Elevated Heavy Metal(loid) Blood and Feather Concentrations in Wetland Birds from Different Trophic Levels Indicate Exposure to Environmental Pollutants.

ABSTRACT: The research assessed the exposure to total mercury (THg), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in Colombian wetland species of different trophic levels Platalea ajaja, Dendrocygna autumnalis and Nannopterum brasilianus. The results show high THg blood levels in P. ajaja (811.00 ± 349.60 µg L^-1) and N. brasilianus (209.50 ± 27.92 µg L^-1) with P. ajaja possibly exhibiting adverse effects. Blood Pb concentration was high in D. autumnalis (212.00 ± 208.10 µg L^-1) and above the threshold for adverse effects, suggesting subclinical poisoning. Levels of blood As were below the assumed threshold for detrimental effect (20 μg L^-1). The mean concentration of feather THg was below the assumed natural background levels (5 µg g^-1) for all three species. Fe

SUBMITTER: Bjedov D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11377487 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature