61; 5.19 ± 1.18; 8.20 ± 0.56 μg g-1 dw, respectively) than Wilson's storm petrels (2.38 ± 1.47; 1.81 ± 0.98; 2.52 ± 2.35 μg g-1 dw, respectively). We found that Wilson's storm petrel chicks had a significantly different contaminant profile than adults. Arsenic, bismuth and antimony were detected exclusively in the chick feathers, and the Se:Hg molar ratio was higher in chicks than in adults. Our study also suggests considerable maternal transfer of Hg (to down feathers) in both species. As global contaminant emissions are expected to increase, birds inhabiting remote areas with sparse anthropogenic pollution can indicate the temporal trends in global contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dorota Pacyna
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Jakubas
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anne N M A Ausems
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marcin Frankowski
- Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań, Faculty of Chemistry, Poznań, Poland
| | - Żaneta Polkowska
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdańsk, Poland.
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Analysis of Toxic and Essential Elements in the Blood and Feathers of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at Punta San Juan, Peru. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:438-443. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-03-081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Squadrone S, Brizio P, Favaro L, Todino G, Florio D, Da Rugna C, Abete MC. Humboldt penguins' feathers as bioindicators of metal exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1734-1739. [PMID: 30273732 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.326] [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: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Avian feathers have the potential to accumulate trace elements originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. In fact, in feathers, metals bind to keratin, a sulphur-containing protein for which several metals have a strong affinity. Here, the concentrations of 18 essential and non-essential elements were investigated in a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) colony housed at the Acquario di Cattolica (Italy). This species is listed as vulnerable in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. According to the literature, there is usually a link between metal levels in the diet of birds and levels detected in their feathers. Thus, metals were also determined in the penguins' food (capelin, Mallotus villosus). We hypothesize that the controlled conditions in which birds are kept in captivity, and the homogeneous diet that they follow could allow a better understanding of metal bioaccumulation (such as mercury) or bio-dilution (such as arsenic) in the marine food chain, indicated by penguins' feathers. Moreover, comparisons with our previous investigations performed on an ex-situ African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colony suggest that penguins living indoors have lower body burden of metals than those living outdoors. Indeed, environmental contaminants usually found in areas subjected to anthropogenic impact, where zoos and aquaria are often located, are not accumulated to levels of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Paola Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Gilda Todino
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Florio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria, e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
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Einoder LD, MacLeod CK, Coughanowr C. Metal and Isotope Analysis of Bird Feathers in a Contaminated Estuary Reveals Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, and Potential Toxic Effects. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:96-110. [PMID: 29730716 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Derwent estuary, in south east Tasmania, is highly contaminated with heavy metals, mainly due to past industrial pollution. This study sought to determine the extent of contamination, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in the resident bird community and therefore to infer the potential for adverse effects in birds. Thirteen metals were measured from breast feathers (n = 51 individuals) of eight sympatric species of aquatic bird. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes were used to identify dietary sources of contaminants, trophic level, and potential biomagnification through food chains. Generalised linear models revealed that metal burdens were often poorly correlated with δ 13C, indicating their uptake from a range of freshwater, brackish, and marine carbon sources-not surprising due to widespread contamination across the tidal estuary. Feather mercury increased significantly with trophic level (inferred from δ15N). White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster samples contained 240 times more mercury than feral Goose Anser cygnoides. Feather arsenic and copper concentrations were significantly higher in birds feeding lower in the food chain. For several piscivorous species, both chick and adults were sampled revealing significantly higher feather mercury, zinc, and selenium in adults. Feathers from birds found dead along the banks of the estuary had significantly higher lead loads than from live birds, and numerous individuals had levels of mercury, zinc, and lead above toxic thresholds reported in other studies. These results highlight the need to include biota from higher trophic levels in contaminant monitoring programs to understand fully the fate and broader implications of contaminants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Einoder
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
- Derwent Estuary Program Ltd, 24 Davey Street, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
- c/o Prof. Stephen Garnett, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
| | - C K MacLeod
- Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania, Nubeena Cresent, Taroona, Hobart, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - C Coughanowr
- Derwent Estuary Program Ltd, 24 Davey Street, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
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Squadrone S, Abete MC, Brizio P, Pessani D, Favaro L. Metals in Feathers of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus): Considerations for the Welfare and Management of Seabirds Under Human Care. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:465-471. [PMID: 29450570 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2293-9] [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: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bird feathers have been proven to be reliable indicators of metal exposure originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. The concentrations of 15 essential and non-essential metals were investigated in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) feathers from a Northwestern Italian zoological facility. These birds are exclusively fed with herring from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Certain elements, such as Hg and Cd, reflected the bioaccumulation phenomena that occur through the marine food chain. The levels of Cr, Mn, and Ni were comparable to those registered in feathers of birds living in polluted areas. These results are important for comparative studies regarding the health, nutrition and welfare of endangered seabirds kept under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy.
| | - M C Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - P Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - D Pessani
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - L Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
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Grúz A, Déri J, Szemerédy G, Szabó K, Kormos É, Bartha A, Lehel J, Budai P. Monitoring of heavy metal burden in wild birds at eastern/north-eastern part of Hungary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:6378-6386. [PMID: 29249025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1004-0] [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: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of different heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) were examined in the contour feathers of long-eared owl (Asio otus), little owl (Athene noctua), tawny owl (Strix aluco), barn owl (Tyto alba), Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), rook (Corvus frugilegus), hooded crow (Corvus cornix), carrion crow (Corvus corone), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). The samples were collected from the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation) in Hungary. The bird species were classified into six groups based on their nourishment. Feathers were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned heavy metals in the six different groups and to compare them by the groups, to find a possible connection between the concentrations and the age of birds and to get some information about the heavy metal burden of the environment. The highest As concentration was measured in little owl (0.65 ± 0.56 mg/kg). The highest Cd, Cr and Pb concentration was found in the feathers of barn swallow (0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg; 1.69 ± 0.44 mg/kg; 5.36 ± 1.46 mg/kg), while the highest Cu and Hg concentration (65.45 ± 17.66 mg/kg; 2.72 ± 1.08 mg/kg) in sparrowhawk feathers and the highest Zn concentration in owls (157.21 ± 57.3 mg/kg). Statistically significant difference has been determined between the juvenile and adult crows in the case of Cd (p = 0.011). The higher concentration was measured in adults (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg) than that in juveniles (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Based on our results, the examined area is not contaminated by these heavy metals on that level, which can cause any adverse effect or poisoning in birds, so this region is safe to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Grúz
- Department of Hygiene, Institution for Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, 8360, Hungary.
| | - János Déri
- Bird Hospital Foundation, Petőfi tér 6, Hortobágy, 4071, Hungary
| | - Géza Szemerédy
- Department of Hygiene, Institution for Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, 8360, Hungary
| | - Korinna Szabó
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, 1400, Hungary
| | - Éva Kormos
- Department of Hygiene, Institution for Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, 8360, Hungary
| | - András Bartha
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herdhealth and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, 1400, Hungary
| | - József Lehel
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, 1400, Hungary
| | - Péter Budai
- Department of Hygiene, Institution for Plant Protection, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deák F. u. 16, Keszthely, 8360, Hungary
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The great egret (Ardea alba) as a bioindicator of trace element contamination in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Espejo W, Celis JE, GonzÃlez-Acuña D, Banegas A, Barra R, Chiang G. A Global Overview of Exposure Levels and Biological Effects of Trace Elements in Penguins. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 245:1-64. [PMID: 29079931 DOI: 10.1007/398_2017_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements are chemical contaminants that can be present almost anywhere on the planet. The study of trace elements in biotic matrices is a topic of great relevance for the implications that it can have on wildlife and human health. Penguins are very useful, since they live exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere and represent about 90% of the biomass of birds of the Southern Ocean. The levels of trace elements (dry weight) in different biotic matrices of penguins were reviewed here. Maps of trace element records in penguins were included. Data on exposure and effects of trace elements in penguins were collected from the literature. The most reported trace elements in penguins are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, and manganese. Trace elements have been measured in 11 of the 18 species of penguins. The most studied biotic matrices are feathers and excreta. Most of the studies have been performed in Antarctica and subantarctic Islands. Little is known about the interaction among metals, which could provide better knowledge about certain mechanisms of detoxification in penguins. Future studies of trace elements in penguins must incorporate other metals such as vanadium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium. Data of metals in the species such as Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Eudyptes moseleyi, Eudyptes sclateri, Eudyptes robustus, Eudyptes schlegeli, Spheniscus demersus, Spheniscus mendiculus, and Megadyptes antipodes are urged. It is important to correlate levels of metals in different biotic matrices with the effects on different species and in different geographic locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred Espejo
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, ChillÃn, Chile.
