https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e34319
Received: 08/09/2023 Accepted: 20/12/2023 Published: 22/02/2024
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Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIV, rcfcv-e34319
ABSTRACT
Birds are used as bioindicators to determine the negative effects of
environmental pollution on human, animal, and environmental health.
Among the terrestrial bird species in the study are: the common
buzzard (Buteo buteo); black kite (Milvus migrans), common kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus); among the aquatic bird species, marsh harrier
(Circus aeruginosus), white stork (Ciconia ciconia), gray heron (Ardea
cinerea) were used. Heavy metals As, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se were analysed
in blood samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP–MS). In the study, Hg and Se concentrations were generally higher
and As concentrations were generally lower than those reported in
the literature. In black kites, which are vulnerable to environmental
contamination and pollution has serious effects on population
numbers, it was observed that heavy metals other than As metal were
generally higher than the values determined in the studies. Pollutants
in nature need to be evaluated by taking into account species–specic
differences, age, gender, habitats, migration periods, biomass and
feeding habits.
Key words: Wild bird; indicator; metal; ICP–MS
RESUMEN
Las aves se utilizan como bioindicadores para determinar los efectos
negativos de la contaminación ambiental en la salud humana, animal
y ambiental. Entre las especies de aves terrestres en estudio se
encuentran: ratonero común (Buteo buteo); milano negro (Milvus
migrans), cernícalo común (Falco tinnunculus); entre las especies de
aves acuáticas se utilizaron el aguilucho lagunero (Circus aeruginosus),
la cigüeña blanca (Ciconia ciconia) y la garza real (Ardea cinerea). Los
metales pesados As, Hg, Zn, Cu y Se fueron analizados a partir de
muestras de sangre, mediante espectrometría de masas con plasma
acoplado inductivamente (ICP–MS). En el estudio, las concentraciones
de Hg y Se fueron en general más elevadas y las de As, más bajas
que las señaladas en la bibliografía. En los milanos negros, que son
vulnerables a la contaminación ambiental y la polución tiene graves
efectos en el número de sus poblaciones, se observó que los metales
pesados distintos del As eran en general superiores a los valores
determinados en los estudios. Los contaminantes presentes en
la naturaleza deben evaluarse teniendo en cuenta las diferencias
propias de cada especie, la edad, el sexo, los hábitats, los periodos
de migración, la biomasa y los hábitos alimentarios.
Palabras clave: Ave silvestre; indicador; metal; ICP–MS
Evaluation of heavy metal (As, Hg, Zn, Cu and Se) levels in wild birds of prey
and aquatic habitats
Evaluación de los niveles de metales pesados (As, Hg, Zn, Cu y Se)
en aves rapaces silvestres y hábitats acuáticos
Zozan Garip* , Reşat Ektiren , Füsun Temamoğulları , Anıl Karakaş
Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Sanlıurfa, Türkiye.
*Corresponding author: garipzozan@gmail.com
Evaluation of Heavy Metal levels in wild birds / Garip et al. __________________________________________________________________________
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INTRODUCTION
The use of animals as bioindicators in understanding the extent of
environmental pollution is extremely important in early detection of
adverse effects on ecological health [1, 2, 3]. Birds are considered to
be ideal bioindicators in guring out the true extent of environmental
pollution due to their wide geographical distribution, long life span,
and being at the top of the food pyramid due to their correlation with
the food chain [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Wild birds are chronically exposed to toxic agents through air, water,
and food. As predatory birds are at the top of the food chain, detection
of environmental pollutants in predatory birds provides information
on many points such as the type, amount, bioavailability, chemical
properties, and environmental persistence of the toxic substance [4,
7, 8, 9]. Environmental pollution causes functional disorders in the
nervous, reproductive, developmental (embryo death, malformation,
growth retardation), and immune and endocrine systems [8]. This
has become particularly important for bird species that are under
threat of extinction Worldwide [3, 10].
Numerous studies have utilised feather, eggshell, blood, and tissue
samples as pollution monitoring tools [2, 11, 12, 13, 14]. Determining
concentrations of environmental pollutants in blood is important for
determining real–time exposure by contact with the tissues where the
chemicals are stored. Also, environmental pollution can be monitored
even in small amounts with easy access to blood samples [2, 4].
The ubiquitous presence of heavy metals–one of the environmental
pollutants–their inability to break down in nature, their accumulation,
and the problems they may bring about on animal and human health
raise global concerns [15].
Heavy metals are divided into two groups: essential heavy metals
such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) and non–essential
heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) [16]. Zn, Cu,
and Se, which must be present in the living organism and cause
various problems in deciency and excess, are trace elements with
a narrow tolerance range [17]. Zn is distributed to the environment as
a consequence of anthropogenic and natural activities. It is toxic at
high concentrations, especially in aquatic ecosystems [18]. In birds,
toxic concentrations of Zn have been correlated with degenerative
deformations of the liver and pancreas, as well as reproductive and
teratogenic effects [19]. Cu accumulates directly in the soil, surface
water, and groundwater after metal melting processes [20]. In, an
increase in the amount of Cu affects the immune system of mammals
[21]. Se in soils, rocks, and water can contaminate the food chain
through plants and cause environmental pollution through industrial
activities such as coal consumption, melting, and fertilizer production
[22]. High levels of Se entering eggs through the diet and blood leads
to poisoning and reduced survival rates in chicks and adults.
The literature includes a limited number of studies in which Se
concentration was determined [23]. Hg is a highly hazardous toxic
heavy metal that has raised global concerns about the environment
and human health through the aquatic food chain. Birds are highly
susceptible to Hg poisoning and are at risk. Hg toxicity in birds leads to
reproductive problems such as deformed embryos, reduced number
of eggs, decreased number of chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus),
retarded growth, and even lower survival rates [24]. As contaminates
drinking water due to its abundance in geological regions, spreads
through melting processes caused by mining activities, and threatens
the environment. As inactivates enzymes, depletes antioxidants, and
causes carcinogenic and genotoxic effects [25].
Heavy metal use and quantities in the environment are gradually
rising with each passing day. Therefore, pollution monitoring should
be carried out with long–lived bird species that can allow toomonitor
the amount of chemical substances at accurate intervals in the
assessment of environmental health [9]. Common buzzards (Buteo
buteo) (regional or short–distance migratory), black kites (Milvus
migrans) (migratory), and common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) (partly
migratory and partly regional) are long–lived predatory birds that live
in terrestrial habitats (such as forests, agricultural and mountainous
areas) and have a broad diversity of prey (mice (Mus musculus), rabbits
(Lepus europaeus), insects, lizards (Lacertidae), reptiles (Reptilia),
small mammals, and carrion). Since they are suitable bioindicator
species owing to these characteristics, they were preferred in the
study [4, 5, 7, 23]. Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (migratory and
regional), grey heron (Ardea cinerea) (migratory and mostly regional),
and white stork (Ciconia ciconia) (migratory and some colonies
regional) are predatory birds that feed on a mixed diet (sh, craysh,
amphibians, insects, reptiles, small mammals) in wetland habitats
(rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and marshes), agricultural lands and
meadows. They are one of the preferred species for monitoring
environmental pollution in large–scale studies [17, 23, 26, 27, 28].
This study aims to evaluate the exposure of bird species from
different Regions of Turkey to heavy metals (As, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se)
and environmental pollution.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ethical statement
The Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee of Harran
University approved the study with the decision dated 27/11/2019
(Approval no: 28328). Permission was obtained from the General
Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks with the
number 21264211–288.04–E.377151 dated 01.31.2020.
Twenty–four predatory birds of different ages and sexes were
utilized for their blood samples of common buzzard (n=4), black kite
(n=4), common kestrel (n=4), marsh harrier (n=4), grey heron (n=4),
and white stork (n=4), which were injured for several reasons (falling
from the nest, malnutrition, struck by a vehicle, electric shock, and
unknown causes) between 2016 and 2022 at Gölpınar Wildlife Rescue
and Rehabilitation Centre.
