ECOTOXICOLOGY: BIRDS
Janssens E., Dauwe T., Bervoets L., Eens M. (2001): Heavy metals and selenium in feathers of great tits (Parus major) along a pollution gradient. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: An International Journal 20: 2815-2820.
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We evaluated the use of great tit (Parus major) feathers as biomonitors for heavy-metal pollution and tested whether there were differences in metal levels in feathers as a function of location, age (first year or older), or gender. In 1998 and 1999, we collected the outermost tail feathers of 185 great tits from four sites along a presumed pollution gradient and one reference site in Antwerp (Belgium) and analyzed them for calcium, selenium, and 13 heavy metals (silver, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc). Silver, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc concentrations were significantly higher closest to the pollution source (UM site) compared with the other four sites. Heavy-metal and selenium levels were on average 2 to 40 times higher at the UM site compared with the reference site. Aluminum, calcium, and iron levels were not significantly different among sites. We found no general age- or gender-related differences in metal levels except for arsenic and iron, where a significant interaction between site and gender was observed. Our results suggest that feathers of great tits might be useful biomonitoring tools because they reflect the environmental contamination by heavy metals well.
Dauwe T., Bervoets L., Pinxten R., Blust R., Eens M. (2003): Variation of heavy metals within and among feathers of birds of prey: effects of molt and external contamination. Environmental Pollution 124: 429-436.
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In this study we examined the effect of external contamination on the heavy metal (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentration in feathers. We compared the heavy metal content among the 10 primary wing feathers of sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), little owls (Athene nocta) and barn owls (Tyto alba) and the variation within the outermost tail feather of sparrowhawks and tawny owls (Strix aluco). The concentration of Hg was significantly higher in feathers molted first, suggesting that levels in feathers reflect levels in the blood during formation. For some other elements (Al, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn) on the other hand, there are strong indications that external contamination may have an important impact on the levels detected in the feathers. This should be taken into account in future monitoring studies.
Morrissey C. A., Bscendell‐Young L. I., Elliott J. E. (2005): Assessing trace‐metal exposure to American dippers in mountain streams of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: An International Journal 24: 836-845.
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To develop a suitable biomonitor of metal pollution in watersheds, we examined trends in exposure to nine trace elements in the diet (benthic invertebrates and fish), feathers (n = 104), and feces (n = 14) of an aquatic passerine, the American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), from the Chilliwack watershed in British Columbia, Canada. We hypothesized that key differences may exist in exposure to metals for resident dippers that occupy the main river year-round and altitudinal migrants that breed on higher elevation tributaries because of differences in prey metal levels between locations or possible differences in diet composition. Metals most commonly detected in dipper feather samples in decreasing order were Zn > Cu > Hg > Se > Pb > Mn > Cd > Al > As. Resident dipper feathers contained significantly higher mean concentrations of mercury (0.64 μg/g dry wt), cadmium (0.19 μg/g dry wt), and copper (10.8 μg/g dry wt) relative to migrants. Mass balance models used to predict daily metal exposure for dippers with different diets and breeding locations within a watershed showed that variation in metal levels primarily was attributed to differences in the proportion of fish and invertebrates in the diet of residents and migrants. In comparing predicted metal exposure values to tolerable daily intakes (TDI), we found that most metals were below or within the range of TDI, except selenium, aluminum, and zinc. Other metals, such as cadmium, copper, and arsenic, were only of concern for dippers mainly feeding on insects; mercury was only of concern for dippers consuming high fish diets. The models were useful tools to demonstrate how shifts in diet and breeding location within a single watershed can result in changes in exposure that may be of toxicological significance.
Adout A., Hawlena D., Maman R., Paz-Tal O., Karpas Z. (2007): Determination of trace elements in pigeon and raven feathers by ICPMS. International Journal of Mass Spectrometry 267: 109-116.
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The concentration of 11 trace elements (Mg, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, Rb, Mo, Cd, Ba, Hg and Pb) and sulfur in feathers of pigeons and ravens was determined by ICPMS after wet digestion of the sample. Pigeon feathers were collected from five habitats: rural, industrial, urban, natural area and from a controlled environment, and raven feathers from the former two habitats. The distribution along the feather shaft was studied and for most elements it was found that the concentration increased from the quill towards the distal end of the feather. There were statistically significant differences in the concentration of trace elements between pigeons from different environments and between ravens and pigeons from similar habitats. It was found that for most elements the lowest concentration was in feathers from the control population and the highest in the industrial habitat. In general, higher concentrations were found in the omnivore raven feathers than in the granivore pigeons. Sulfur, that is abundant in keratin, was found to be a potential internal standard as its concentration presented the lowest variation among different samples. Thus, feathers from common birds, collected from the ground, can serve as bio-indicators of environmental levels of trace elements.
Bianchi N., Ancora S., Di Fazio N., Leonzio C. (2008): Cadmium, lead, and mercury levels in feathers of small passerine birds: Noninvasive sampling strategy. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: An International Journal 27: 2064-2070.
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Bird feathers have been widely used as a nondestructive biological material for monitoring heavy metals. Sources of metals taken up by feathers include diet (metals are incorporated during feather formation), preening, and direct contact with metals in water, air, dust, and plants. In the literature, data regarding the origin of trace elements in feathers are not univocal. Only in the vast literature concerning mercury (as methyl mercury) has endogenous origin been determined. In the present study, we investigate cadmium, lead, and mercury levels in feathers of prey of Falco eleonorae in relation to the ecological characteristics (molt, habitat, and contamination by soil) of the different species. Cluster analysis identified two main groups of species. Differences and correlations within and between groups identified by cluster analysis were then checked by nonparametric statistical analysis. The results showed that mercury levels had a pattern significantly different from those of cadmium and lead, which in turn showed a significant positive correlation, suggesting different origins. Nests of F. eleonorae proved to be a good source for feathers of small trans-Saharan passerines collected by a noninvasive method. They provided abundant feathers of the various species in a relatively small area— in this case, the falcon colony on the Isle of San Pietro, Sardinia, Italy.
Ahrens L., Herzke D., Huber S., Bustnes J. O., Bangjord G., Ebinghaus R. (2011): Temporal trends and pattern of polyfluoroalkyl compounds in tawny owl (Strix aluco) eggs from Norway, 1986− 2009. Environmental Science & Technology 45: 8090-8097.
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Temporal trends of polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) were examined in tawny owl (Strix aluco) eggs collected in Central Norway over a period of 24 years (1986−2009). Concentrations of 12 PFCs, including C6−C8, C10 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), and C8−C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), were measured, whereas saturated and unsaturated fluorotelomer carboxylates and shorter chain PFSAs and PFCAs were not detected. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant compound (geometric mean 10.1 ng/g wet weight (ww)), followed by perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriDA) (0.36 ng/g ww) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) (0.19 ng/g ww). Significant decreasing concentrations were found for PFOS with an annual decrease of 1.6% (1986−2009), while, conversely, the C10−C13 PFCA concentrations increase significantly with an annual increase of 4.2−12% (1986−2009). Consequently, the contribution of PFOS to the ∑PFCs decreased, whereas the contribution of the ∑PFCAs increased over the time. Toxicological implications for tawny owls are limited, but the maximal PFOS concentration found in this stu0dy is about 20 times lower than the predicted avian no effect concentration (PNEC) which suggest adverse effects caused by PFOS are unlikely. However, tawny owls are exposed to a mixture of various PFCs, and PFCA concentrations still increase.
Lourenço R., Tavares P. C., del Mar Delgado M., Rabaça J. E., Penteriani V. (2011): Superpredation increases mercury levels in a generalist top predator, the eagle owl. Ecotoxicology 20: 635-642.
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Superpredation can increase the length of the food chain and potentially lead to mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in top predators. We analysed the relationship of Hg concentrations in eagle owls Bubo bubo to diet composition and the percentage of mesopredators in the diet. Hg levels were measured in the adult feathers of eagle owls from 33 owl territories in the south-western Iberian Peninsula, and in three trophic levels of their prey: primary consumers, secondary consumers and mesopredators. In addition, we studied 6,181 prey in the eagle owl diet. Hg concentrations increased along the food chain, but the concentrations in eagle owls showed considerable variation. The Hg concentration in eagle owls increased when the percentage of mesopredators in the diet increased and the percentage of primary consumers decreased. Superpredation is often related to food stress, and the associated increase in accumulation of Hg may cause additional negative effects on vertebrate top predators. Hg levels in these eagle owl populations are relatively low, but future monitoring is recommended.
Ansara-Ross T. M., Ross M. J., Wepener V. (2013): The use of feathers in monitoring bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in the South African endangered African grass-owl (Tyto capensis). Ecotoxicology 22: 1072-1083.
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Few studies have quantified metals in South African species and no published data on residues specifically in South African owl feathers exist. Tyto capensis is listed as vulnerable within South Africa, making it preferable to use a non-invasive technique to determine metal bioaccumulation for this species. Comparisons are made with the cosmopolitan T. alba to determine whether this species could be used as a surrogate. Concentrations of various metals were thus determined in feathers of the two species and compared with liver and muscle samples. Samples were taken from 119 owls collected as road kill along a national road. A comparison of concentrations in feathers revealed similarly higher concentrations of aluminium, antimony, lead, nickel, and strontium, whereas concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, titanium and zinc were similarly higher in internal tissues for both species. Metal concentrations of owls were comparable to those reported in literature and below toxic levels, suggesting that these metals were not likely to impact the owls. Further regressions between feathers and corresponding livers were examined to determine if feathers were indicative of internal metal burdens. Significant positive relationships were found for aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and vanadium in T. alba and nickel, manganese and vanadium in T. capensis. Preliminary results support the feasibility of using feathers as non-destructive indicators of environmental contamination in T. capensis although caution needs to be taken when interpreting the results.
Brasso R. L., Drummond B. E., Borrett S. R., Chiaradia A., Polito M. J., Rey A. R. (2013): Unique pattern of molt leads to low intraindividual variation in feather mercury concentrations in penguins. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 32: 2331-2334.
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The authors hypothesized that the catastrophic annual molt of penguins (Sphenisciformes) would lead to reduced intraindividual variation of mercury concentrations in body feathers. While mean mercury concentrations varied significantly among 8 penguin species, intraindividual variability did not differ among species and was 3 times lower than values observed in other seabirds. The findings of the present study suggest that a single body feather collected at random per individual can be adequate to estimate mercury exposure at the population level in penguins.
Costa R. A., Eeva T., Eira C., Vaqueiro J., Vingada J. V. (2013): Assessing heavy metal pollution using Great Tits (Parus major): feathers and excrements from nestlings and adults. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 185: 5339-5344.
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Passerine species have been increasingly used as bioindicators of metal bioaccumulation especially by taking benefit of non-invasive procedures, such as collecting feathers and excrements. In 2009, metal (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) concentrations were determined in feathers and excrements of nestling and adult female great tits (Parus major) in industrial (a paper mill) and rural sites in maritime pine forests on the west coast of Portugal. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of metals between the areas but also between sampling methods (feather vs. excrement) and age classes (nestling vs. adult). Although excrements and feathers of nestling great tits showed different concentrations, similar patterns of accumulation were detected in both study areas. There was a significantly higher concentration of mercury in the industrial area and significantly higher concentrations of arsenic in the rural area in both sample types. Metal levels in adult females had quite different results when compared to nestlings, and only nickel presented significantly higher levels near the paper mill. Since metal levels showed a consistent pattern in feathers and excrements of nestling great tits, we conclude that both represent good and non-invasive methods for the evaluation of these elements in polluted areas.
Orłowski G., Kamiński P., Karg J., Baszyński J., Szady-Grad M., Koim-Puchowska B., Klawe J. J. (2015): Variable contribution of functional prey groups in diets reveals inter-and intraspecific differences in faecal concentrations of essential and non-essential elements in three sympatric avian aerial insectivores: a re-assessment of usefulness of bird faeces in metal biomonitoring. Science of the Total Environment 518: 407-416.
