Contamination of ivory gulls (Pagophila eburnea) at four colonies in Svalbard in relation to their trophic behaviour

Lucia, Magali; Strøm, Hallvard; Bustamante, Paco; Herzke, Dorte; Gabrielsen, Geir Wing

doi:10.1007/s00300-016-2018-7

Cited by 16 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…A previous study on the ivory gull found that birds from Sigden displayed significantly different isotopic values in red blood cells compared with other colonies on Barentsøya (Lucia et al 2016).…”

Section: Relationship Between Trophic Position Feeding Habitat and Tmentioning

confidence: 88%

Trace Element Concentrations in Relation to the Trophic Behaviour of Endangered Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) During Their Stay at a Breeding Site in Svalbard

Lucia

Strøm

Bustamante

et al. 2016

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol

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The ivory gull is a high-Arctic species considered endangered in most parts of its breeding range. Ivory gulls must cope with both the reduction of sea ice cover triggered by climate change and increasing contaminant loads due to changes in global contaminant pathways. The objective of this study was to assess the concentration of 14 essential and nonessential trace elements at four colonies of ivory gulls breeding on Barentsøya, Svalbard, and the relationship between contaminant exposure and the diet of individuals. Contaminants and stable isotopes (δN, δC) were determined in blood (red blood cells and whole blood), and feathers of ivory gulls collected over several years. The most quantitatively abundant nonessential trace element found in the ivory gull was mercury (Hg). Selenium (Se) was present in substantial surplus compared with Hg, which would imply relative protection against Hg toxic effects but raises concern about Se potential toxicity. Moreover, other elements were detected, such as silver, arsenic, cadmium, and lead, which would warrant monitoring because of the potential additive/synergetic effects of these compounds. This study demonstrated individual differences in trophic behaviour that triggered discrepancies in Hg concentrations, highlighting the potential biomagnifying ability of this metal in the ivory gull's food web. Results highlighted the mixing of birds coming from different geographical areas on Barentsøya.

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Section: Relationship Between Trophic Position Feeding Habitat and Tmentioning

confidence: 88%

Trace Element Concentrations in Relation to the Trophic Behaviour of Endangered Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) During Their Stay at a Breeding Site in Svalbard

Lucia

Strøm

Bustamante

et al. 2016

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol

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“…In addition, Samecka-Cymerman et al (2011) report the highest concentration of Mn in S. uncinata from sites closest to the shoreline and thus most influenced by sea spray as well as from sites influenced by birds. Because of their high position in the nutritional chain, seabirds concentrate high levels of trace elements in their tissues (Lucia et al 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sanionia uncinata and Salix polaris as bioindicators of trace element pollution in the High Arctic: a case study at Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway

Polechońska¹,

Pech²,

Mielcarska³

et al. 2019

Polar Biol

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Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) is influenced by local contamination sources, such as exhausts from power plants, traffic, coal mines, and industrial waste dumps subject to weathering, which threatens soil and living organisms. Therefore, the trace element level in this area needs to be evaluated. The moss Sanionia uncinata and prostrate dwarf-shrub Salix polaris were collected as contamination indicators. Concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in these species were measured. The tested hypotheses were: in Longyearbyen and its vicinity (1) the moss S. uncinata and the willow S. polaris may be used as phytoaccumulators and therefore as bioindicators and bioremediators of certain trace elements; (2) the moss S. uncinata contains higher concentrations of metals than the willow S. polaris. The soil of Longyearbyen was contaminated with Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The willow S. polaris may be used in phytoaccumulation and therefore in the bioremediation and bioindication of Cd and Zn from its environment. Stems of S. polaris from Longyearbyen are better bioindicators of Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb and poorer bioindicators of Cd, Mn, and Zn than leaves of this species. S. polaris (both stems and leaves) was a better bioindicator of Cd and Zn concentrations than green gametophytes of S. uncinata. S. uncinata was a better bioindicator of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb than S. polaris.

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“…For our budgeting scenario, we planned the costs required to operate a field research camp for 4 weeks with three people (the lead researcher and two volunteers; this avoided cost issues related to pay scales), set to monitor the breeding success of seabirds (similar to Gaston et al 2005;Frederiksen et al 2014;Lucia et al 2016). We assumed that the site was a new location for the research team, such that there would not be food or fuel there already, but that a cabin would be there if that was required for safety.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Financial costs of conducting science in the Arctic: examples from seabird research

et al. 2018

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Research in remote locations is more expensive than similar activities at sites with easier access, but these costs have rarely been compared. Using examples from seabird research, we show that conducting research in the Arctic is typically eight times more expensive than pursuing similar studies at a southern location. The differences in costs are related principally to the much higher expenses of travel and shipping (typically 4–10× higher for Arctic work), as well as the good practice of meaningful engagement with northern communities (4%–25% of project costs). Although there is some variation in costs among Arctic countries, we hope that the consistent pattern of relatively higher Arctic costs allows policy-makers and funding agencies to better plan for research support, especially for this region that is experiencing rapid environmental change.

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Contamination of ivory gulls (Pagophila eburnea) at four colonies in Svalbard in relation to their trophic behaviour

Abstract: International audienc

Cited by 16 publications

References 60 publications

Trace Element Concentrations in Relation to the Trophic Behaviour of Endangered Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) During Their Stay at a Breeding Site in Svalbard

Trace Element Concentrations in Relation to the Trophic Behaviour of Endangered Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) During Their Stay at a Breeding Site in Svalbard

Sanionia uncinata and Salix polaris as bioindicators of trace element pollution in the High Arctic: a case study at Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway

Financial costs of conducting science in the Arctic: examples from seabird research

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