A 2.5–3 mL blood sample was drawn from the tibial and brachial
veins of the birds. Blood samples were stored in a deep freezer (New
Brunswick / U410–86, England) at -80°C until analysis. Blood samples
were pre–treated and gradually incinerated in a microwave oven
(Milestone Systems / Start D 260, Denmark) as described by Ütme
and Temamoǧullari [11]. After adding 8 mL of nitric acid and 2 mL of
hydrogen peroxide to 1 mL of blood sample taken into a porcelain
crucible, the incineration process was carried out. Combustion was
carried out gradually in a microwave oven (10 min at 130°C, 5 min at
150°C, and 10 min at 180°C). The samples were lled to 50 mL with
distilled water and ltered.
The heavy metals As, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se (ppb, µl·L
-1
) were analysed
from the samples through inductively coupled plasma–mass
spectrometry (ICP–MS, Agilent Technologies / 7700X, USA). In this
study, standard 1 ppm internal standard (Agilent 5188–6525) samples
were analysed according to EPA 6020 method (TABLE I.). The limit
of detection (LOD) and limit of quantication (LOQ) values were
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calculated separately for each element and average values were
given by repeating each sample three times. LOD and LOQ values
(ppb) of the metals were determined as 0.03255, and 0.107415 for As;
0.7285, and 2.40405 for Se; 0.02888, and 0.095304 for Hg; 0.4574, and
1.50942 for Zn; and 0.04684, and 0.154572 for Cu. ND, no concentration
detected, < LOQ, If the sample measurement value is measured as
zero, zero is deleted and < LOQ, i.e. ND is written instead.
was found to be below the detection limit in three samples and 2.03
ppb in one sample. Compared to many studies (8–262.36 ± 469.87ppb)
conducted in Spain between 1998 and 2012 to determine the amount
of As in the blood of black kites, the amount of As in the study
was found to be lower [3, 7, 21, 26, 33]. Since there is no study in
which heavy metal levels were determined from blood samples in
common kestrel, it was compared with the common buzzard, which
has similar feeding habits. In this study, the concentration of As in
blood was found to be below LOD in four samples and lower than the
concentration found in the study conducted in common buzzard in
Spain [4]. This study compared the marsh harrier with a grey heron
with a similar feeding habit. The concentration of As was found to
be below LOD in four samples of marsh harrier and two samples of
TABLE I
ICP–MS Working conditions
Instrument Agilent 7700× ICP–MS
RF matching 2.1 V
RF power 1550 W
Sample uptake rate 0.1 mL·min
–1
Sample depth 8.0 mm
Plasma gas ow rate 15 L·min
–1
Auxiliary gas ow rate 1.0 L·min
–1
He gas ow fate 4.3 mL·min
–1
Carrier gas ow rate 0.95 L·min
–1
Number of replicates 3
Spray chamber Soft double pass–type
Spray chamber temp. 2°C
Torch Quartz glass torch
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
TABLE II shows the concentrations of heavy metals (As, Hg, Zn,
Cu, and Se) in wild birds inhabiting aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
When the species in the study were compared, it was observed that
the highest As concentration in blood was determined as 25.44 ppb in
white stork, while the Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se were 7,920.84 ppb; 64,739.32
ppb; 1,207.70 ppb and 3,219.44 ppb at the highest concentrations in
grey heron. TABLE III shows the heavy metal concentrations in the
blood of common buzzard, black kite, marsh harrier, grey heron, and
white stork species determined in various studies in the literature.
In the study, Hg and Se concentrations were generally higher
and As concentrations were generally lower than those reported in
the literature. In black kites, a species vulnerable to environmental
contamination and for which pollution has serious effects on
population size, concentrations of heavy metals other than As were
found to be higher than those reported in the literature, except
in one case. Since no heavy metal (As, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se) blood
concentrations causing acute or chronic poisoning concentrations
in wild birds were found in the literature reviews, it is unknown whether
it causes ecotoxicological concerns. It has been stated that a blood
Hg level of 7,000 ppb reduces hatchling success by 10% in terrestrial
birds [29]. 48,000 ppb blood Se levels have been reported to be the
temporal threshold for reproductive and survival effects [30].