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Aerial insectivores through their insect diet can contribute to biotransfer of elements across habitats. We investigate the relationship between dietary composition as expressed by the contributions of six functional invertebrate prey groups (primarily of agriculturally subsidised invertebrates characteristic of agricultural areas in temperate regions of Europe) and concentrations of essential (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co) and non-essential (As, Cd, Pb) elements of environmental concern in the faeces of nestlings of three species of avian aerial insectivores – Common Swift Apus apus, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica and House Martin Delichon urbicum – which breed sympatrically and use apparently similar resources of flying insect prey. There were significant differences between the species for 7 of the 12 elements (Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, As, Pb, Cd); these differences were attributable to the variable dietary composition, even though the concentrations of the elements varied enormously between the faecal samples from the individual species. Partial correlation analysis between the biomass (expressed in mg dry weight) of the six functional prey groups and faecal concentrations of elements showed the highest number of significant relationships for toxic metals (As, Pb and Cd). The results of the General Regression Model explaining faecal element concentrations revealed the different explanatory power of the effects of PCA (of six functional prey groups) dietary scores. A significant fit of GRM was obtained for 7 elements (Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Cd) for Barn Swallows, 2 elements (Cu, As) for House Martins and 1 element (Mn) for Common Swifts. Overall, the results confirmed our predictions that the biomass of consumed coprophilous taxa and insects from crop habitats was positively correlated with the faecal concentrations of toxic elements. Unexpectedly, however, the faecal samples (primarily those of Common Swifts) that contained many oil-seed rape insect pests had lower Ca, Pb and Cd levels and a higher As level. Our study implies that the cross-boundary transfer of contaminants, primarily non-essential elements, by aerially foraging birds through the considerable accumulation of their faeces has potential consequences for the local biogeochemical cycle and environmental quality.
Reiter‐Marolf W. J., Dinsmore S. J., Blanchong J. A. (2016): An evaluation of excrement as an alternative to blood for characterizing lead exposure in bald eagles. Wildlife Society Bulletin 40: 174-180.
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Lead (Pb) exposure in free-flying bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is an important conservation concern. One of the challenges to characterizing the magnitude of Pb exposure in free-flying bald eagles is obtaining samples. Although blood samples are the most commonly used biomarker to quantify Pb exposure in living animals, the potential for negative impacts resulting from handling bald eagles make blood sampling less than ideal in a large-scale field study. We partnered with wildlife rehabilitators, who simultaneously collected blood and excrement samples from bald eagles admitted for rehabilitation in Iowa, USA, 2012 and 2013, to determine whether excrement could provide information comparable to blood about Pb exposure. We used linear regression to examine the relationship between excrement and blood Pb levels from 45 bald eagles admitted for rehabilitation and found that excrement Pb levels were statistically significantly related to blood Pb levels (P < 0.01, R2 = 0.68). Specifically, when excrement Pb levels were low, blood Pb levels were also low. We also found patterns in Pb levels as a function of sex, age, season admitted, and fate. We conclude that excrement has the potential to be a valuable tool for investigating Pb exposure in bald eagles.
Jara-Carrasco S., Barra R., Espejo W., Celis J. E., González-Acuña D., Chiang G., Sánchez-Hernández J. (2017): Persistent organic pollutants and porphyrin levels in excreta of penguin colonies from the Antarctic Peninsula area. Polar Record 53: 79-87.
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Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their effects on Antarctic seabirds by using excreta as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool have received little consideration. Here we determine the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and some organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorobencene (HCB), heptachlor, and endrin aldehyde in penguin excreta. Animal exposure to these environmental contaminants was determined through porphyrins in penguin droppings. Stool samples of Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) and gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) were collected on two locations of the Antarctic Peninsula area: Base O´Higgins (Antarctic Peninsula) and Ardley Island (King George Island). Despite POPs have been banned more than three decades ago, the levels (ng g−1 ww) of PCBs (1.45-2.35), DDTs (1.33-1.76), HCB (0.51-1.70), endrin (0.48-0.71) and heptachlor (0.97-2.40) showed that these pollutants are still present in Antarctica. Porphyrin levels in excreta (4.6-6.7 nmol g−1 dw) were significantly correlated to POPs, indicating certain chemical exposure on penguin colonies that inhabit the Antarctic Peninsula area. The levels of heptachlor found in penguin guano may be affecting some biota in terrestrial sites next to nesting places. Further studies and better understanding of POPs impact on animal performance in Antarctic biota are recommended.
Zarrintab M., Mirzaei R. (2017): Stress induced by heavy metals on breeding of magpie (Pica pica) from central Iran. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 143: 28-37.
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The aim of this study was to address the impacts of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu) contamination on laying behavior, egg quality and breeding performance of Pica pica in north of Isfahan Province, Iran. During the breeding season of 2013, magpie’s egg content and eggshell as well as nestling excrements and feathers were collected and total concentrations of heavy metals were measured by ICP-OES. Except for Zn in nestling feathers, the significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals were observed in nestling excrements than other samples. Also, comparison of heavy metals concentrations in egg content and eggshell showed that egg content had significantly higher concentrations of Zn and Pb, instead eggshell had significantly higher amount of Cu and Cd. Except for Cu, all heavy metals concentrations in eggshell had a negative relationship with morphological characters; and also concentration of Cu in egg content showed a significantly negative correlation with egg weight and volume. The most of heavy metals in nestling feathers and excrements had strongly positive correlations with each other. Also all heavy metals levels in eggshell and egg content had significantly positive correlations (except for Cu). Unhatched eggs had significantly lower weight but also greater levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb, than randomly collected eggs. No significant differences were observed for morphometric measurements of eggs between different sites, however, a decreased gradient was observed in egg volume toward the brick kiln site. Samples collected in brick kiln site accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals than other sites. Although numbers of clutch size in brick kiln site were significantly higher than other sites, however, other breeding variable were lower than other sites. It can be suggested that ecosystem contamination may be caused to decrease the reproduction rate of Pica pica in brick kiln, probably by laying more poor quality eggs per clutch and nestling mortality.
Bishop C. A., Moran A. J., Toshack M. C., Elle E., Maisonneuve F., Elliott J. E. (2018): Hummingbirds and bumble bees exposed to neonicotinoid and organophosphate insecticides in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 37: 2143-2152.