| | - Daniel GonzÃlez-Acuña
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, ChillÃn, Chile
| | - Andiranel Banegas
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Sciences Biology Unit, Danlí Technological Campus, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Danlí, Honduras
| | - Ricardo Barra
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
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Dolci NN, Sá F, da Costa Machado E, Krul R, Rodrigues Neto R. Trace elements in feathers and eggshells of brown booby Sula leucogaster in the Marine National Park of Currais Islands, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:496. [PMID: 28891020 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Levels of trace elements were investigated in feathers of 51 adults and 47 eggshells of brown boobies Sula leucogaster from one bird colony in the Marine National Park of Currais Islands, Brazil, between December 2013 and October 2014. Average concentrations (μg g-1, dry weight) in feathers and eggshells, respectively, were Al 50.62-9.58, As 0.35-2.37, Cd 0.05-0.03, Co 0.38-2.1, Cu 15.12-0.99, Fe 47.47-22.92, Mg 815.71-1116.92, Ni 0.29-11.85, and Zn 94.16-1.98. In both arrays, the average concentration of Mg was the highest among all the elements analyzed, while the lowest was recorded for Cd. As and Ni presented levels at which biological impacts might occur. Zn concentrations were higher than those considered normal in other organs. Levels of Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd were higher in feathers, whereas higher contents of Mg, Co, Ni, and As occurred in eggshells. The comparison between the elements in eggshells collected at different seasons showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) due, probably, to the lack of temporal variation on foraging behavior and/or on bioavailability of trace elements. Metals and arsenic in feathers and eggshells were mostly not correlated. Future studies on Paraná coast should focus on the speciation of the elements, especially As, Ni, and Zn, which proved to be a possible problem for the environment and biota. It is necessary to investigate both matrices, shell and internal contents of the eggs, in order to verify if the differences previously reported in other studies also occur in eggs of brown boobies in the Marine National Park of Currais Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natiely Natalyane Dolci
- Center of Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Beira-Mar Avenue, Mailboxl 50.002, Pontal do Sul, Pontal do Paraná, PR, 83255976, Brazil.
| | - Fabian Sá
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Department of Oceanography and Ecology, University Campus Goiabeiras, Fernando Ferrari Avenue, 514, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, 29075910, Brazil
| | - Eunice da Costa Machado
- Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande, Campus Carreiros, Av. Italia km 8, Rio Grande, 96203000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Krul
- Center of Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Beira-Mar Avenue, Mailboxl 50.002, Pontal do Sul, Pontal do Paraná, PR, 83255976, Brazil
| | - Renato Rodrigues Neto
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Department of Oceanography and Ecology, University Campus Goiabeiras, Fernando Ferrari Avenue, 514, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, 29075910, Brazil
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Santamans AC, Boluda R, Picazo A, Gil C, Ramos-Miras J, Tejedo P, Pertierra LR, Benayas J, Camacho A. Soil features in rookeries of Antarctic penguins reveal sea to land biotransport of chemical pollutants. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181901. [PMID: 28813428 PMCID: PMC5558944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The main soil physical-chemical features, the concentrations of a set of pollutants, and the soil microbiota linked to penguin rookeries have been studied in 10 selected sites located at the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula (Maritime Antarctica). This study aims to test the hypothesis that biotransport by penguins increases the concentration of pollutants, especially heavy metals, in Antarctic soils, and alters its microbiota. Our results show that penguins do transport certain chemical elements and thus cause accumulation in land areas through their excreta. Overall, a higher penguin activity is associated with higher organic carbon content and with higher concentrations of certain pollutants in soils, especially cadmium, cooper and arsenic, as well as zinc and selenium. In contrast, in soils that are less affected by penguins’ faecal depositions, the concentrations of elements of geochemical origin, such as iron and cobalt, increase their relative weighted contribution, whereas the above-mentioned pollutants maintain very low levels. The concentrations of pollutants are far higher in those penguin rookeries that are more exposed to ship traffic. In addition, the soil microbiota of penguin-influenced soils was studied by molecular methods. Heavily penguin-affected soils have a massive presence of enteric bacteria, whose relative dominance can be taken as an indicator of penguin influence. Faecal bacteria are present in addition to typical soil taxa, the former becoming dominant in the microbiota of penguin-affected soils, whereas typical soil bacteria, such as Actinomycetales, co-dominate the microbiota of less affected soils. Results indicate that the continuous supply by penguin faeces, and not the selectivity by increased pollutant concentrations is the main factor shaping the soil bacterial community. Overall, massive penguin influence results in increased concentrations of certain pollutants and in a strong change in taxa dominance in the soil bacterial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Santamans
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de Valencia, Paterna, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Rafael Boluda
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Antonio Picazo
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de Valencia, Paterna, Spain
| | - Carlos Gil
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Joaquín Ramos-Miras
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Pablo Tejedo
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis R. Pertierra