The concentration of As in common buzzards blood samples
was below the detection limit in three samples (0.107415) and 9.86
ppb in one sample. The As concentrations in the study were lower
than the concentration determined by Carneiro et al. [4] in Spain
(14.89 ± 14.57ppb). In the study, the As concentration of black kites
TABLE II
Heavy metal (As. Hg. Zn. Cu and Se. ppb. µl·L
-1
. mean) concentrations
of wild birds of prey and aquatic habitats
Common name Scientic name As Hg Zn Cu Se
Common
buzzard
Buteo buteo
9.86 478.98 9947.60 645.03 475.93
ND 32.87 9230.43 391.23 615.34
ND 399.53 19698.93 359.45 753.72
ND 445.38 18229.28 653.19 759.68
2.03 27.81 17681.35 978.31 564.37
Mean
2.37 276.91 14957.52 605.44 633.81
Black kite
Milvus migrans
ND 215.59 23721.84 1077.07 550.27
ND 2563.61 16965.47 551.61 518.90
ND 1152.91 13579.91 1030.24 626.48
Mean
ND 1310.70 18089.07 886.31 565.21
Common
kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
ND 43.55 12176.38 435.36 524.78
ND 17.05 9316.16 773.24 529.67
ND 21.84 5918.87 608.50 765.33
ND 29.16 10586.59 870.09 647.15
Mean
ND 27.90 9499.50 671.80 616.73
Marsh
harrier
Circus
aeruginosus
ND 368.11 38631.71 612.80 1942.39
ND 149.22 15102.48 779.88 505.17
ND 319.86 78594.65 1123.96 965.65
ND 65.55 14858.10 770.92 1063.34
Mean
ND 225.68 36796.74 821.89 1119.13
Gray
heron
Ardea cinerea
ND 817.71 5812.27 915.94 1281.68
ND 4402.27 64739.32 715.32 3219.44
0.18 310.21 520.26 46.48 45.15
2.82 7920.84 11814.60 1207.70 1202.04
ND 106.70 11030.88 869.71 433.13
Mean
0.6 2711.55 18783.47 751.03 1236.29
White
stork
Ciconia ciconia
25.44 44.46 10896.28 700.12 367.34
4.44 393.07 12616.42 879.37 699.61
ND 94.64 12145.72 679.30 478.35
Mean
9.96 177.39 11886.14 752.93 515.10
ND. no concentration detected. < LOQ
Evaluation of Heavy Metal levels in wild birds / Garip et al. __________________________________________________________________________
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grey heron; the concentration in two samples of the grey heron was
0.18–2.82 ppb, lower than the concentration (6 ppb) found in the
study conducted by Vega Benito et al. [26] in Spain. In the study,
the As concentration of white stork was below LOD in two samples,
4.44–25.44 ppb in two samples, and higher than that in one sample
in the As concentrations (9.81 ± 2.09–31.68 ± 48.72 ppb) in the studies
carried out in Spain between 1998–2008, but similar to that in one
sample [3, 17, 21, 26, 32, 33]. When the As levels in this study were
analysed by considering the previous information, it was found to be
lower in the other samples except for one sample in the white stork
which was similar. Heavy metal pollution varies according to factors
such as environment (industrial development in the sampling sites),
substance (chemical properties, duration of exposure, amount), and
organisms (species, age, sex, habitat, varying dietary characteristics,
behavior, and biomass) [2, 23, 32, 33].
In the study conducted by Carneiro et al. [4] on common buzzards
blood samples in Spain, the Hg concentration (209.40 ± 267.28 ppb)
was similar and higher than the concentrations of 399.53, 445.38,
478.98 ppb in three samples in this study, while it was 32.87 ppb lower
than one sample in this study. Hg concentrations were determined
as (99.4 and 74.93 ± 84.64 ppb) in studies conducted by Alvárez et al.
[23] and Carneiro et al. [31] in Spain with black kites blood samples.
In the present study, the concentrations determined as 27.81–
2,563.61 ppb were lower in one sample and higher in three samples
compared to the studies conducted in Spain. The Hg concentration
(209.40 ± 267.28ppb) in the study conducted by Carneiro et al. [4] in
the common buzzard in Spain was found to be 17.05–43.55 ppb higher
than the concentration in the common kestrel.
The Hg concentration (43.2 ppb) in marsh harrier determined by Alvárez
et al. [23] in Spain was lower than the present study (65.55–368.11 ppb).
In the study, the Hg concentration in grey heron was 310.21–7,920.84
ppb, lower than the concentrations determined by Alvárez et al. [23] in
Spain (288 ppb). This study revealed the Hg concentration in white stork
as 44.46–393.07 ppb; while the concentration in one sample was lower
than the concentrations determined in the studies conducted in Spain
(16.48 ± 1.94—153.20 ± 123 ppb), three values were determined at higher
concentrations than the studies [23, 28, 34]. The Hg concentration in
the present study was found to be generally higher in species other than
common kestrels compared to previous studies. Since there was no
study in which Hg levels were determined from blood samples in common
kestrel, it was compared with the common buzzard, with a similar
feeding habit. It is considered that this difference may be attributed
to the variation between the species. Birds inhabiting aquatic habitats
increase microbial conversion of inorganic Hg to methyl Hg, in wetland
and marsh habitats; therefore, Hg concentrations increase in these
birds [34]. High Hg concentrations in aquatic birds are consistent with
other studies, as sh and zooplankton have higher Hg concentrations
[35]. Aquatic birds are at higher risk for Hg because they feed in aquatic
habitats [34]. The elevated Hg concentrations in predatory birds have
been associated with the consumption of Hg–containing pesticides
and fungicides by rodents [6]. Hg concentrations should be monitored
continuously to avoid toxicological concerns.
In the study, the Zn concentrations were determined as 9,230.43–
19,698.93; 13,579.91–23,721.84, and 5,918.87–12,176.38 ppb in common
buzzard, black kite, and common kestrel, respectively. When the
concentrations in common buzzards and common kestrels were
compared with black kites, it was found that Zn concentrations
in black kites in Spain (3,300–5,370 ± 990 ppb) were lower in
common kestrels except for one sample [3, 7, 21, 26]. While the Zn
concentrations in marsh harrier and grey heron were determined
as 14,858.10–78,594.65, 520.26–64,739.32 ppb, respectively, in the
present study; the study by Benito et al. [26] in grey heron in Spain
was found to be higher than the concentration (2,200 ppb) in one
sample for grey heron, lower than three samples and lower than four
samples for marsh harrier. It was observed that Zn concentrations
of 10,896.28–12,616.42 ppb in white storks were compatible with
Zn concentrations (1,900–11,218 ± 6,016ppb) in studies conducted in
Spain [3, 17, 21, 26, 32].
It was observed in the present study that Cu values of 359.45–
653.19; 551.61–1,077.07, and 435.36–870.09 ppb in common buzzard,
black kite, and common kestrel, respectively, were compatible with
and higher than Cu concentrations (211–368.65 ± 72.78 ppb) in studies
conducted in Spain [3, 7, 21, 26]. In the study, Cu concentrations were
612.80–1,123.96 and 46.48–1,207.70 ppb in marsh harrier and grey
heron, respectively, and higher than the concentration (352 ppb) in
the study conducted by Benito et al. [26] in grey heron in Spain except
for one sample in grey heron. The Cu concentration in white storks
was 679.30–879.37 ppb in the study, which was compatible with the
concentrations found in studies conducted in Spain (319.74 ± 88.34—
10,880 ± 1,100 ppb) [3, 17, 21, 26, 32]. White storks are susceptible to the
accumulation of various pollutants such as metals and pesticides [2].
It has been reported that Cu and Zn concentrations rise in white storks
in areas where copper enterprises are located and pollution is intense
[17, 33]. Technological advances and metal melting processes resulted
in more accumulation of Cu in soil, surface water, and groundwater,
which would be dangerous for the environment [20].