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To measure exposure to neonicotinoid and other pesticides in avian pollinators, we made novel use of cloacal fluid and fecal pellets from rufous (Selasphorus rufus) and Anna’s (Calypte anna) hummingbirds living near blueberry fields in the Fraser River Valley and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. To examine on-farm exposure to pesticides in invertebrate pollinators, we also collected bumble bees native to Canada (Bombus mixtus, Bombus flavifrons, and Bombus melanopygus), their pollen, and blueberry leaves and flowers from within conventionally sprayed and organic blueberry farms. By sites and sample type, the results reported in the present study represent pooled samples (n = 1). In 2015 to 2016, the combined concentration of the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin detected in hummingbird cloacal fluid from sites near conventionally sprayed blueberry fields was 3.63 ng/mL (ppb). Among the 18 compounds measured in fecal pellets, including one neonicotinoid (imidacloprid), only piperonyl butoxide was detected (1.47–5.96 ng/g). Piperonyl butoxide is a cytochrome P450 inhibitor applied with some insecticides to increase their toxic efficacy. Only diazinon was detected in bumble bees (0.197 ng/g), whereas diazinon (1.54–1.7 ng/g) and imidacloprid (up to 18.4 ng/g) were detected in pollen collected from bumble bees including the bees from organic sites located near conventionally sprayed blueberry farms. Imidacloprid was also detected at 5.16 ng/g in blueberry flowers collected 1 yr post spray from 1 of 6 conventionally sprayed blueberry farms.
Yamashita R., Takada H., Nakazawa A., Takahashi A., Ito M., Yamamoto T., Watanabe Y. Y., Kokubun N., Sato K., Wanless S., Daunt F., Hyrenbach D., Hester M., Deguchi T., Nishizawa B., Shoji A., Watanuki Y. (2018): Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) using seabird preen gland oil. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 75: 545-556.
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Situated at high positions on marine food webs, seabirds accumulate high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). Our previous studies proposed the usefulness of seabirds preen gland oil as a nondestructive biomonitoring tool. The present study applied this approach to 154 adult birds of 24 species collected from 11 locations during 2005–2016 to demonstrate the utility of preen gland oil as a tool for global monitoring POPs, i.e., PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs. Concentrations of the POPs were higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. In particular, ∑20PCBs and∑DDTs were highly concentrated in European shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus), explainable by a diet of benthic fishes. Higher concentrations of γ-HCH were detected in species from the polar regions, possibly reflecting the recent exposure and global distillation of ∑HCHs. We examined the relationship between age and POP concentrations in preen gland oil from 20 male European shags, aged 3–16 years old. Concentrations and compositions of POPs were not related to age. We also examined sex differences in the POP concentrations from 24 streaked shearwaters (Calonectris leucomelas) and did not detect a sex bias. These results underline the importance of the geographic concentration patterns and the dietary behavior as determinants species-specific POPs concentrations in preen gland oil.
Bessa F., Ratcliffe N., Otero V., Sobral P., Marques J. C., Waluda C. M., Trathan P. N., Xavier J. C. (2019): Microplastics in gentoo penguins from the Antarctic region. Scientific Reports 9: 1491.
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There is growing evidence that microplastic pollution (<5 mm in size) is now present in virtually all marine ecosystems, even in remote areas, such as the Arctic and the Antarctic. Microplastics have been found in water and sediments of the Antarctic but little is known of their ingestion by higher predators and mechanisms of their entry into Antarctic marine food webs. The goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of microplastics in a top predator, the gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua from the Antarctic region (Bird Island, South Georgia and Signy Island, South Orkney Islands) and hence assess the potential for microplastic transfer through Antarctic marine food webs. To achieve this, the presence of microplastics in scats (as a proof of ingestion) was investigated to assess the viability of a non-invasive approach for microplastic analyses in Antarctic penguins. A total of 80 penguin scats were collected and any microplastics they contained were extracted. A total of 20% of penguin scats from both islands contained microplastics, consisting mainly of fibers and fragments with different sizes and polymer composition (mean abundance of microplastics: 0.23 ± 0.53 items individual−1 scat, comprising seven different polymers), which were lower values than those found for seabirds in other regions worldwide. No significant differences in microplastic numbers in penguin scats between the two regions were detected. These data highlight the need for further assessment of the levels of microplastics in this sensitive region of the planet, specifically studies on temporal trends and potential effects on penguins and other organisms in the Antarctic marine food web.
Bourbour R. P., Martinico B. L., Ackerman J. T., Herzog M. P., Hull A. C., Fish A. M., Hull J. M. (2019): Feather mercury concentrations in North American raptors sampled at migration monitoring stations. Ecotoxicology 28: 379-391.
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We assessed total mercury (THg) concentrations in breast feathers of diurnal North American raptors collected at migration monitoring stations. For 9 species in the Pacific Flyway, we found species and age influenced feather THg concentrations whereas sex did not. Feather THg concentrations µg/g dry weight (dw) averaged (least squares mean ± standard error) higher for raptors that generally consume > 75% avian prey (sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus: n = 113; 4.35 ± 0.45 µg/g dw, peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus: n = 12; 3.93 ± 1.11 µg/g dw, Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii: n = 20; 2.35 ± 0.50 µg/g dw, and merlin Falco columbarius: n = 59; 1.75 ± 0.28 µg/g dw) than for raptors that generally consume < 75% avian prey (northern harrier Circus hudsonius: n = 112; 0.75 ± 0.10 µg/g dw, red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis: n = 109; 0.56 ± 0.06 µg/g dw, American kestrel Falco sparverius: n = 16; 0.57 ± 0.14 µg/g dw, prairie falcon Falco mexicanus: n = 10; 0.41 ± 0.13 µg/g dw) except for red-shouldered hawks Buteo lineatus: n = 10; 1.94 ± 0.61 µg/g dw. Feather THg concentrations spanning 13-years (2002–2014) in the Pacific Flyway differed among 3 species, where THg increased for juvenile northern harrier, decreased for adult red-tailed hawk, and showed no trend for adult sharp-shinned hawk. Mean feather THg concentrations in juvenile merlin were greater in the Mississippi Flyway (n = 56; 2.14 ± 0.18 µg/g dw) than those in the Pacific Flyway (n = 49; 1.15 ± 0.11 µg/g dw) and Intermountain Flyway (n = 23; 1.14 ± 0.16 µg/g dw), and Atlantic Flyway (n = 38; 1.75 ± 0.19 µg/g dw) averaged greater than the Pacific Flyway. Our results indicate that raptor migration monitoring stations provide a cost-effective sampling opportunity for biomonitoring environmental contaminants within and between distinct migration corridors and across time.
