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Zhang J, Cao H, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Su H. An improved comprehensive model for assessing the heavy metals exposure towards waterbirds: A case report from Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Caohai Wetland, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115431. [PMID: 37666202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115431] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination poses a significant environmental threat to wildlife on global scale, making accurate assessment of exposure risk crucial for conservation efforts, particularly for vulnerable species. Existing risk assessment models have been widely used, but their construction process lacks comprehensive considerations. In this study, we constructed an optimized health risk assessment model based on the well-established "Liu's model" and "ADI model", and applied the pollution allocation factor (AF) to accurately assess the risk of heavy metal exposure to wildlife. Our model was applied to assess exposure risk of heavy metal for the black-necked crane(Grus nigricollis), a flagship species in the alpine wetland ecosystem of Caohai Wetland. Soil, plant and black-necked crane fecal samples were collected from the Caohai Wetland and surrounding areas in Guizhou, China. We revealed varying degrees of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contamination in soil and plants from different habitats, exceeding the background or plant limit values. This indicated that the black-necked crane and other waterbirds living in Caohai Wetland are suffering with the multi-elemental heavy metal contamination, especially in the gutterway and grassland. The exposure dose of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn toward black-necked cranes differed significantly in soil and plant pathways (P < 0.05). As, Cd, Cu, and Zn were mainly derived from plants consumption, while Cr and Ni originated from soil. Considering the contribution of soil and plant pathways to heavy metal exposure in black-necked cranes, the exposure doses of each elements calculated via food intake accounted for over half of the exposure calculated via feces (AF>0.5). The risk assessment model identified Cr and Pb were the highest risk elements for black-necked cranes, with exposure risk simulated through feces exceeding those through food. These findings suggested that current Liu's model may underestimate the effects of other pathways and medium. Therefore, we proposed a more comprehensive and accurate model for evaluating the exposure risk of black-necked cranes, incorporating AF to quantify the contribution of risk sources to black-necked cranes and understand their overall health risk. This model can serve as a useful tool for the conservation and habitat quality improvement of the black-necked cranes and other waterbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhang
- College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Caohai Wetland Ecosystem, Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Weining 553100, China
| | - Heqin Cao
- College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yeying Wang
- College of Life Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Haijun Su
- College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Caohai Wetland Ecosystem, Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Weining 553100, China.
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Wainstein M, Harding LB, O'Neill SM, Boyd DT, Koontz F, Miller B, Klütsch CFC, Thomas PJ, Ylitalo GM. Highly contaminated river otters (Lontra canadensis) are effective biomonitors of environmental pollutant exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:670. [PMID: 35970905 PMCID: PMC9378324 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10272-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
River otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants via their diet, potentially serving as biomonitors of watershed health. They reside throughout the Green-Duwamish River, WA (USA), a watershed encompassing an extreme urbanization gradient, including a US Superfund site slated for a 17-year remediation. The objectives of this study were to document baseline contaminant levels in river otters, assess otters' utility as top trophic-level biomonitors of contaminant exposure, and evaluate the potential for health impacts on this species. We measured a suite of contaminants of concern, lipid content, nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N), and microsatellite DNA markers in 69 otter scat samples collected from twelve sites. Landcover characteristics were used to group sampling sites into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased significantly with increasing urbanization, and were best predicted by models that included development zone, suggesting that river otters are effective biomonitors, as defined in this study. Diet also played an important role, with lipid content, δ15N or both included in all best models. We recommend river otter scat be included in evaluating restoration efforts in this Superfund site, and as a potentially useful monitoring tool wherever otters are found. We also report ΣPCB and ΣPAH exposures among the highest published for wild river otters, with almost 70% of samples in the Superfund site exceeding established levels of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Wainstein
- Conservation, Research and Education Opportunities, Seattle, WA, 98107, USA.
| | - Louisa B Harding
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA, 98504-3200, USA
| | - Sandra M O'Neill
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA, 98504-3200, USA
| | - Daryle T Boyd
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112-2097, USA
| | - Fred Koontz
- Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Bobbi Miller
- Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Cornelya F C Klütsch
- Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), NIBIO Svanhovd, NO-9925, Svanvik, Norway
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Center, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112-2097, USA
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Rodríguez-Aguilar BA, Martínez-Rivera LM, Muñiz-Valencia R, Mercado-Silva N, Iñiguez-Dávalos LI, Peregrina-Lucano AA. Study of feces of neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis) in the Ayuquila-Armería basin, Mexico as biomonitors of the spatiotemporal distribution of pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:474. [PMID: 35657507 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pesticides used have contributed to increasing food production; it has also caused them to be found in most ecosystems and have negative effects on biota. The neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) is vulnerable to pesticide accumulation and is characterized by being elusive, so it is necessary to address the use of indirect techniques that evaluate its populations' state in an efficient, logistically simple, and non-invasive way. This study aimed to determine the concentration of 20 pesticides in neotropical otter feces in the Ayuquila-Armería basin and to describe the spatiotemporal variation of these pesticides. The presence of 11 pesticides was determined. Imazalil, picloram, and malathion the pesticides with the highest concentrations; emamectin, λ-cyhalothrin, methomyl, and picloram were present in all samples. Emamectin was the only pesticide that presented significant differences concerning the temporality of the samplings, presenting higher concentrations in the wet season. Molinate concentrations showed significant differences concerning the location of the sampling sections in the basin; the lower part of the basin presented higher concentrations. The distribution of the populations of L. longicaudis in the Ayuquila-Armería basin does not respond to the degree of contamination by pesticides in surface waters or to the proximity to agricultural activities, and this in places with evident chemical and organic contamination and human presence. The use of otter feces for pesticide monitoring is an accepted non-invasive method to assess the degree of exposure and can be used to determine sites with pollution problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Arturo Rodríguez-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nacional 151, 48900, Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis Manuel Martínez-Rivera
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nacional 151, 48900, Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Roberto Muñiz-Valencia
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Fabrica 1990, Segundo Piso, Santiago, Chile
| | - Norman Mercado-Silva
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Luis Ignacio Iñiguez-Dávalos
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nacional 151, 48900, Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Aarón Peregrina-Lucano
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenería, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Módulo E, 44430, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
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Baos R, Cabezas S, González MJ, Jiménez B, Delibes M. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as sentinel species for the long-term biomonitoring of the Guadiamar River after the Aznalcóllar mine spill. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149669. [PMID: 34525684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149669] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accidents at mines involving stored tailings have produced catastrophic environmental damage. In April 1998 the dam of the Aznalcóllar mine tailings pond in the surroundings of the Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain) broke, discharging into the Guadiamar River more than 6 million m3 of toxic mud and acidic water with high concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic. We used the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as sentinel species to assess the potential impact of the toxic spill on the river ecosystems and their recovery with time by studying the spatial and temporal variation (1999-2003, 2006) of selected trace element (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and As) concentrations in feces. Throughout the sampling period, the highest heavy metal and As levels were found in the most spill-affected reaches of the Guadiamar River (i.e., the Middle and, to a lesser extent, the Lower reaches), pointing out the mining accident as the main origin of the contamination. Overall, levels of trace elements decreased with the time elapsed since the toxic spill, except for Cd (F1,352 = 0.29, P = 0.59). However, rebounds for some elements (Pb, As, and Cu) were also observed, especially in the Middle and Lower reaches of the river, which might be attributed to the residual contamination in abiotic compartments and/or new inputs from industrial and agricultural activities in the nearby areas. Concentrations were relatively high when compared to those reported for both our reference area (Guadalete River) and other metal-polluted zones. We found that the estimated amounts of Pb and As ingested during the first years after the spill in the Guadiamar Middle reach would be high enough to cause reproductive issues. This could affect the local population recovery, although evidence on distribution range and numbers suggests otherwise, with thriving populations at regional scale. Our results support the role of otters as sentinel species for biomonitoring contaminants and thus to evaluate fluvial ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Baos
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - María José González
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
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5
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Gil-Jiménez E, de Lucas M, Ferrer M. Metalliferous Mining Pollution and Its Impact on Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial Vertebrates: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 256:1-69. [PMID: 34724574 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metalliferous mining, a major source of metals and metalloids, has severe potential environmental impacts. However, the number of papers published in international peer-reviewed journals seems to be low regarding its effects in terrestrial wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, our review is the first on this topic. We used 186 studies published in scientific journals concerning metalliferous mining or mining spill pollution and their effects on terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. We identified the working status of the mine complexes studied, the different biomarkers of exposure and effect used, and the studied taxa. Most studies (128) were developed in former mine sites and 46 in active mining areas. Additionally, although several mining accidents have occurred throughout the world, all papers about effects on terrestrial vertebrates from mining spillages were from Aznalcóllar (Spain). We also observed a lack of studies in some countries with a prominent mining industry. Despite >50% of the studies used some biomarker of effect, 42% of them only assessed exposure by measuring metal content in internal tissues or by non-invasive sampling, without considering the effect in their populations. Most studied species were birds and small mammals, with a negligible representation of reptiles and amphibians. The information gathered in this review could be helpful for future studies and protocols on the topic and it facilitates a database with valuable information on risk assessment of metalliferous mining pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela de Lucas
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Rodríguez-Estival J, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Mateo R. Assessment of ecotoxicological risks to river otters from ingestion of invasive red swamp crayfish in metal contaminated areas: Use of feces to estimate dietary exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108907. [PMID: 31740034 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108907] [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: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) has become a major food resource for Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in the Iberian Peninsula. Crayfish accumulate large amounts of metals, and hence otters could be at risk of exposure and intoxication through crayfish consumption. We conducted a food safety risk assessment for otters inhabiting two historical mining areas in central Spain affected by lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) pollution. Estimated daily intakes (EDI) of Pb and Hg were non-invasively calculated from the proportion of crayfish remains and metal levels in otter feces. We considered that the abdominal muscle and the carcass of crayfish differ significantly in relative weight, total metal content and bioavailability of metals to reduce the uncertainty of risk characterization. Fecal concentrations of Hg and Pb in the polluted areas were 1.878 and 6.554 μg/g d. w., respectively (13-fold and 7-fold higher compared to a non-polluted area). EDI of Hg and Pb in the polluted areas were 66.02 and 78.26 μg/kg-day, respectively (14- and 8-fold higher than in the reference area). EDI from the Hg area were above minimum levels susceptible to cause neurotoxicity in mustelids, and 6.3% were above levels susceptible to cause histopathological lessions. In the Pb area, 16.7% of EDI were consistent with levels causing reproductive effects. Metal exposure through crayfish consumption might prevent or slow the recovey of otters in these polluted environments, thus this factor should be considered in management strategies aimed to protect otter populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Tian Z, Liu X, Sun W, Ashraf A, Zhang Y, Jin X, He X, He B. Characteristics of heavy metal concentrations and risk assessment for giant pandas and their habitat in the Qinling Mountains, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:1569-1584. [PMID: 31749014 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
High concentrations of heavy metals in the environment threaten the quality of ecosystems and the health of human beings and animals. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), which is endemic to China and a global conservation icon, has the largest density in the Qinling Mountains. This paper investigated the spatiotemporal variation of heavy metal concentrations in soil (N = 44) at the regional scale with three zones of urban areas, mountain edges, and central mountains, the temporal variation of heavy metal concentrations in three bamboo species (N = 19) and two types of feces (N = 10), and assessed the ecological risk and health risk for giant pandas and their habitat in the Qinling Mountains. The results showed that the median concentrations of studied eight heavy metals mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in soil exceeded the background values of Shaanxi Province except Pb. The median concentrations of Hg, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd in bamboo surpassed the reference standard (RS) of national food safety limits in vegetables for human intake, but the concentration of Zn was within the nutrient range in the bamboo plants. Heavy metals were enriched more in feces of captive than the wild giant pandas, which illustrated either higher ingestion or lower digestibility for captive giant panda. Ecological risk assessment of soil by the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and risk index (RI) showed strong pollution by Hg and moderate pollution by Cd. Health risk assessment by the hazard index (HI) showed a potential to strong risk for giant pandas exposed to Pb, As, and Hg. In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals in feces showed a higher exposure risk for captive giant pandas than wild giant pandas. We suggest that attention should be paid to and all effective measurements should be taken for reducing the emission of Hg, As, Pb, and Cd in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxue Tian
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, and School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xuehua Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, and School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Wanlong Sun
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, and School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Anam Ashraf
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, and School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuke Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, and School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xuelin Jin
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangbo He
- Foping Nature Reserve, Foping County, Hanzhong, 723400, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baisuo He
- The Administration of Shaanxi Changqing National Nature Reserve, Hanzhong, 723300, Shaanxi, China
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8
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Huang AC, Nelson C, Elliott JE, Guertin DA, Ritland C, Drouillard K, Cheng KM, Schwantje HM. River otters (Lontra canadensis) "trapped" in a coastal environment contaminated with persistent organic pollutants: Demographic and physiological consequences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:306-316. [PMID: 29573713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Productive coastal and estuarine habitats can be degraded by contaminants including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCBs, dioxins, and organochlorine insecticides to the extent of official designation as contaminated sites. Top-predatory wildlife may continue to use such sites as the habitat often appears suitable, and thus bioaccumulate POPs and other contaminants with potential consequences on their health and fitness. Victoria and Esquimalt harbours are located on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC) and are federally designated contaminated sites due mainly to past heavy industrial activities, such as from shipyards and sawmills. We collected scat samples from river otters (Lontra canadensis) throughout an annual cycle, and combined chemical analysis with DNA genotyping to examine whether the harbour areas constituted a contaminant-induced ecological trap for otters. We confirmed spatial habitat use by radio telemetry of a subsample of otters. Fifteen percent of otter scat contained PCB concentrations exceeding levels considered to have adverse effects on the reproduction of mink (Neovison vison), and there were significant positive correlations between concentrations of PCBs and of thyroid (T3) and sex (progesterone) hormones in fecal samples. Radio telemetry data revealed that otters did not show directional movement away from the harbours, indicating their inability to recognize the contaminated site as a degraded habitat. However, analysis and modeling of the DNA genotyping data provided no evidence that the harbour otters formed a sink population and therefore were in an ecological trap. Despite the highly POP-contaminated habitat, river otters did not appear to be adversely impacted at the population level. Our study demonstrates the value of combining chemical and biological technologies with ecological theory to investigate practical conservation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Huang
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Cait Nelson
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada; Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Daniel A Guertin
- Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Carol Ritland
- Genetic Data Centre, Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ken Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberly M Cheng
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen M Schwantje
- British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Liu Q, Chen YP, Maltby L, Ma QY. Conservation efforts of captive golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) are potentially compromised by the elevated chemical elements exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 143:72-79. [PMID: 28505482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical elements exposure of endangered golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) living in the Qinling Mountains and in a captive breeding center was assessed by analyzing fecal samples. Concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Se were significantly higher in the feces of captive golden takins than the wild. There was no significant difference in the fecal concentrations of Cd, Mn, Hg, Pb or Zn for wild and captive animals. The element concentration of fecal samples collected from captive animals varied seasonally, with concentrations being lowest in spring and highest in winter and/or autumn. The food provided to captive animals varied both in the composition and the concentration of element present. Consumptions of feedstuff and additional foods such as D. sanguinalis and A. mangostanus for the captive golden takins were identified as the possible sources of chemical element exposure. The estimations of dietary intake of most elements by captive takins were below the oral reference dose, except for As and Pb, indicating that As and Pb were the key components which contributed to the potential non-carcinogenic risk for captive golden takins. In conclusion, captive golden takins were exposed to higher concentrations of chemical elements compared with the wild, which were likely due to their dietary difference. Conservation efforts of captive golden takin are potentially compromised by the elevated chemical element exposure and effort should focus on providing uncontaminated food for captive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Second Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yi-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Lorraine Maltby
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Qing-Yi Ma
- Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Conservation and Breeding Center, Xi'an 710402, China
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Liu Q, Chen YP, Maltby L, Ma QY. Exposure of the endangered golden monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) to heavy metals: a comparison of wild and captive animals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:6713-6720. [PMID: 25422120 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Golden monkeys are endemic to China and of high conservation concern. Conservation strategies include captive breeding, but the success of captive breeding programs may be being compromised by environmental pollution. Heavy metal exposure of wild and captive golden monkeys living in the Qinling Mountains was assessed by measuring fecal metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Captive monkeys were exposed to higher concentrations of As, Hg, Pb, and Cr than monkeys living in the wild, while high background levels of Mn led to high exposure of wild monkeys. Seasonal variations in metal exposures were detected for both wild and captive monkeys; possible reasons being seasonal changes in either diet (wild monkeys) or metal content of food (captive monkeys). Coal combustion, waste incineration, and traffic-related activities were identified as possible sources of heavy metals exposure for captive animals. Efforts to conserve this endangered primate are potentially compromised by metal pollutants derived from increasing anthropogenic activities. Providing captive animals with uncontaminated food and relocating captive breeding centers away from sources of pollution will reduce pollutant exposure; but ultimately, there is a need to improve environmental quality by controlling pollutants at source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 10, Feng-Hui South Road, Xi'an, 710075, China
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Cristescu RH, Banks PB, Carrick FN, Frère C. Potential 'ecological traps' of restored landscapes: koalas Phascolarctos cinereus re-occupy a rehabilitated mine site. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80469. [PMID: 24282544 PMCID: PMC3839991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With progressively increasing anthropogenic habitat disturbances, restoration of impacted landscapes is becoming a critical element of biodiversity conservation. Evaluation of success in restoration ecology rarely includes faunal components, usually only encompassing abiotic and floral components of the ecosystems. Even when fauna is explicitly included, it is usually only species presence/absence criteria that are considered. If restoration is to have a positive outcome, however, populations in restored habitats should exhibit comparable survival and reproductive rates to populations found in undisturbed surroundings. If a species recolonises restored areas but later experiences decreased fitness, restored areas could become ecological sinks or traps. We investigated this possibility in a case study of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus occupying rehabilitated mining areas on North Stradbroke Island, Australia. Our holistic approach compared rehabilitated and undisturbed areas on the basis of their vegetation characteristics, of koalas' body condition, roosting trees, diet, as well as predator index. Koalas using rehabilitated areas appeared to be able to access an adequate supply of roosting and fodder trees, were in good condition and had high reproductive output. We did not find any significant differences in predator density between rehabilitated areas and undisturbed surroundings. The results presented in this study showed there was no evidence that the post-mining rehabilitated areas constitute ecological sinks or traps. However, to reach a definitive conclusion as to whether areas rehabilitated post-mining provide at least equivalent habitat to undisturbed locations, additional research could be undertaken to assess foliar nutrient/water/toxin differences and predation risk in rehabilitated areas compared with undisturbed areas. More generally, the evaluation of whether restoration successfully produces a functional ecological community should include criteria on the fitness of faunal populations reoccupying such sites, so as to ensure functioning ecosystems, rather than ecological sinks or traps, are the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romane H Cristescu
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW, Australia ; Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD, Australia
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Romanowski J, Brzeziński M, Zmihorski M. Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 58:149-155. [PMID: 23538688 PMCID: PMC3606508 DOI: 10.1007/s13364-012-0107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The increase in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra populations in their natural range and recolonization processes are recently observed in several European countries. We address the process of otter recolonization and habitat utilization in Central Poland over 14 years. Field surveys in 1998 and 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species. The frequency of positive sites denoted 15 % in 1993, 38 % in 1998, and 89 % in 2007. Otter occurrence at study sites was positively affected by river width while negatively affected by presence of buildings at the site and river regulation. During the most intensive colonization process in the 1990s, the habitat preferences of the otter did not change. However, the sites inhabited by otters after 1998 were characterized by lower river width and tree cover and were more often located on regulated river sections, suggesting change in habitat tolerance during expansion. The otter abundance in transformed habitats is a result of increasing population numbers and the necessity to inhabit suboptimal sections of watercourses. Thus, it seems that presence-absence data for otter populations cannot be considered a reliable indicator of habitat quality, being depended of the population density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Romanowski
- Centre for Ecological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Dziekanów Leśny ul. Konopnickiej 1, 05-092 Łomianki, Poland ; Faculty of Biology and Environmental Studies UKSW, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
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Ramos-Rosas NN, Valdespino C, García-Hernández J, Gallo-Reynoso JP, Olguín EJ. Heavy metals in the habitat and throughout the food chain of the Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis, in protected Mexican wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:1163-1173. [PMID: 22527458 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-012-2623-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Top predators like the Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis annectens, are usually considered good bioindicators of habitat quality. In this study, we evaluated heavy metal contamination (Hg(tot), Pb, Cd) in the riverine habitat, prey (crustaceans and fish), and otter feces in two Ramsar wetlands with contrasting upstream contamination discharges: Río Blanco and Río Caño Grande in Veracruz, Mexico, during the dry, the wet, and the nortes seasons. Most comparisons revealed no differences between sites while seasonal differences were repeatedly detected for all of the compartments. Higher concentrations of Pb during the dry season and of Cd during the wet season in otter feces mirrored differences detected in the most seasonally consumed prey. Compared with fecal methylmercury values reported for the European otter (0.25-0.75 mg kg(-1)) in unprotected areas, the Hg(tot) levels that we measured were lower (0.02-0.17 mg kg(-1)). However, Pb (117.87 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (9.14 mg kg(-1)) concentrations were higher (Pb, 38.15 mg kg(-1) and Cd, 4.72 mg kg(-1)) in the two Ramsar wetlands. Protected areas may shelter species, but those with water-linked diets may suffer the effect of chemicals used upstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Ramos-Rosas
- Red de Biologia y Conservacion de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecologia AC, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec No 351, El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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Ontiveros D, Márquez-Ferrando R, Fernández-Cardenete JR, Santos X, Caro J, Pleguezuelos JM. Recovery of the Bird Community after a Mine Spill and Landscape Restoration of a Mediterranean River. Restor Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-100x.2012.00887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Pe'er G, Henle K, Dislich C, Frank K. Breaking functional connectivity into components: a novel approach using an individual-based model, and first outcomes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22355. [PMID: 21829617 PMCID: PMC3148224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Landscape connectivity is a key factor determining the viability of populations in fragmented landscapes. Predicting 'functional connectivity', namely whether a patch or a landscape functions as connected from the perspective of a focal species, poses various challenges. First, empirical data on the movement behaviour of species is often scarce. Second, animal-landscape interactions are bound to yield complex patterns. Lastly, functional connectivity involves various components that are rarely assessed separately. We introduce the spatially explicit, individual-based model FunCon as means to distinguish between components of functional connectivity and to assess how each of them affects the sensitivity of species and communities to landscape structures. We then present the results of exploratory simulations over six landscapes of different fragmentation levels and across a range of hypothetical bird species that differ in their response to habitat edges. i) Our results demonstrate that estimations of functional connectivity depend not only on the response of species to edges (avoidance versus penetration into the matrix), the movement mode investigated (home range movements versus dispersal), and the way in which the matrix is being crossed (random walk versus gap crossing), but also on the choice of connectivity measure (in this case, the model output examined). ii) We further show a strong effect of the mortality scenario applied, indicating that movement decisions that do not fully match the mortality risks are likely to reduce connectivity and enhance sensitivity to fragmentation. iii) Despite these complexities, some consistent patterns emerged. For instance, the ranking order of landscapes in terms of functional connectivity was mostly consistent across the entire range of hypothetical species, indicating that simple landscape indices can potentially serve as valuable surrogates for functional connectivity. Yet such simplifications must be carefully evaluated in terms of the components of functional connectivity they actually predict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Pe'er
- Department of Ecological Modelling, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
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Guertin DA, Harestad AS, Ben-David M, Drouillard KG, Elliott JE. Fecal genotyping and contaminant analyses reveal variation in individual river otter exposure to localized persistent contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2010; 29:275-284. [PMID: 20821445 DOI: 10.1002/etc.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbon (PHAH) concentrations in feces of known river otters (Lontra canadensis) along the coast of southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Specifically, we combined microsatellite genotyping of DNA from feces for individual identification with fecal contaminant analyses to evaluate exposure of 23 wild otters to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). Overall, feces collected from otters in urban/industrial Victoria Harbor had the greatest concentrations of nearly all compounds assessed. Fecal concentrations of OCPs and PBDEs were generally low throughout the region, whereas PCBs dominated in all locations. Re-sampling of known otters over space and time revealed that PCB exposure varied with movement and landscape use. Otters with the highest fecal PCB concentrations were those inhabiting the inner reaches of Victoria Harbor and adjacent Esquimalt Harbor, and those venturing into the harbor systems. Over 50% of samples collected from eight known otters in Victoria Harbor had total-PCB concentrations above the maximum allowable concentration as established for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) feces, with a geometric mean value (10.6 mg/kg lipid wt) that exceeded the reproductive toxicity threshold (9 mg/kg lipid wt). Those results are consistent with our findings from 1998 and 2004, and indicate that the harbors of southern Vancouver Island, particularly Victoria Harbor, are a chronic source of PCB exposure for otters. The present study further demonstrates the suitability of using otter feces as a noninvasive/destructive biomonitoring tool in contaminant studies, particularly when sampling of the same individuals at the local population-level is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Guertin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Alton S Harestad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Merav Ben-David
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - Ken G Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 2990 Riverside Drive West, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2, Canada
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