In the study, the Se concentrations were found to be 475.93–759.68,
518.90–626.48, and 524.78–765.33 ppb in common buzzard, black kite,
and common kestrel, respectively, higher than the concentration
(359ppb) in the study conducted in Spain by Alvárez et al. [23] in black
kites. In the study, the Se value was found to be 505.17–1,942.39 ppb in
marsh harrier and higher than the concentration (299 ppb) in the study
conducted by Alvárez et al. [23] in Spain. The Se concentrations in
grey heron and white stork were 45.15–3,219.44 and 367.34–699.61 ppb,
respectively; higher than one sample and lower than three samples in
grey heron, and higher than all samples except one in white stork, for
the concentrations in the studies conducted in white storks in Spain
(382– 461.00 ±70.40 ppb) [23, 34]. No studies were found in which the
amount of Se was determined by blood samples in common buzzards,
common kestrels, and grey herons. For this reason, since the common
kestrel was compared with the black kite and the grey heron was
compared with the white stork, it is thought that this difference may
be due to the difference between the species. The Se concentrations
of bird species were generally higher than the values reported in the
literature [22]. 48,000 ppb blood Se levels have been reported to be
the temporal threshold for reproductive and survival effects [30].
However, the levels seen in this study are below the threshold for
adverse reproductive outcomes. In Turkey, studies conducted by
Temamoğullari and Dinçoğlu [36] in well water in Şanlıurfa, by Tokatli
[37] in drinking water in the Ergene River basin, and by Yabanli and Tay
[38] with sh muscle tissues in Muğla reported that selenium ratios
were high. This conrmed that the high levels of Se in the present
study were ingested by birds through soil, water, or food.
Especially young, sick, and small black kites are vulnerable to
environmental contamination. Also, pollution has serious effects
on the population size of black teal [7]. Researchers have reported
that an elevation in toxic metal levels is associated with decreased
fertility and a higher mortality rate [8]. Since black kites breed in
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TABLE III
Heavy metal concentrations in the blood of common buzzard, black kite, marsh harrier, grey heron, and white stork species
determined in various studies in the literature (mean± standard deviation, minimum–maximum range, ppb, µL·L
-1
)
Common
name
Scientic name Location Device Year As Hg Zn Cu Se Reference
Common
buzzard
Buteo buteo Spain ICP–MS 2007–2012 14.89 ± 14.57 209.40 ± 267.2 – – – Carneiro et al.[4]
Black
kite
Milvus migrans Spain
AAS 1998
8
(6–35)
–
3300
(2300–4500)
211
(120–303)
–
Benito et al. [26]
AAS 1999
262.36 ± 469.8
(ND–1.5)
–
5150 ± 910
(3340–7470)
356.42 ± 48.35
(252–471)
–
Baos et al. [3]
CVAAS–ICP–MS 1999–2000 –
99.4
(45.0–194)
– –
359
(354–364)
Alvárez et al. [23]
AAS 2000
28.68 ± 56.20
(ND–298.7)
–
5280 ± 1020
(2250–7510)
368.65 ± 72.78
(236–561)
–
Baos et al. [3]
AAS 2001
15.50 ± 18.43
(ND–97)
–
5210 ± 560
(4000–6600)
357.47 ± 125.10
(200–737)
–
Baos et al. [3]
AAS 2002
40.22 ± 47.88
(ND–165)
–
4760 ± 600
2950–6090)
312.91 ± 41.97
(230–381)
–
Baos et al. [3]
AAS 1999
124.48 ± 260.0
(9–1,559)
–
4820 ± 940
(3340–9580)
364.23 ± 59.20
(252–495)
–
Baos et al. [21]
AAS 2001
41.25 ± 63.49
(0.10–288)
–
5370 ± 990
(3560–8630)
320±70
(190–550)
–
Blanco et al. [7]
ICP–MS 2009–2012
15.66 ± 7.53
(ND–22)
ND – – –
Carneiro et al. [31]
ICP–MS 2009–2012
45.21 ± 56.95
(ND–225)
74.93 ± 84.64
(ND–313.4)
– – –
Carneiro et al. [31]
Marsh
harrier
Circus aeruginosus Spain CVAAS– ICP–MS 1999–2000 –
43.2
(19.3–78.3)
– –
299
(132–487)
Alvárez et al. [23]
Grey
Heron
Ardea cinerea Spain
AAS 1998 6 – 2200 352 –
Benito et al. [26]
CVAAS– ICP–MS 1999–2000 –
288
269–342)
– – ND
Alvárez et al. [23]
White
stork
Ciconia ciconia Spain
AAS 1998
19
(6–121)
–
1900
(800–2800)
586
(180–1530)
–
Benito et al. [26]
AAS 1999
29.14 ± 22.88
(ND–104)
–
3260 ± 960
(1240–5250)
424.34 ± 84.30
(279–776)
–
Baos et al. [3]
CVAAS– ICP–MS 1999–2000 –
121
(99.9–146)
– –
382
(328– 445)
Alvárez et al. [23]
AAS 2000
31.68 ± 48.72
(ND–248)
–
2670 ± 460
(1500–3700)
351.69 ± 52.6
(236–503)
–
Baos et al. [3]
AAS 1999
28.38 ± 22.64
(ND–104)
–
3300 ± 960
(1240–5250)
425.67 ± 82.79
(279–776)
–
Baos et al. [21]
AAS 2003
18.03 ± 7.42
(6–36)
–
3290 ± 370
(2660–4500)
319.74 ± 88.34
(180–570)
–
Baos et al. [21]
ICP–MS 2006–2008
27.07 ± 48.86
(ND–259)
153.20 ± 123
(5.97–457.40)
2340 ± 250.70
(1817–2808)
558.40 ± 141.00
(364–934)
461.00±70
(292–988)
Maia et al. [32]
AAS 2006 – –
9660 ± 60
(9220–10150)
10880 ± 1100
(1420–16490)
–
Kamiński et al. [33]
AAS 2006 – –
6870 ± 1150
(430–11010)
7610 ± 810
(4820–13710)
–
Kamiński et al. [33]
AAS 2005–2007 – – 11218 ± 6016 9866 ± 3402 –
Kamiński et al. [17]
AAS 2005–2007 – – 10037 ± 5036 7424 ± 2717.5 –
Kamiński et al. [33]
ICP–MS 2013
9.81 ± 2.09
(2.87–94)
16.48 ± 1.94
2.65–63.25
– – –
Pérez–López et al. [28]
Data are shown as x̄ ± SD, Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS)
Evaluation of Heavy Metal levels in wild birds / Garip et al. __________________________________________________________________________
6 of 7
areas with high agricultural, industrial, and urban pollution and
due to their life history characteristics, it is important to monitor
the extent of pollution [7, 23]. Pollutants may be associated with
environmental factors and the level of pollutant accumulation varies
according to sampling sites, chemical properties, quantity, and the
species (species, age, sex, habitat, exposure time, varying feeding
characteristics, behavior, and biomass). Heavy metals should be
assessed by considering species–specific reference values [2,
23, 34, 35]. Reference values for poisoning were not found in the
literature reviews.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, this study is a preliminary study for future studies
as it is a study to determine heavy metal (As, Hg, Zn, Cu and Se) levels
in birds of prey and bird species living in aquatic habitats with blood
samples in Turkey. Necessary measures should be taken to mitigate
the threats that predatory birds in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
would be exposed to with toxicological studies to be carried out at
temporal and spatial scales. It is important to monitor the persistent
effects of toxic substances on wild birds, their effects on wild animal
populations, and the trends in pollutant concentrations to understand
the extent of heavy metal pollution and to protect the ecosystem and
human health. When developing pollution monitoring plans, species–
specic differences should be taken into account. A perspective
for environmental biomonitoring and toxicological risk assessment
should be established.
Conict of interest
The authors declare that have no conicts of interest.
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