Liu Q., Chen Y., Maltby L., Zheng Y., Ma Q. (2019): Trace elements exposure of endangered crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) under in situ and ex situ conservations. Environmental Pollution 253: 800-810.
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Crested ibis (Nipponia nippon), one of the rarest birds in the world, was almost extinct in the historically widespread areas partly due to the environmental pollution. Therefore, non-invasive indicators of feather, eggshell, and excrement were used to investigate the exposure of this endangered bird to eleven trace elements in this study. The results indicated that crested ibises under in situ and ex situ conservations were diversely exposed to trace elements, with higher exposure levels of As, Cd, and Mn in the wild, but higher exposure levels of Hg, Se, and Zn in the captive breeding center. In addition, concentrations of As, Co, Cr, and Ni were significantly greater in the sediments of three types of foraging habitats for wild crested ibis, but concentration of Se was greater in the soil of captive cages. Feather and eggshell of crested ibis exhibited a very consistent indication for most of the trace elements, and concentrations of almost all of the elements in the excrements were very consistent with the results in the environmental samples (sediments or soils). Concentrations of As, Hg, Mn, and Zn in feathers, and Mn and Zn in eggshells of wild and captive crested ibis were greater than those in other similar species. Moreover, As, Cd, Cu, and Mn concentrations in excrement of wild crested ibises were greater than that in captive individuals and other species, but Se and Zn concentrations in excrement of captive crested ibises were greater than that of the wild and other species. The present study provided evidence that both of the wild and captive crested ibis were exposed to trace elements, which may be harmful to their health.
Zhao Z., Li Q., Ni C., Zhang L. (2019): Non-destructive bioindicator of little egret (Egretta garzetta) to assess the pollution of highly toxic organic pollutants in Poyang Lake wetland. Wetlands 39: 137-150.
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Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in eggshells and feathers of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) as well as in environmental compartments were investigated to assess the bioindication potential of non-destructive tissues of predatory birds for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wetlands. Higher concentrations of PAHs were detected in both feathers and eggshells than OCPs, which was consistent with the residue patterns in water, soil and food samples. Bioaccumulation was observed for both OCPs and PAHs in eggshells and feathers showing OCPs were more readily bioaccumulated than PAHs, mainly attributed to the bioconcentration route from water. Both eggshells and feathers of Little Egret could be used to predict the POP pollution in Poyang Lake wetlands, especially for PAHs. The higher bioaccumulation potential of feathers than eggshells suggests the wide application of feathers as non-destructive biomonitoring tool for particular POP pollution in wetland ecosystem.
Bala M., Sharma A., Sharma G. (2020): Assessment of heavy metals in faecal pellets of blue rock pigeon from rural and industrial environment in India. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27: 43646-43655.
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The study was conducted to monitor concentration of six toxic metals in faecal pellets of blue rock pigeon from six industrial areas of Jaipur, i.e. Jhotwara, Malviya, Mansarover, Sitapura, Vishwakarma industrial areas and Sanganer industries, by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. At the same time, trace metals were also analysed for a reference area so that a comparative impact of the metal pollution from the industries could be figured out. From the data obtained, the highest Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were found in the faecal pellets from Sitapura industrial area (1.12 ± 0.60 μg/g; 128.9 ± 11.10 μg/g; 17 ± 2.87 μg/g; 79.6 ± 42.69 μg/g; 2250 ± 1390.16 μg/g) and the highest Cr (18.6 ± 3.65 μg/g) from Jhotwara industrial area. However, industrial environment has high deposition of studied trace metals (except Ni for Sanganer industries) as compared with reference area. The concentration of Cd was below the detectable level in faecal pellets from reference area. The trend of trace metals from Malviya, Sitapura, Jhotwara and reference areas was noticed as Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd and almost same for Sanganer industries and Mansarover industrial area as Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The excretion of heavy metals in fa1ecal pellets from Vishwakarma industrial area was noticed as Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Further levels of metals were varied significantly among different industrial areas, P ≤ 0.05, as well as between industrial areas and reference area. The observed high concentration of different heavy metals in faecal pellets of bird species shows their exposure to metal contamination which is warning to spiked environmental pollution.
Buck A., Carrillo-Hidalgo J., Camarero P. R., Mateo R. (2020): Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in common kestrel eggs from the Canary Islands: Spatiotemporal variations and effects on eggshell and reproduction. Chemosphere 261: 127722.
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Organochlorine (OC) pesticides were widely used on the Canary Islands (Spain) for intensive crop production and against plagues of African locust. A previous study performed in 1988–1994 showed a high concentration of p,p’-DDE in the eggs of common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) from the island of Tenerife. The present study shows OC pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) levels in 40 unhatched common kestrel eggs collected from southern Tenerife between 2009 and 2016. The protoporphyrin IX in eggshells has also been analysed in order to explore the use of this pigment as a biomarker. Egg biometry, status of embryo development, eggshell thickness and mass of extractable lipids of each egg were recorded. Surrounding land use and reproductive parameters (hatching and fledging rates) were obtained for each nest. The most abundant compound was p,p’-DDE (15.0 μg/g d.w), followed by PCBs (0.46 μg/g d.w.). The decline in p,p’-DDE levels in southern Tenerife (with 23.6 μg/g d.w. in 1988–1994) was 36.4%. p,p’-DDE levels were positively associated with the surface of active and abandoned cropland in a 200 m-radius around the nest and with proximity to urban areas. PCB levels were associated with proximity to roads. Shell thickness was negatively affected by the p,p’-DDE concentration. The concentration of protoporphyrin IX in the eggshell was negatively associated with the concentration of hexachlorobenzene in the egg content. Despite the total ban on the use of p,p’-DDT in Spain since 1986, p,p’-DDE levels remain elevated in those areas in which that use was formerly intensive.
de Vargas A. P., Cuadrado M., Camarero P. R., Mateo R. (2020): An assessment of eggshell pigments as non-invasive biomarkers of organochlorine pollutants in gull-billed tern. Science of the Total Environment 732: 139210.
