First study of heavy metals analysis in hair and oxidative status of European Otters (Lutra lutra) from Southwestern Europe.

ABSTRACT: Heavy metal(loid)s are continuously released into semi-aquatic ecosystems. This poses a potential threat to wildlife, such as the European otter (Lutra lutra) whose population has been gradually declining. Non-invasive sampling (e.g., hair samples) offers a valuable approach to assess pollutant exposure in otters without harm. In this study, we quantified As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the hair, liver, and kidney of European otters from NW Spain, with the aim of validating the effectiveness of hair as a non-invasive biomonitoring tool by comparing it with internal organ concentrations. The correlation between metal concentrations, age, sex, and habitat, as well as a battery of oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and malondialdeh

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Munoz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12476393 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature