Assessment of Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and Trace Elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) in the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) from the Canary Islands (Spain)

Abstract

The monitoring of trace elements and toxic metals in apical predators of the trophic chain provides data on the degree of contamination in ecosystems. The common kestrel is one of the most interesting raptors in this respect in the Canary Islands; therefore, the study of the levels of trace elements and toxic metals in this species is of much scientific value. The content of trace elements and toxic metals (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V, Al, Cd, Pb) was determined in the liver, muscle, and feathers of 200 specimens of common kestrel carcasses (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) from Tenerife. Cr (0.82 ± 2.62 mg/kg), Cu (11.82 ± 7.77 mg/kg), and Zn (198.47 ± 520.80 mg/kg) are the trace elements that stand out in the feather samples; this may be due to their affinity for the pigments that give them their coloring. Li was noteworthy in the liver samples (8.470 ± 5.702 mg/kg). Pb stood out in the feathers (4.353 ± 20.645 mg/kg) > muscle (0.148 ± 0.095 mg/kg) > liver (0.187 ± 0.133 mg/kg). The presence of metals in feathers correlates with recent exposure and reflects environmental contamination. When using raptor feathers as indicators of metal contamination, it is important to know what the levels of each metal signify. The analysis of the different tissues and organs of raptors, such as the common kestrel, provides valuable information on the degree of environmental contamination of the ecosystem in which it lives. Gender was not an influencing factor in this study.

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

“…Similar to our results, in addition to predatory birds, the highest proportions of Zn and Cu were detected in the feathers of the other groups of birds including the water birds, omnivores, insectivore-frugivores, insectivores, and granivores. These metals might have a preference for the pigments that give birds their coloring, for example, the darker black and iridescent blue feathers contained considerable amounts of Fe and Cu, while Zn was noticed in the iridescent feathers [48,49]. The feather Cd levels of the six groups of birds in the present study were below the threshold level (2 ppm), but the Pb concentrations were critically above the threshold (4 ppm) that affects reproductive success in birds [7,43].…”

“…Bird feathers are the sites of heavy metal accumulation and excretion and are considered significant bioindicators for long-term exposure to environmental pollution [8,9]. Earlier research has reported that Zn and Cu are essential metals accumulated in feathers of most predatory birds, including the Common Buzzard, Barn Owl, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Osprey, and Common Kestrel [47,48]. Similar to our results, in addition to predatory birds, the highest proportions of Zn and Cu were detected in the feathers of the other groups of birds including the water birds, omnivores, insectivore-frugivores, insectivores, and granivores.…”

Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires SufT for Fe-S cluster maturation, metabolism, and survival in vivo

“…Total 200 μM of purified proteins of SufT WT, SufT C62A, BSA (negative control) and catalase (positive control) were saturated with 300 μM of FeSO 4 followed by desalting by PD10 column. Protein samples were estimate as described earlier [ 72 ] with little modifications. Briefly, equal volume of protein samples (100 μL) was cold digested with 10 mL of nitric acid overnight.…”