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Eggshell pigmentation has been assessed as an indicator of exposure to environmental pollutants in birds, but these studies have only used reflectance spectrophotometry to measure such pigmentation. The present study is the first one that measures eggshell pigments and pollutants in the same eggs to explore their use as biomarkers in birds. We have studied the concentration of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the content of 97 deserted eggs of gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) after the abandonment of the colony in Mesas de Asta (Cádiz, S Spain) in 2012. Eggshell thickness and stage of embryo development were studied together along with the concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in eggshells. p,p′-DDE concentrations were high when compared with other studies done with terns in the Mediterranean basin in the past. p,p′-DDE and PCB levels associated with reduced reproductive success were found in 5.1% and 2.1% of the eggs respectively. Eggshell index was largely affected by the embryo development stage, which highlights the need of knowing this information to avoid potential biases in the interpretation of results. The concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in the eggs of gull-billed terns were negatively associated with DDTs levels, which seems to confirm previous observations with phylogenetically related species.
Eeva T., Raivikko N., Espín S., Sánchez-Virosta P., Ruuskanen S., Sorvari J., Rainio M. (2020): Bird feces as indicators of metal pollution: Pitfalls and solutions. Toxics 8: 124.
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Bird feces are commonly used as a proxy for measuring dietary metal exposure levels in wild populations. Our study aims to improve the reliability and repeatability of fecal metal measurements and gives some recommendations for sampling. First, we studied levels of variation in metallic element (arsenic, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, lead) concentrations: temporal variation within an individual, among siblings in a brood and among-brood/spatial variation. Second, we explored the variation caused by dual composition (urate vs. feces) of bird droppings. Two sets of fresh fecal samples were collected from pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) nestlings living in a metal polluted area in summers 2017 (dataset 1) and 2018 (dataset 2). We found a great deal of temporal intra-individual variation in metal levels, suggesting that dietary exposure varied markedly in a short time scale (within a day). A sample from only one nestling per brood did not well describe the brood mean value, and we recommend that at least four siblings should be sampled. Brood level samples give relatively good temporal repeatability for most metals. For all the metals, the levels in the fecal portion were more than double to those in the urate portion. Since the mass proportion of urate in the bird droppings varied a great deal among samples, standardizing sampling, e.g., by collecting only the fecal part, would markedly reduce the variation due to composition. Alternatively, urate portion could be used for biomonitoring of internally circulated bioavailable metal.
González-Gómez X., Simal-Gándara J., Alvarez L. E. F., López-Beceiro A. M., Pérez-López M., Martínez-Carballo E. (2020): Non-invasive biomonitoring of organic pollutants using feather samples in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Environmental Pollution 267: 115672.
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A large portion of organic pollutants (OPs) represent a potential hazard to humans and living beings due to their toxic properties. For several years, birds have been used as biomonitor species of environmental pollution. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) were assessed in body feather samples of 71 feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) collected from Asturias and Galicia (NW Spain). The percentage of detection for all chemical groups were above 90% in studied birds. The general pattern was dominated by PAHs (mean value ± standard deviation (SD) 32 ± 15 ng/g) followed by OCPs (3.8 ± 1.1 ng/g), PYRs (3.4 ± 3.8 ng/g), PCBs (1.6 ± 1.0 ng/g), OPPs (1.3 ± 0.70 ng/g) and PBDEs (0.80 ± 0.30 ng/g). Significant differences were observed between age, location and gender suggesting different sources of exposure and accumulation pathways.
Kardynal K. J., Jardine T. D., Génier C. S., Bumelis K. H., Mitchell G. W., Evans M., Hobson K. A. (2020): Mercury exposure to swallows breeding in Canada inferred from feathers grown on breeding and non-breeding grounds. Ecotoxicology 29: 876-891.
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Aerial insectivorous birds such as swallows have been the steepest declining groups of birds in North America over the last 50 years but whether such declines are linked to contaminants has not been examined. We sampled feathers from five species of swallow at multiple locations to assess total mercury [THg] exposure for adults during the non-breeding season, and for juveniles on the breeding grounds. We assessed Hg exposure to juvenile birds in crop- and grass-dominated landscapes to determine if land-use practices influenced feather [THg]. We assayed feathers for stable isotopes (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N) as proxies for relative habitat use and diet to determine their potential influence on feather [THg]. Feather [THg] was highest in adult bank swallows (Riparia riparia) and purple martins (Progne subis) from Saskatchewan and adult cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) from western regions, indicating differential exposure to Hg on the non-breeding grounds. Juvenile bank, barn (Hirundo rustica) and tree (Tachycineta bicolor) swallows had lower feather [THg] in crop-dominated landscapes than grass-dominated landscapes in Saskatchewan, potentially resulting from lower use of wetland-derived insects due to wetland drainage and intensive agriculture. Feather [THg] was related to juvenile feather stable isotopes for several species, suggesting complex interactions with diet and environmental factors. Many individuals had feather [THg] values >2 µg/g, a threshold at which deleterious effects may occur. Our findings indicate differential Hg exposure among species of swallow, regions and land-uses and highlight the need for additional research to determine dietary and finer-scale land-use impacts on individual species and populations.
Venugopal D., Subramanian M., Rajamani J., Palaniyappan J., Samidurai J., Arumugam A. (2020): Levels and distribution pattern of organochlorine pesticide residues in eggs of 22 terrestrial birds from Tamil Nadu, India. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27: 39253-39264.
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Long-term monitoring is essential to assess the patterns and distribution of the residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in biota. Bird eggs have several advantages than other environmental matrixes, which have been used extensively to portray the accumulation and distribution of OCPs. The present study investigated the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in eggs of 22 species of terrestrial birds collected from Tamil Nadu, India. Eggs found abandoned were collected during nest monitoring between 2001 and 2008 and analyzed for the presence of organochlorine pesticide residues. The results showed that the mean concentrations of total hexachlorohexane (∑HCHs), total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (∑DDTs), heptachlor epoxide, and dieldrin ranged from non-detectable (nd) to 2800 ng/g, nd to1000 ng/g, nd to 700 ng/g, and nd to 240 ng/g on a wet mass (wm) basis, respectively. The variation in magnitude of contamination among the species and feeding guilds were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Among the OCPs analyzed, the residues of β-HCH and p,p′-DDE were found to be the abundant in concentration. Similarly, among various bird species studied, the highest concentrations of ∑OCPs (> 5000 ng/g wm) were recorded in the eggs of gray junglefowl, scaly-breasted munia, and red-whiskered bulbul. This may be due to their widespread occurrence of their habitat at proximity to the agricultural fields, where organochlorines were in use until recently. Among the various contaminants analyzed, concentrations of p,p′-DDE and heptachlor epoxide exceeded the threshold levels of toxicity for wild birds in > 5% of the egg samples. Hence, this study indicates the need for continued monitoring and further systematic ecotoxicological investigation of these compounds not only in eggs but also in other environmental media.
