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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x. [PMID: 38683471 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Borges-Ramírez M, Escalona-Segura G, Huerta-Lwanga E, Iñigo-Elias E, Rendón-von Osten J. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) feathers as bioindicators of exposure to metals and metalloids contamination in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas from Campeche state, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 247:118241. [PMID: 38244967 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118241] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Landfills are sources of soil, water, and air pollution due to the release of toxic compounds such as metals and metalloids. In both tropical and temperate environments, scavenger birds such as the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) that have learned to use these sites as a feeding area are probably exposed to metals, metalloids and other "persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances (PBTs)" released in open dumpsite (OD) and sanitary landfill (SL). The objective of this study is to evaluate the presence and distribution of toxic metals (Al, Sn, Hg, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr) and As in OD and SL from urban, semi-urban and rural localities in Campeche, México, using molting feathers of C. atratus as bioindicators. A total of 125 Black Vulture primary and secondary wing feathers were collected from OD and SL. Metals were determined by voltammetry through acid digestion. The highest levels of metals occurred in landfills in urban, semi-urban, and rural localities. The elements with the highest concentrations were Al, with an average of 35.67 ± 33.51 μg g-1 from rural environments, and As, with 16.20 ± 30.06 μg g-1 from the urban localities. Mercury was the only element that had a very homogeneous distribution between the three environments we studied. In general, Pb, Hg, Cu and Cd were the elements that presented the lowest concentrations with 0.32 ± 0.35, 0.16 ± 0.22, 0.14 ± 0.31 and 0.06 ± 0.10 μg g-1, respectively regardless of any particular location or environment. Black Vultures from dumpsites are good bioindicators of what humans consume in urban, semi-urban, and rural environments. However, the conservation of vultures is of great importance since these scavenger birds perform ecosystem services by feeding on decomposing organic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Borges-Ramírez
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP. 24500, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico; Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Campus VI, Av. Héroes de Nacozari 480, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, 24070, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Griselda Escalona-Segura
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP. 24500, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Huerta-Lwanga
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP. 24500, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Iñigo-Elias
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, Cornell, University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA; 398 Ellis Hollow Creek Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Campus VI, Av. Héroes de Nacozari 480, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, 24070, Campeche, Mexico.
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Fang Y, Chen C, Chen X, Song J, Feng S, Li Z, Li Z, Xiong Y, Zhang Q, Su H, Liu H, Zhu G, Hu B, Wang W, Liu Z, Jiao K, Zhang C, Zhang F, Jiang K, He J, Sun Z, Yuan D, Chen W, Zhu J. Exposure to heavy metal elements may significantly increase serum prostate-specific antigen levels with overdosed dietary zinc. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116080. [PMID: 38350215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116080] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a primary metric for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and zinc can impact PSA levels in PCa patients. However, it is unclear whether this effect also occurs in men without PCa, which may lead to the overdiagnosis of PCa. METHOD Data on a total of 5089 American men who had never been diagnosed with PCa were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey performed from 2003-2010. The relationship between serum PSA levels (dependent variable) and concentrations of lead (μmol/L), cadmium (nmol/L), and mercury (μmol/L) were investigated with dietary zinc intake being used as a potential modifier or covariate in a weighted linear regression model and a generalized additive model. A series of bootstrapping analyses were performed to evaluate sensitivity and specificity using these models. RESULTS Regression analyses suggested that, in general, lead, cadmium, or mercury did not show an association with PSA levels, which was consistent with the results of the bootstrapping analyses. However, in a subgroup of participants with a high level of dietary zinc intake (≥14.12 mg/day), a significant positive association between cadmium and serum PSA was identified (1.06, 95% CI, P = 0.0268, P for interaction=0.0249). CONCLUSIONS With high-level zinc intake, serum PSA levels may rise in PCa-free men as the exposure to cadmium increases, leading to a potential risk of an overdiagnosis of PCa and unnecessary treatment. Therefore, environmental variables should be factored in the current diagnostic model for PCa that is solely based on PSA measurements. Different criteria for PSA screening are necessary based on geographical variables. Further investigations are needed to uncover the biological and biochemical relationship between zinc, cadmium, and serum PSA levels to more precisely diagnose PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyi Fang
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chi Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province 550001, China
| | - Xiaoyue Chen
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China
| | - Jukun Song
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shuangshuang Feng
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhengnan Li
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yuliang Xiong
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qinyi Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Hao Su
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Guohua Zhu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhangcheng Liu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ke Jiao
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Kehua Jiang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Dongbo Yuan
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Weiming Chen
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhu
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China.
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Stalwick JA, Ratelle M, Gurney KEB, Drysdale M, Lazarescu C, Comte J, Laird B, Skinner K. Sources of exposure to lead in Arctic and subarctic regions: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2208810. [PMID: 37196187 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2208810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding lead exposure pathways is a priority because of its ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as the potential health risks. We aimed to identify potential lead sources and pathways of lead exposure, including long-range transport, and the magnitude of exposure in Arctic and subarctic communities. A scoping review strategy and screening approach was used to search literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 228 academic and grey literature references were synthesised. The majority of these studies (54%) were from Canada. Indigenous people in Arctic and subarctic communities in Canada had higher levels of lead than the rest of Canada. The majority of studies in all Arctic countries reported at least some individuals above the level of concern. Lead levels were influenced by a number of factors including using lead ammunition to harvest traditional food and living in close proximity to mines. Lead levels in water, soil, and sediment were generally low. Literature showed the possibility of long-range transport via migratory birds. Household lead sources included lead-based paint, dust, or tap water. This literature review will help to inform management strategies for communities, researchers, and governments, with the aim of decreasing lead exposure in northern regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn A Stalwick
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mylène Ratelle
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kirsty E B Gurney
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mallory Drysdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Calin Lazarescu
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jérôme Comte
- Institut National de Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Eau Terre Environnement Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Correia E, Granadeiro JP, Vale C, Catry T. Trace elements in relation to trophic ecology of long-distance migratory shorebirds and seabirds in West Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120674. [PMID: 36403880 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120674] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Shorebirds and seabirds are abundant predators in coastal habitats worldwide, relying upon a high diversity of benthic invertebrates and fish, respectively. While occupying different trophic guilds, they are differently exposed to element contamination entering the coastal food web. Therefore, these birds have been used as bioindicators of environmental contamination in marine ecosystems. We analysed the concentration of trace elements in blood samples of 16 shorebird and seabird migratory species in a major non-breeding site, the Bijagós Archipelago, in regard to their trophic ecology. Overall, our study shows low exposure of this bird community to toxic elements, except for Hg. Most species presented Hg burdens within the moderate toxicity threshold, but one species (Dunlin) presented values at a potential high Hg toxicity risk. We found a positive relationship between Se and Ni concentrations and δ15N values (a proxy for trophic level). In addition, a positive relationship was found between δ13C (a proxy for habitat characteristics) and Hg, Fe, Cu and Mn, while the opposite pattern was recorded for As. Differences were also shown for several trace elements between the two studied trophic guilds: concentrations of As, Pb and Se were higher in pelagic fish consumers (seabirds), whereas Cr, Fe and Sr burdens were higher in benthic invertebrate consumers (shorebirds). Although previous studies in the same site revealed very high concentrations of Cd and Pb in some of the prey species of shorebirds and seabirds (bivalves and fishes), values found in birds for these two elements suggest no toxicological risk. Thus, exposure to toxic elements is not currently a threat to coastal bird populations, namely those facing apparent local declines in Guinea-Bissau, one of the most important non-breeding quarters for of West Africa. Still, Hg burdens were high in some species, deserving further monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Correia
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Vale
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Teresa Catry
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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Lemaire J, Brischoux F, Marquis O, Mangione R, Caut S, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Bustamante P. Relationships between stable isotopes and trace element concentrations in the crocodilian community of French Guiana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155846. [PMID: 35561901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155846] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements in the blood of crocodilians and the factors that influence their concentrations are overall poorly documented. However, determination of influencing factors is crucial to assess the relevance of caimans as bioindicators of environmental contamination, and potential toxicological impact of trace elements on these reptiles. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of 14 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn) in the blood of four French Guiana caiman species (the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus [n = 34], the Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger [n = 25], the Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus [n = 5] and the Smooth-fronted Caiman Paleosuchus trigonatus [n = 20]) from 8 different sites, and further investigated the influence of individual body size and stable isotopes as proxies of foraging habitat and trophic position on trace element concentrations. Trophic position was identified to be an important factor influencing trace element concentrations in the four caiman species and explained interspecific variations. These findings highlight the need to consider trophic ecology when crocodilians are used as bioindicators of trace element contamination in environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Oliver Marquis
- Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Caut
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Departamento de Etologia y Conservation de La Biodiversidad - Estacion Biologica de Doñana - C/Americo Vespucio, S/n (Isla de La Cartuja), E-41092 Sevilla, Spain; ANIMAVEG Conservation, 58 Avenue Du Président Salvador Allende, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
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Ma Y, Choi CY, Thomas A, Gibson L. Review of contaminant levels and effects in shorebirds: Knowledge gaps and conservation priorities. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113868. [PMID: 35863215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has emerged as a major threat to bird populations. Many shorebird populations are declining, although contamination has been documented in some shorebirds, evidence of negative impacts is sparse and this important topic remains understudied. To guide future research and develop effective conservation strategies, we carried out a comprehensive review of environmental pollutants and their consequences on shorebirds. In total, we found 93 relevant articles which examined pollutant contamination in ~37% (79 of 215) of all shorebird species, mostly from the Charadriidae and Scolopacidae families. Studies were geographically biased: the majority were conducted in American flyways, while only 1 was found from Australasia and few were conducted in Asian flyways. The main geographic gap for research includes East Africa, South Asia and Siberian Arctic. The most well-documented pollutants included mercury (Hg, 37 studies), cadmium (33), and lead (Pb, 28); less well studied pollutants were barium (1), calcium (1), strontium (1), dicofols (1), and other newly emerging contaminants, such as plastic debris/microplastics (4) and antibiotics resistance (2). Several pollutants have caused considerable concerns in shorebirds, including embryotoxicity caused by PCBs at non-optimum temperature (laboratory experiments); reduced reproduction performance linked to maternal Hg and paternal Pb (field evidence); and reduced refueling and flight performance related to oil contamination (both field and laboratory evidence). Our results confirm that an in-depth understanding of the local, regional and global factors that influence population trends of shorebirds in light of increasing pollution threats is essential for accurate and effective management and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Ma
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Chi-Yeung Choi
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Alex Thomas
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Luke Gibson
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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8
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El Hanafi K, Pedrero Z, Ouerdane L, Marchán Moreno C, Queipo-Abad S, Bueno M, Pannier F, Corns WT, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Amouroux D. First Time Identification of Selenoneine in Seabirds and Its Potential Role in Mercury Detoxification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3288-3298. [PMID: 35170956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Birds are principally exposed to selenium (Se) through their diet. In long-lived and top predator seabirds, such as the giant petrel, extremely high concentrations of Se are found. Selenium speciation in biota has aroused great interest in recent years; however, there is a lack of information about the chemical form of Se in (sea)birds. The majority of publications focus on the growth performance and antioxidant status in broilers in relation to Se dietary supplementation. The present work combines elemental and molecular mass spectrometry for the characterization of Se species in wild (sea)birds. A set of eight giant petrels (Macronectes sp.) with a broad age range from the Southern Ocean were studied. Selenoneine, a Se-analogue of ergothioneine, was identified for the first time in wild avian species. This novel Se-compound, previously reported in fish, constitutes the major Se species in the water-soluble fraction of all of the internal tissues and blood samples analyzed. The levels of selenoneine found in giant petrels are the highest reported in animal tissues until now, supporting the trophic transfer in the marine food web. The characterization of selenoneine in the brain, representing between 78 and 88% of the total Se, suggests a crucial role in the nervous system. The dramatic decrease of selenoneine (from 68 to 3%) with an increase of Hg concentrations in the liver strongly supports the hypothesis of its key role in Hg detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khouloud El Hanafi
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Zoyne Pedrero
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Laurent Ouerdane
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Claudia Marchán Moreno
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Silvia Queipo-Abad
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Maite Bueno
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Florence Pannier
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, U.K
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64000 Pau, France
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9
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Canham R, González‐Prieto AM, Elliott JE. Mercury Exposure and Toxicological Consequences in Fish and Fish-Eating Wildlife from Anthropogenic Activity in Latin America. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:13-26. [PMID: 32662936 PMCID: PMC7821190 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the risk of significant adverse toxicological effects of Hg to humans and wildlife, Hg use in anthropogenic activities, and artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in particular, is widespread throughout Latin America. However, there are few research and monitoring studies of Hg toxicity in fish and fish-eating wildlife in Latin America compared to North America. In the present paper, we reviewed the literature from published articles and reports and summarized and assessed data on Hg in fish from 10 391 individuals and 192 species sampled across Latin America. We compared fish Hg levels with toxicity reference values (TRVs) for fish and dietary TRVs for fish-eating wildlife. We determined that fish, piscivorous birds, and other wildlife are at risk of Hg toxicity. We observed a large disparity in data quantity between North and Latin America, and identified regions requiring further investigation. In particular, future biomonitoring and research should focus on exposure of wildlife to Hg in Peru, Chile, Uruguay, the eastern and northern regions of Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. We also discuss Hg risk assessment methodological issues and recommend that future evaluations of Hg risk to wildlife must collect key physiological variables, including age, body size, and ideally Hg-to-Se molar ratios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:13-26. © 2020 Environment and Climate Change Canada. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Canham
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Ana M González‐Prieto
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
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10
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Doyle S, Gray A, McMahon BJ. Anthropogenic impacts on the demographics of Arctic-breeding birds. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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11
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Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Zamora-Marín JM, León-Ortega M, Jiménez P, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP, Eeva T, García-Fernández AJ. Toxic elements in blood of red-necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis) inhabiting differently polluted environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114334. [PMID: 32179219 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114334] [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: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metals have been widely reported in avian tissues due to their well-known accumulation capacity and adverse effects. However, rare earth elements (REE) and other minor elements (ME) are becoming a new threat due to their use in modern technology. Presently, exposure data are limited and no studies have been reported in wildlife. The order Caprimulgiformes is among the most understudied groups of birds lacking blood ecotoxicological data. One major constraint is the small blood sample volume that can be collected to ensure animal welfare, which limits analyses. In order to shed light on these collective issues, we sampled 48 red-necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis) inhabiting three different scenarios of contaminant exposure (agricultural-urban area, n = 15; mining area, n = 17; and control area, n = 16) in southeastern Spain, and report for the first time concentrations of 50 elements (i.e. trace elements, ATSDR's list toxic elements, REE and ME) using a recently developed technique able to analyze them by ICP-MS in very small volumes of blood (130 μL). Concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Mn were significantly higher in individuals captured at the mining area compared to the other sites. Lead levels in the mine site were of particular concern since it was in the range of blood concentrations related to subclinical/clinical effects in other species, and in our study were associated with decreased hematocrit values (up to 44% hematocrit depression at blood concentrations >1000 ng/ml w.w.). Moreover, additive effects related to metal cocktail exposure in the mining area could be expected. Age and gender-related differences in blood concentrations were found for some elements. Even though most REE and ME concentrations were close to the LOQ, some of these emerging contaminants may trigger sublethal effects that, together with the ATSDR's list toxic elements, need to be carefully evaluated in a future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espín
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - José M Zamora-Marín
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Grupo de Anillamiento ANSE, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Mario León-Ortega
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain.
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain.
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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12
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Fuentes-Castillo D, Esposito F, Cardoso B, Dalazen G, Moura Q, Fuga B, Fontana H, Cerdeira L, Dropa M, Rottmann J, González-Acuña D, Catão-Dias JL, Lincopan N. Genomic data reveal international lineages of critical priority Escherichia coli harbouring wide resistome in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus Linnaeus, 1758). Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1919-1935. [PMID: 32335957 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Critical priority pathogens have globally disseminated beyond clinical settings, thereby threatening wildlife. Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) are essential for ecosystem health and functioning, but their populations are globally near threatened and declining due to anthropogenic activities. During a microbiological and genomic surveillance study of critical priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens, we identified pandemic lineages of multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli colonizing Andean Condors admitted at two wildlife rehabilitation centres in South America. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes encoding resistance to hospital and healthcare agents among international E. coli clones belonging to sequence types (STs) ST162, ST602, ST1196 and ST1485. In this regard, the resistome included genes conferring resistance to clinically important cephalosporins (i.e., CTX-M-14, CTX-M-55 and CTX-M-65 ESBL genes), heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, silver), pesticides (glyphosate) and domestic/hospital disinfectants, suggesting a link with anthropogenic environmental pollution. On the other hand, the presence of virulence factors, including the astA gene associated with outbreak of childhood diarrhoea and extra-intestinal disease in animals, was identified, whereas virulent behaviour was confirmed using the Galleria mellonella infection model. E. coli ST162, ST602, ST1196 and ST1485 have been previously identified in humans and food-producing animals worldwide, indicating that a wide resistome could contribute to rapid adaptation and dissemination of these clones at the human-animal-environment interface. Therefore, these results highlight that Andean Condors have been colonized by critical priority pathogens, becoming potential environmental reservoirs and/or vectors for dissemination of virulent and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and/or their genes, in associated ecosystems and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Esposito
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda Cardoso
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Dalazen
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quézia Moura
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Fuga
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herrison Fontana
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise Cerdeira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena Dropa
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - José L Catão-Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Pratte I, Noble DG, Mallory ML, Braune BM, Provencher JF. The influence of migration patterns on exposure to contaminants in Nearctic shorebirds: a historical study. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:256. [PMID: 32232588 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8218-1] [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: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, many populations of shorebirds, including those breeding in the Arctic region, have been declining. One factor that may contribute to some of these declines is exposure to contaminants throughout the annual cycle. Here, we compared contaminant exposure (organochlorines, toxic trace elements) of four Arctic-breeding shorebirds (semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus, semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla, lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, and short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus), collected during breeding, migration, and wintering to examine how and when contaminants might pose a threat to these species. In general, plovers and dowitchers had higher levels of most organochlorine pesticides, and renal cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) than the other species. Although we found seasonal differences, no clear patterns in contaminant concentrations among sampling locations were detected but the concentrations found at the breeding grounds were always the highest for chlorinated pesticides and mercury (Hg). Our results suggest that birds migrating south are slowly depurating contaminant burdens, and that spring-migrating birds were exposed to primarily North American rather than Latin American contaminant sources at the time of sampling. We present these data collected in the 1990s to better interpret current-day trends, and potential contaminant exposure impacts on shorebird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabeau Pratte
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Place Vincent Massey, 351 St. Joseph Blvd, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - David G Noble
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Drive, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Birgit M Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Place Vincent Massey, 351 St. Joseph Blvd, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0H3, Canada
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14
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Picone M, Corami F, Gaetan C, Basso M, Battiston A, Panzarin L, Volpi Ghirardini A. Accumulation of trace elements in feathers of the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 179:62-70. [PMID: 31026751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A non-invasive study of trace element accumulation in tail feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) was performed along the coastline of the northern littoral strip of the Venice Lagoon, with the aim to verify whether contamination may be a factor affecting conservation status of Kentish plover populations. Body burdens in feathers of 11 trace elements including toxic metals/metalloids and essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were quantified by ICP-MS, then concentrations were normalized to feather's age calculated using ptilochronology in order to obtain daily deposition rates. Mercury emerged as a major threat to the conservation of the species, since average feather concentration was clearly above the adverse-effect threshold associated with impairment in the reproductive success in a number of bird species. Also Cd and Se occurred at levels that may impact on the conservation status of the studied species at local scale, even if to a lesser extent than Hg. Gender-related differences in trace element accumulation emerged only for As, although for this element the risks associated to environmental exposure seem to be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Battiston
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Lucio Panzarin
- Associazione Naturalistica Sandonatese, c/o Centro Didattico Naturalistico il Pendolino, via Romanziol 130, 30020, Noventa di Piave, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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15
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Kucharska K, Binkowski ŁJ, Batoryna M, Dudzik K, Zaguła G, Stawarz R. Blood mercury levels in mute swans (Cygnus olor) are not related to sex, but are related to age, with no blood parameter implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:21-30. [PMID: 31146235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of mercury (Hg) were examined in the blood of mute swans from rural breeding sites and urban wintering areas in southern parts of Poland, Europe. The birds were classified into three age groups: cygnets, juveniles and adults. To investigate the potential impact of Hg on birds, hematocrit (Ht), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and morphometric measurements were taken. Using morphometric parameters, we stated that all mute swans sampled were in good condition. The mercury concentrations found were rather low and differed between birds from industrialized wintering areas and rural breeding areas (means 7 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL, respectively). We found no difference in Hg concentrations between the sexes, but concentrations varied significantly between age groups (cygnets 2 ng/mL, juveniles 7 ng/mL and adults 6 ng/mL). A similar trend was observed for hematocrit levels. GSH levels did not differ between any of the groups studied. We found no significant relationship between blood parameters (Ht, GSH) in relation to Hg concentrations. We conclude that the Hg concentrations in blood may be influenced by industrialization, season and age, but generally low concentration such as those found by us do not affect Ht and GSH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Łukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marta Batoryna
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Dudzik
- Association of Psychoeducation and Environment M. O. S. T., Na Stoku 9/15, 25-437, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Zaguła
- Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601, Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Robert Stawarz
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
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16
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Heavy Metals in Biota in Delaware Bay, NJ: Developing a Food Web Approach to Contaminants. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7020034. [PMID: 31200491 PMCID: PMC6631324 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between heavy metal and selenium levels in biota and their foods is important, but often difficult to determine because animals eat a variety of organisms. Yet such information is critical to managing species populations, ecological integrity, and risk to receptors (including humans) from consumption of certain prey. We examine levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium in biota from Delaware Bay (New Jersey, USA) to begin construction of a “springtime” food web that focuses on shorebirds. Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs are one of the key components at the base of the food web, and crab spawning in spring provides a food resource supporting a massive stopover of shorebirds. Fish and other biota also forage on the crab eggs, and a complex food web leads directly to top-level predators such as bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis), both of which are consumed by egrets, eagles, ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), and humans. Metal levels in tissues were generally similar in algae, invertebrates, and small fish, and these were similar to those in blood of shorebirds (but not feathers). There was a significant direct relationship between the levels of metals in eggs of horseshoe crabs and mean metal levels in the blood of four species of shorebirds. Metal levels in shorebird feathers were higher than those in blood (except for selenium), reflecting sequestration of metals in feathers during their formation. Levels in feathers of laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) were similar to those in feathers of shorebirds (except for selenium). Selenium bears special mention as levels were significantly higher in the blood of all shorebird species than in other species in the food web, and were similar to levels in their feathers. Levels of metals in bluefish and striped bass were similar or higher than those found in the blood of shorebirds (except for selenium). The mean levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were below any effect levels, but selenium levels in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were higher than the sublethal effect levels for birds. This is a cause for concern, and warrants further examination.
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17
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Burger J, Mizrahi D, Jeitner C, Tsipoura N, Mobley J, Gochfeld M. Metal and metalloid levels in blood of semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) from Brazil, Suriname, and Delaware Bay: Sentinels of exposure to themselves, their prey, and predators that eat them. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:77-86. [PMID: 30901611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Identifying animals as sentinels for humans and other animal species is an excellent method for understanding exposure to environmental contamination at different times and places. Shorebirds are useful sentinels because they have a world-wide distribution, eat a range of prey, and are eaten by a range of other species, including humans. We collected blood from semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) wintering in northern (Suriname N = 71) and northeastern (Brazil N = 61) South America to examine levels of heavy metals and metalloids (arsenic, selenium), and compare them to blood levels in sandpipers at a heavily used stopover site in New Jersey (N = 30; Delaware Bay, NJ). Since blood represents relatively recent exposure, it can provide information on where and when the birds were exposed. Levels were highest in Brazil for arsenic and particularly selenium; highest in Suriname for cadmium and lead; and highest in New Jersey for chromium. Samples from Brazil and Suriname presented higher levels of mercury than did those from New Jersey. There were no geographic differences for cobalt. Levels of all metals were generally within an order of magnitude. The significant geographic difference for selenium was interesting because it is regulated in the body. Selenium levels in the NJ sample were directly proportional to levels found in their principle food at this migration stopover site (eggs of horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus). Mean selenium level was almost an order of magnitude higher in the semipalmated sandpiper blood samples from Brazil (mean of 27,500 µg/L= ppb) compared to the other sampling locations (mean > 5330 µg/L). This is a toxic level and cause for concern and further investigation, alerting us to look for other evidence of excess selenium exposure. Otherwise the levels of other metals are generally not high enough to cause harm to the sandpipers themselves or to predators that eat them. We discuss the implications for these birds and their exposure to contaminants at different stopover sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - David Mizrahi
- New Jersey Audubon, 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, USA.
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA.
| | - Nellie Tsipoura
- New Jersey Audubon, 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, USA.
| | - Jason Mobley
- AQUASIS - Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Reserva Ecológica do SESC Iparana, Praia de Iparana, Caucaia, Ceará 61.627-210, Brazil.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Vizuete J, Pérez-López M, Míguez-Santiyán MP, Hernández-Moreno D. Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), and Arsenic (As) in Liver, Kidney, and Feathers of Gulls: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 247:85-146. [PMID: 30413976 DOI: 10.1007/398_2018_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) are metals or metalloids of high concern because of their effects on the environment and, specially, their potential toxicity on the animals inhabiting there. Due to their relevance, these elements have been object of several biomonitoring studies in different animal species around the world. Birds are widespread and, as species, are able to supply specific and relevant information about the regions where they live, being useful as bioindicators, as long as they are not birds with a strong migratory character. The main goal of this review is to summarize data collected from different studies using seabirds, paying special attention to gulls, in order to be helpful for coming studies and regulatory affairs.Several tissues have been used to evaluate Hg, Cd, Pb, Se, and As concentrations in seabirds, being focused the present review in those analyzing the liver, kidneys, and feathers. The most frequently analyzed tissue for Hg was the liver, followed by feathers, and finally kidney. For Cd levels, most of the studies were carried out in the liver, followed by feathers and kidneys. Pb, Se, and As levels were determined to a lesser extent. Feathers should be taken carefully as indicator of accumulation of pollutants, since procedure during analysis may lead to controversial results.Some authors reported that interspecific differences in the exposure of elements are determined by multiple factors, including properties of the contaminant, species, feeding habits, migratory status, sex, and age.The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the analyzed elements' occurrence in different species of seabirds, including gulls. Therefore, it can be a useful database providing for Hg, Pb, Cd, Se, and As levels in different tissues of seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Vizuete
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain
- INBIO G+C Research Institutes, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Prado Míguez-Santiyán
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Toxicology Area, Cáceres, Spain.
- INBIO G+C Research Institutes, Cáceres, Spain.
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