Assessment of the Toxic Effects of Heavy Metals on Waterbirds and Their Prey Species in Freshwater Habitats

Pandiyan, Jeganathan; Poiyamozhi, Arumugam; Mahboob, Shahid; Al‐Ghanim, Khalid A.; Al‐Misned, Fahad A.; Ahmed, Zubair; Manzoor, Irfan; Govindarajan, Marimuthu

doi:10.3390/toxics10110641

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Interestingly, there is no discernible difference in all the metal accumulations in the feathers among the six groups of birds, but the maximum concentrations of the heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in the feather samples were observed in the water bird species, including the Red-wattled Lapwing, Asian Openbill, and Watercock. Unlike the other groups of birds, we observed that only these water birds had higher levels of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in their feathers than in their livers and kidneys, which were similar to an earlier report in other water birds: the Black-crowned Night Heron and Indian Pond Heron [50]. According to the data, these water bird species may specially store and excrete those metals through their feathers, and their feathers may be appropriate bioindicator samples for long-term exposure to the environment.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds

Khwankitrittikul,

Poapolathep,

Poapolathep

et al. 2024

Animals

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Birds are useful as bioindicators of metal pollution, but the variety of species and tissue distribution may influence the study of heavy metal burdens in birds. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in wild birds’ carcasses to acquire information on species differences and the tissue distribution of metals in wild birds in Thailand. Species differences in metal buildup were observed in the livers and kidneys, but not in the feathers. A significantly higher accumulation of Cd was found in the livers and kidneys of the granivorous birds compared to those in the water birds. In all the groups of birds, the Pb level in the livers (>15 ppm) and feathers (>4 ppm) exceeded the threshold limits, causing potential lead poisoning and disturbing the reproductive success. The Cd accumulation in the kidneys was above 2–8 ppm, indicating increased environmental exposure to Cd in these birds. The Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Fe concentrations in the livers could be estimated using the kidneys, while the Pb level in the liver may be predicted using feathers. Furthermore, water birds’ feathers may be potentially appropriate bioindicators for long-term exposure. Research on the origin of metal contamination is needed to reduce the threat of heavy metals to the health of both birds and other wildlife species.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds

Khwankitrittikul,

Poapolathep,

Poapolathep

et al. 2024

Animals

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“…NA not available. References list: 1, this study; 2, Durmaz et al, 2017 ; 3, Agusa et al, 2005 ; 4, Dahmardeh Behrooz & Burger, 2022 ; 5, Kojadinovic et al, 2007 ; 6, Sinkakarimi et al, 2018 ; 7, Lucia et al, 2010 ; 8, Pandiyan et al, 2022 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Trace element levels in the muscles of three tern species (Aves: Laridae) from the western Arabian Gulf: environmental assessment and implications for conservation

Yacoubi,

Savoca,

El Zrelli

et al. 2024

Environ Monit Assess

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In the Arabian Gulf (called also Persian Gulf; hereafter 'the Gulf'), Jana and Karan Islands are recognized as one of the most Important Bird Areas in the region. Many migratory breeding seabirds, like the Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii, White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa and Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus, depend on these islands during the breeding season. However, these aquatic wildlife species are suffering from intensified urban and industrial coastal development and various contamination events including wars and related oil spills. In this study, we used these three piscivorous top predator birds to analyse the levels of 19 trace elements (TEs; i.e. Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) in 15 muscular tissue samples from Jana and Karan Islands. PERMANOVA analysis showed no difference in contamination profile between sites nor between species probably due to their spatial and ecological proximity and therefore similar levels of exposure to TEs. Comparing these levels with existing literature, our results showed no particular concern for all elements, except for Al (maximum values recorded = 116.5 µg g−1 d.w.) and, in two samples, Ba (33.67 µg g−1 d.w.) and Pb (5.6 µg g−1 d.w.). The results can be considered as an initial step for supplementary evaluations with a larger number of samples and specified time intervals for the collection of specimens. This study provided baseline information on the pollution status of these two ecologically important sites which require a continuous biomonitoring programme.

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“…Similar nondestructive approaches were used to analyze certain metals in other species, such as feathers and egg shells in birds [ 1 , 12 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Cu, Cr, and Pb have noteworthy physiological and behavioral effects on a variety of animal species [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Copper, chromium, and lead were found in higher amounts in the feces of the fishing cat from the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary than in the feces of other mammal species tested elsewhere in the globe, as determined by the present research.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fishing Cat Scats as a Biomonitoring Tool for Toxic Heavy Metal Contamination in Aquatic Ecosystems

Harika¹,

Al‐Ghanim

Riaz

et al. 2023

Toxics

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Mangrove forest is one of the productive ecosystems that provide essential habitats for various fauna as breeding and feeding drives. However, heavy metal pollution in the mangrove forest has led to severe health problems for several aquatic species. Biomonitoring of metals using a nondestructive method is an emerging technique. Scats of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) were collected from five locations in the Godavari estuary mangrove habitats, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India, to determine the level of various metals. An opportunistic method was applied to collect scats in the mangrove forest. Six scat samples were collected from each of the sampling sites. The following prey species, such as crabs, fishes, birds, rodents, plants, plastics, and unidentifiable prey matters, were found in the scats. Select metals, such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were analyzed from the scats of the fishing cat since they intensively influence the physiology and behavior of top predators. The concentration of Cu in fishing cat scats was higher than the other two metals assessed. Metals showed statistically substantial variation across locations (p < 0.05). According to the current study, heavy metals may significantly threaten the fishing cat in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. The fishing cat is a vulnerable species in accordance with the ICUN categories. Due to pollution and other human pressures, the fishing cat may soon be categorized as a threatened or endangered species; the research advises that authorities should prioritize the protection of the vulnerable species of the fishing cat from the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India.

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Assessment of the Toxic Effects of Heavy Metals on Waterbirds and Their Prey Species in Freshwater Habitats

Cited by 9 publications

References 56 publications

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds

Trace element levels in the muscles of three tern species (Aves: Laridae) from the western Arabian Gulf: environmental assessment and implications for conservation

Fishing Cat Scats as a Biomonitoring Tool for Toxic Heavy Metal Contamination in Aquatic Ecosystems

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