Anbazhagan V., Partheeban E. C., Arumugam G., Selvasekaran V., Rajendran R., Paray B. A., Al-Sadoon M. K., Al-Mfarij A. R. (2021): Avian feathers as a biomonitoring tool to assess heavy metal pollution in a wildlife and bird sanctuary from a tropical coastal ecosystem. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 28: 38263-38273.
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In this study, we have assessed the concentrations of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in the feathers of 11 species of birds from the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, a protected environment. Concentrations of copper and zinc were detected in all the bird species, cadmium was observed only in two bird species, and lead was below the detection limits for all birds. The order of concentration of metals in the feathers is Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. Using the multivariate statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), the metal origins were traced to natural, dietary, and manmade sources. In addition, sediment samples were also collected from the sanctuary, to assess the bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The BAF values follow the order Cd < Cu < Zn < Pb. In comparison with worldwide heavy metal reports in bird feathers, lower concentrations of metals are observed in our study area. The tropical marine ecosystem at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary can be considered as pristine regarding heavy metal pollution. Continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is crucial to sustain the pristine nature of the sanctuary and to attract many more birds.
Esther A., Schenke D., Heim W. (2021): Non‐invasively collected fecal samples as indicator of multiple pesticide exposure in wild birds. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 41: 201-2077.
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Pesticide use poses a potential hazard to wild birds that use agricultural farmland as their foraging habitat. While most current pesticide studies have found residues in liver samples and single active substances, non-invasive sampling methods and data on a wide variety of agrochemicals are needed to determine pesticide exposure of living wild birds for post-registration monitoring. We collected feces during autumn migration of Eurasian skylarks (Alauda arvensis), a species that commonly forages in winter cereal crops. Birds were kept in paper bags until we measured their body condition, individually marked and released them back into the wild. We analysed the feces dropped in paper bags for the presence of 80 pesticides including rodenticides and degradation products. Nine active substances from fungicides and herbicides commonly used in grain and maize fields were detected individually, or in combination, in 25% of the samples. We found no significant differences in body condition between exposed and unexposed birds, but Eurasian skylarks without pesticide residues tended to have a better body condition than birds with pesticide residues. Pesticide determination in non-invasively collected fecal samples enables a refined risk analysis, which takes pesticides used in the habitats of birds into account. It allows the search for the sources of pesticide contamination, but also enables research into potential deleterious effects on the fitness of farmland birds.
López-Berenguer G., Pérez-García J. M., García-Fernández A. J., Martínez-López E. (2021): High levels of heavy metals detected in feathers of an avian scavenger warn of a high pollution risk in the Atacama Desert (Chile). Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 81: 227-235.
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The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert.
Martín-Vélez V., Hortas F., Taggar, M. A., Green A. J., ÓHanlon N. J., Sánchez M. I. (2021): Spatial variation and biovectoring of metals in gull faeces. Ecological Indicators 125: 107534.
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We assessed the spatial variation in concentrations of ten metals in faeces of the lesser black-backed gull (LBBG) Larus fuscus wintering at seven localities in South-West Spain. We found high concentrations of metals in gull faeces, with several elements (As, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn) locally exceeding (by 2 to 11 times) derived Lowest Effect Level (LEL) values. We also found strong spatial variation, related to the main pollution sources associated with the different sites. Faeces from Chipiona Port (Gulf of Cádiz) showed the highest levels of As; Cetina saltpans (Bay of Cádiz) ranked first for Pb, Zn and Mo, which was consistent with historic mining and industrial pollution; Doñana ricefields showed the highest levels of Mn, a highly available element in flooded areas; while landfills ranked first for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Ni, potentially associated with electronic waste. Furthermore, we demonstrate how faecal analysis can be used to quantify biovectoring of metals into specific localities, using LBBG movement ecology and census data. At Fuente de Piedra, a shallow, closed-basin lake important for waterbirds, we show that metal inputs by LBBG have increased in recent years, and long-term deposition (e.g., of Pb) may impact aquatic communities and ecological processes in this Ramsar site.
Sidhu S. K., Kler T. K. (2021): Assessment of heavy metal contamination in excreta of Baya Weaver Bird (Ploceus philippinus) from three districts of different zones of Punjab. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 106: 799-804.
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The objective of the study was to assess the heavy metal contamination in excreta of the Baya Weaver Bird (Ploceus philippinus). Samples were collected from nesting colony sites present in three districts viz. Ludhiana (location I), Ropar (location II) and Ferozepur (location III) falling in Central plain zone, Undulating plain zone and Western plain zone of Punjab respectively. In dry excreta samples fifteen elements were detected through ICAP-AES; As, Pb, Cd, Cr were toxic heavy metals and B, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Mg, Ca, P, S, Na were essential elements. Toxic heavy metals viz. As (1.88–2.10 ppm), Pb (2.70- 5.25 ppm) and Cr (13.30–23.78 ppm) were found above normal range in excreta collected from studied locations. Statistical analysis showed significant difference among heavy metals and locations which signifies the bioaccumulation of different metals at different locations in excreta of Baya Weaver Bird due to different type of contaminations at studied locations.
Souza J. S., Pacyna-Kuchta A. D., Da Cunha L. S. T., Costa E. S., Niedzielski P., Torres J. P. M. (2021): Interspecific and intraspecific variation in organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls using non-destructive samples from Pygoscelis penguins. Environmental Pollution 275: 116590.
