Effects of Arsenate on Growth and Physiology in Mallard Ducklings

Abstract

Arsenic (As) has been found at elevated concentrations in irrigation drainwater and in aquatic plants utilized by waterfowl. Mallard (Anus phtyrhynchos) ducklings received an untreated diet (controls) or diets containing 30, 100 or 300 ppm As added as sodium arsenate. After 10 weeks blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological examination. Arsenic accumulated significantly in brain and liver of ducklings fed 100 or 300 ppm but did not result in histopathological lesions. The 300-ppm dietary As concentration decreased overall growth (weight gain) in males, whereas all concentrations of As decreased overall growth and rate of growth in females. Food consumption was less during the first three weeks in the 300-ppm group and during the second week for the 100-ppm group compared to controls. Plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase activity and plasma glucose concentration were higher in the 300-ppm group compared to controls. Plasma triglyceride concentration increased in all As-treated groups. Brain ATP was lower in the 300-ppm group and sodium/potassium-dependent ATPase activity was higher in the 30-and 100-ppm groups. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in the 300-ppm group and malondialdehyde lower in all treatment groups. All treatment levels caused elevation in hepatic glutathione and ATP concentrations. These findings, in combination with altered duckling behavior (increased resting time), suggest that concentrations of As that have been found in aquatic plants (up to 430 ppm dry weight) could adversely affect normal duckling development.

Trace Elements in Seabirds from the Barents and Norwegian Seas, 1991-1993

“…Selenium and arsenic have been shown to have antagonistic interactive effect when administered simultaneously to mammals (Ganther and B aumann, 1962;Levander, 1972), chickens CHowelI and Hill, 1978), and to ducklings (Gamardese et al, 1990).…”

Remedial investigation report on the Melton Valley watershed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Volume 3: Appendix C

“…While no mortality was observed among mallard ducks fed a diet containing 100 mg/kg sodium arsenite for 128 days, 12% to 92% mortality was observed for ducks fed diets containing 250 to 1000 mgkg arsenite (USFWS, 1964). Camardese et al (1990) and Whitworth et al (1991) fed mallards diets containing 30, 100, or 300 mgkg sodium arsenate. While no effects were observed on behavior, growth was reduced for male ducks consuming 300 mg/kg arsenic and for female ducks at all exposure levels.…”

White Oak Creek Watershed: Melton Valley Area Remedial Investigation Report, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Volume 3 Appendix C

“…While no mortality was observed among mallard ducks fed a diet containing 100 mgkg sodium arsenite for 128 days, 12% to 92% mortality was observed for ducks fed diets containing 250 to 1000 mgkg arsenite (USFWS, 1964). Camardese et al (1990) and fed mallards diets containing 30,100, or 300 mgkg sodium arsenate. While no effects were observed on behavior, growth was reduced for male ducks consuming 300 mgkg arsenic and for female ducks at all exposure levels.…”