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Benayas
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Camacho
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de Valencia, Paterna, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Kim J, Oh JM. Concentrations of Trace Elements in Adult and Nestling Black-Tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 98:619-623. [PMID: 28285377 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2053-2] [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: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace element concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Al, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) were measured in the liver of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) adults (n = 10) and nestlings (n = 10) collected at Chilsando Island, Jellanam-do, Korea, in June 2011. Adults gulls, when compared to nestlings, accumulated higher concentrations of all trace elements; Cd, 0.53 and 0.04 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively, Pb, 0.47 and 0.21 µg/g dw, Cr, 0.08 and 0.05 µg/g dw, Al, 6.56 and 3.94 µg/g dw, Cu, 5.57 and 3.88 µg/g dw, Mn, 3.71 and 1.99 µg/g dw, Zn, 34.1 and 22.9 µg/g dw and Fe, 279 and 171 µg/g dw. No individuals of either adults or nestlings exceeded the threshold level for toxic effects for Cd (>3.0 µg/g dw), Pb (>6.0 µg/g dw) and Cr (>4.0 µg/g dw). Cd, Pb and Cr concentrations were comparable or lower than reported in other gull studies worldwide. None of the other elements present in the liver of black-tailed gull adults and nestlings were at toxic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Min Oh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea.
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Catán SP, Bubach D, Di Fonzo C, Dopchiz L, Arribére M, Ansaldo M. Pygoscelis antarcticus feathers as bioindicator of trace element risk in marine environments from Barton Peninsula, 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:10759-10767. [PMID: 28286909 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We report the contents of elements in feathers of Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus), which had not been informed up to now, such as silver and bromine and others listed as hazardous by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as arsenic, cobalt, chromium, and mercury. Analyses of the element concentrations in feathers, adult and chicken, from Barton Peninsulas at 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, South Shetlands, were made by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Samarium, lanthanum a, thorium, and uranium concentrations in Chinstrap penguin feathers were below 0.1 mg/kg. This suggests that the elements in feather do not come from atmospheric particles surface deposition. Arsenic (0.120 ± 0.050 mg/kg) and cobalt (0.030 ± 0.020 mg/kg) concentrations were lower than the reports for other colony of Chinstrap penguins, and essential elements as iron (26 ± 12 mg/kg), zinc (78.0 ± 5.3 mg/kg), and chromium (0.51 ± 0.27 mg/kg) were in the same range while Se (2.90 ± 0.65 mg/kg) content were the lowest reported. Mercury (0.43 ± 0.21 mg/kg), chromium (0.210 ± 0.060 mg/kg), and silver (0.083 ± 0.003 mg/kg) in chicks tended to be lower than in adults. Iron, cobalt, and arsenic concentrations in feathers found in this study were the lowest compared to measurements were in several penguin species in Antarctica. These results confirm to feathers like effective indicators for the trace elements incorporated in the penguins and it provide a data set which can adds to the baseline for bioindication studies using feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Perez Catán
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Debora Bubach
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Carla Di Fonzo
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Avenida 25 de Mayo 1151, B1650HML, General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Dopchiz
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Avenida 25 de Mayo 1151, B1650HML, General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Argentina JF Ken-nedy, Sarmiento 4562, C1197AAR, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Arribére
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Martin Ansaldo
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Avenida 25 de Mayo 1151, B1650HML, General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Argentina JF Ken-nedy, Sarmiento 4562, C1197AAR, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Culicov OA, Yurukova L, Duliu OG, Zinicovscaia I. Elemental content of mosses and lichens from Livingston Island (Antarctica) as determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:5717-5732. [PMID: 28039634 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The total content of 8 major and 32 trace elements in four species of mosses and two of lichens as well as neighboring soil and rocks collected from different places of the Livingston Island Antarctica was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The main goals of the project consisted of evidencing the possible trace of anthropogenic contamination as well as the influence of altitude on the distribution of considered elements. In the absence of a unanimously accepted descriptor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation, and pollution load indices with respect to soil and rocks were used. The data, interpreted within the model of a reference plant, were compared with previous studies regarding the same organisms in similar geographic and climatological areas. The experimental results evidenced different capacity of mosses and lichens to retain the considered elements, but within experimental uncertainties, no traces of anthropogenic pollution were found. At the same time, it was found that the content of most of the elements decreased with the altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otilia A Culicov
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- National Research and Development Institute for Electrical Engineering (ICPE-Advanced Research), 30, Splaiul Unirii, 74204, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Yurukova
- Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str, Block 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Octavian G Duliu
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation.