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As humans are present in Antarctica only for scientific and tourism-related purposes, it is often described as a pristine region. However, studies have identified measurable levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the Antarctic region. These are highly toxic anthropogenic compounds with tendency to travel long distances and reach remote environments, where they can bioaccumulate in the biota. Penguins are exposed to POPs mainly through their diet, which they partially eliminate via feathers. Species of the genus Pygoscelis occur around Antarctic continent and its surrounding regions, and can act as indicators of contaminants that reach the continent. Here, we report OCP and PCB levels in feathers of male and female penguins of P. adeliae, P. antarcticus and P. papua from King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Interspecific, sex- and body-size-related differences were investigated in the contamination profiles of PCBs and OCPs. Feather samples were collected from adult penguins (n = 41). Quantification of compounds was performed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The three Pygoscelis species presented similar contamination profiles, with higher concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (∑DDT; 1.56–3.82 ng g−1 dw), lighter PCB congeners (∑PCB: 11.81–18.65 ng g−1 dw) and HCB (hexachlorobenzene: 1.65–4.06 ng g−1 dw). Amongst the three penguin species, P. antarcticus had lower and P. papua higher concentrations of most of the compounds identified. We found interspecific differences in POPs accumulation as well as sex differences in POP concentrations. Our data indicate a small but significant positive correlation between body size and the concentrations of some compounds. Despite the overall low concentrations foyund, this study increases knowledge of the occurrence of POPs in Antarctic penguins, thereby reinforcing concerns that Antarctica, although remote and perceived to be protected, is not free from the impact of anthropogenic pollutants.
Esther A., Schenke D., Heim W. (2022): Noninvasively collected fecal samples as indicators of multiple pesticide exposure in wild birds. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 41: 201-207.
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Pesticide use poses a potential hazard to wild birds that use agricultural farmland as their foraging habitat. Whereas most current pesticide studies have found residues in liver samples and single active substances, noninvasive sampling methods and data on a wide variety of agrochemicals are needed to determine pesticide exposure of living wild birds for postregistration monitoring. We collected feces during autumn migration of Eurasian skylarks (Alauda arvensis), a species that commonly forages in winter cereal crops. Birds were kept in paper bags until we measured their body condition, individually marked and released them. We analyzed the feces dropped in paper bags for the presence of 80 pesticides including rodenticides and degradation products. Nine active substances from fungicides and herbicides commonly used in grain and maize fields were detected individually, or in combination, in 25% of the samples. We found no significant differences in body condition between exposed and unexposed birds, but Eurasian skylarks without pesticide residues had a better body condtion score on average than birds with pesticide residues. Pesticide determination in noninvasively collected fecal samples allows a refined risk analysis, which takes pesticides used in the habitats of birds into account. It allows the search for the sources of pesticide contamination, but also enables research into potential deleterious effects on the fitness of farmland birds.
Mancuso K., Hodges K. E., Grosselet M., Elliott J. E., Alexander J. D., Zanuttig M., Bishop C. A. (2022): Mercury toxicity risk and corticosterone levels across the breeding range of the Yellow-breasted Chat. Ecotoxicology 31: 234-250.
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Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that can negatively impact human and wildlife health. For songbirds, Hg risk may be elevated near riparian habitats due to the transfer of methylmercury (MeHg) from aquatic to terrestrial food webs. We measured Hg levels in tail feathers sampled across the breeding range of the Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens), a riparian songbird species of conservation concern. We assessed the risk of Hg toxicity based on published benchmarks. Simultaneously, we measured corticosterone, a hormone implicated in the stress response system, released via the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. To better understand range-wide trends in Hg and corticosterone, we examined whether age, sex, subspecies, or range position were important predictors. Lastly, we examined whether Hg and corticosterone were correlated. Hg levels in chats were relatively low: 0.30 ± 0.02 µg/g dry weight. 148 out of 150 (98.6%) had Hg levels considered background, and 2 (1.6%) had levels considered low toxicity risk. Hg levels were similar between sexes and subspecies. Younger chats (<1 year) had higher Hg levels than older chats (>1 year). Hg levels were lowest in the northern and central portion of the eastern subspecies’ range. Corticosterone concentrations in feathers averaged 3.68 ± 0.23 pg/mm. Corticosterone levels were similar between ages and sexes. Western chats had higher levels of corticosterone than eastern chats. Hg and corticosterone were not correlated, suggesting these low Hg burdens did not affect the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Altogether, the chat has low Hg toxicity risk across its breeding range, despite living in riparian habitats.
Mejías C., Martín J., Santos J. L., Aparicio I., Sánchez M. I., Alonso E. (2022): Development and validation of a highly effective analytical method for the evaluation of the exposure of migratory birds to antibiotics and their metabolites by faeces analysis. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 414: 3373-3386.
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The widespread occurrence of antibiotics in the environment may exert a negative impact on wild organisms. In addition, they can become environmental reservoirs, through the ingestion of food or contaminated water, and vectors for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This fact is even more important in migratory birds that can promote their dissemination across continents. In this work, a multiresidue analytical method suitable for the determination of five families of antibiotics and their main metabolites in waterbird faeces has been developed and validated. The target compounds include environmentally significant sulfonamides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and antifolates. Sample treatment involves ultrasound-assisted extraction with methanol and dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up with C18. Analytical determination was carried out by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The most significant parameters affecting sample extraction and extract clean-up were optimised by means of experimental designs. Good linearity (R2 > 0.994), accuracy (from 41 to 127%), precision (relative standard deviation lower than 24%) and limits of quantification (lower than 2 ng g−1 (dry weight, dw)) were obtained for most of the compounds. The method was applied to the determination of the selected compounds in 27 faeces samples from three common migratory waterbird species. Nine antibiotics and three of their metabolites were detected in the analysed samples. Fluoroquinolones and macrolides were the antibiotics most frequently detected. The highest concentrations corresponded to norfloxacin (up to 199 ng g−1 dw).
Mendez-Sanhueza S., Torres M., Pozo K., Del Aguila G., Hernandez F., Jacobsen C., Echeverry D. (2023): Microplastics in seabird feces from coastal areas of central Chile. Animals 13: 2840.
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Pollution from plastic waste thrown into the ocean affects all levels of the food chain. Marine species of birds are affected by plastic particles of different sizes, especially the mesoplastics (1 to 10 mm) found in their digestive tract, which mainly cause obstructions. In the case of microplastics (1.000 µm to 1 mm), their presence in the digestive tract of these species has been widely reported. We studied fecal samples of the Dominican gull (Larus dominicanus) (n = 14), Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) (n = 8), and Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) (n = 1) obtained from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of the Biobío region, Chile. Microfibers of various colors were present in the feces of Dominican gulls and Magellanic penguins, corresponding mainly in composition to polypropylene (PP) (83%) and rayon (77%). These results demonstrate that microplastic particles occur in the coastal environments of central Chile and suggest that they are probably circulating in the food chain.