- Faculty of Physics, Department of Structure of Matter, Earth, and Atmospheric Physics, and Astrophysics, University of Bucharest, 405, Atomistilor str., P.O. Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania.
| | - Inga Zinicovscaia
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30, Reactorului str., P.O. Box MG-6, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania
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Kim J, Kim IK, Oh JM. Effect of embedded shot on trace element concentrations in livers of Anseriformes species. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 134P1:38-42. [PMID: 27584822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements were analyzed in the liver of white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons, n=15), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos, n=4) and spot-billed ducks (Anas poecilorhyncha, n=13) found dead in Gimpo, Korea. All mallards and eight spot-billed ducks had embedded lead shot. Embedded shot could be affected elevated trace element concentrations on geese and ducks. Element concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), copper (Cr), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) differed among species and white-fronted geese without embedded shot had the lowest concentrations for all elements (geomean 0.36, 0.43, 0.07, 1.46, 7.60, 2.61 and 13.5µg/g dw, respectively). Cadmium in four (3.27-7.77µg/g dw) of 32 individuals and Pb in eight (5.07-9.72µg/g dw) of 32 individuals exceeded a tentative threshold effect level of Cd (>3.0µg/g dw) and Pb (>5.0µg/g dw) for birds; all geese and ducks for Cr (0.07-0.43µg/g dw) were within the background level (<4.0µg/g dw). All trace element concentrations were much greater in waterfowl species with embedded shot than without shot. Essential trace elements such as Cr, Al (geomean 1.46-37.3µg/g dw), Cu (7.60-57.1µg/g dw), Mn (2.61-27.6µg/g dw) and Zn (13.5-176µg/g dw) were within the normal range and were probably maintained by normal homeostatic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Kyu Kim
- Korea Institute of Environmental Ecology, 62-12 Techno 1-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34014, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Min Oh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea.
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Squadrone S, Abete MC, Brizio P, Monaco G, Colussi S, Biolatti C, Modesto P, Acutis PL, Pessani D, Favaro L. Sex- and age-related variation in metal content of penguin feathers. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:431-438. [PMID: 26597735 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The presence of xenobiotics, such as metals, in ecosystems is concerning due to their durability and they pose a threat to the health and life of organisms. Moreover, mercury can biomagnify in many marine food chains and, therefore, organisms at higher trophic levels can be adversely impacted. Although feathers have been used extensively as a bio-monitoring tool, only a few studies have addressed the effect of both age and sex on metal accumulation. In this study, the concentrations of trace elements were determined in the feathers of all members of a captive colony of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) housed in a zoological facility in Italy. Tests were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to detect aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. Mercury was detected by a direct mercury analyzer. Sexing was performed by a molecular approach based on analyzing the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding1 gene, located on the sex chromosomes. Sex- and age-related differences were studied in order to investigate the different patterns of metal bioaccumulation between male and female individuals and between adults and juveniles. Juvenile females had significantly higher arsenic levels than males, while selenium levels increased significantly with age in both sexes. Penguins kept in controlled environments-given that diet and habitat are under strict control-represent a unique opportunity to determine if and how metal bioaccumulation is related to sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy.
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriella Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Colussi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Biolatti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Modesto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Acutis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Pessani
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Favaro
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Turin, Italy
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Cunachi AM, Fernández-Delgado M, Suárez P, Contreras M, Michelangeli F, García-Amado MA. Detection of Helicobacter DNA in different water sources and penguin feces from Greenwich, Dee and Barrientos Islands, Antarctica. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Mercury accumulation in gentoo penguins Pygoscelis papua: spatial, temporal and sexual intraspecific variations. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Calle P, Alvarado O, Monserrate L, Cevallos JM, Calle N, Alava JJ. Mercury accumulation in sediments and seabird feathers from the Antarctic Peninsula. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 91:410-417. [PMID: 25455813 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to assess the impact of mercury in the Antarctic Peninsula, we conducted ecotoxicological research in this region during the summer of 2012 and 2013. The objectives were to assess: (a) mercury levels in sediment samples; (b) mercury accumulation in Antarctic seabird feathers: Catharacta lonnbergi (brown skua), Pygoscelis papua (gentoo penguin) and Pygoscelis antarctica (chinstrap penguin); and (c) biomagnification (BMF predator/prey) and biota sediment accumulation (BSAF skuas/sediment) factors. Mercury concentrations in sediment were relatively low. Mercury concentrations were significantly higher in brown skuas and gentoo penguins than in chinstrap penguins (2012), and significantly higher in brown skuas than in both penguins (2013). BMF indicated 2-7.5 times greater mercury levels in brown skuas than in penguins. BSAF values suggested an apparent temporal decrease of 18.2% of this ratio from 2012 to 2013. Long-range environmental transport is the likely route of entry of mercury into the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Calle
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Facultad de Ciencias Marítimas, Oceánicas y Recursos Naturales, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Omar Alvarado
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Facultad de Ciencias Marítimas, Oceánicas y Recursos Naturales, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Lorena Monserrate
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Nastenka Calle
- Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- School of Resource & Environment Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A1S6, Canada
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Abdullah M, Fasola M, Muhammad A, Malik SA, Bostan N, Bokhari H, Kamran MA, Shafqat MN, Alamdar A, Khan M, Ali N, Eqani SAMAS. Avian feathers as a non-destructive bio-monitoring tool of trace metals signatures: a case study from severely contaminated areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:553-561. [PMID: 25112582 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of trace metals were assessed using feathers of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), collected within two industrial areas of Pakistan, Lahore and Sialkot. We found, in order of descending concentration: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), and Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), and Lithium (Li), without any significant difference (except Fe, Zn, and Ni) between the two areas. The concentrations of trace metals, we recorded were among the highest ever reported in the feathers of avian species worldwide. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd were above the threshold that affects bird reproductive success. The high contamination by heavy metals in the two areas is due to anthropogenic activities as well to natural ones (for As and Fe). The bioaccumulation ratios in eggs and feathers of the cattle egret, their prey, and the sediments from their foraging habitats, confirmed that avian feathers are a convenient and non-destructive sampling tool for the metal contamination. The results of this study will contribute to the environmental management of the Lahore and Sialkot industrial areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mauro Fasola
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ashiq Muhammad
- Ecotoxicology Research Program, National Agricultural Research Center, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
| | - Salman Ahmad Malik
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Nazish Bostan
- Public Health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Habib Bokhari
- Public Health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Mustafa Nawaz Shafqat
- Public Health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ambreen Alamdar
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Mudassar Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Ali
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Kim J, Oh JM. Concentration of trace elements in feathers of waterfowl, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:8517-25. [PMID: 25208517 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were analyzed in the breast feather of white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons, n = 15), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 4), and spot-billed ducks (Anas poecilorhyncha, n = 13) found dead in Gimpo, Korea. All of the mallards and eight of the 13 spot-billed ducks had embedded shot. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe were significantly different among waterfowl species. Mallards with embedded shot had relatively higher Pb, Cr, Mn, and Fe concentrations than the other species. Cd and Cr in feathers of waterfowl species were within the range reported for other birds, and no specimen exceeded the tentative threshold effect levels of Cd (2 μg/g dry weight (dw)) and Cr (2.8 μg/g dw) for birds. However, Pb in feathers of all four mallards and two spot-billed ducks exceeded the threshold for deleterious effects (>4 μg/g dw). Essential elements such as Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe in the feather of waterfowl species were not at toxic levels and within the background or normal range for the homeostatic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, 446-701, Republic of Korea,
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Markowski M, Bańbura M, Kaliński A, Markowski J, Skwarska J, Wawrzyniak J, Zieliński P, Bańbura J. Spatial and temporal variation of lead, cadmium, and zinc in feathers of great tit and blue tit nestlings in Central Poland. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 67:507-18. [PMID: 24801570 PMCID: PMC4192558 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-014-0028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestling great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus at two different sites (urban parkland vs. deciduous forest) located in the Łódź agglomeration in relation to interyear variation. We found that tit species did not differ significantly in lead and cadmium concentrations. Zinc concentration was significantly higher in blue tits. We also found that lead and cadmium levels in blue tit nestlings and the level of lead in great tit nestlings were higher in the parkland site than in the woodland site. We explain habitat variation in heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestlings by different levels of contamination at study sites. For both tit species, significant variation in heavy-metal amounts accumulated by nestlings was found between years with the lowest value in a year with the lowest value of rainfall. We suggest that the interyear variation may be accounted for by differences in rainfall, thus influencing quantities of trace elements bioavailable in the environment.
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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, Lodz, Poland,
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