Effects of color on cadmium and lead levels in avian contour feathers

Gochfeld, Michael; Saliva, Jorge E.; Lesser, Fred; Shukla, Tara; Bertrand, Dale; Burger, Joanna

doi:10.1007/bf01065843

Cited by 18 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Unlike fish, in which mercury concentrations are positively correlated with age and size (see review by Wiener and Spry 1996), birds eliminate a significant portion of their body burden accumulated throughout the year with molting of feathers (Braune and Gaskin 1987) while a large proportion (22-39%) of the maternal mercury burden may be eliminated in the egg (Lewis et al 1993). Mercury concentrations in feathers are generally higher than in other avian tissues, representing between 65% and 93% of the total body burden of mercury (Braune and Gaskin 1987;Gochfeld et al 1991;Lewis and Furness 1991) and have been identified as an excretion mechanism for metals (Heinz 1976;Gochfeld 1980;Honda et al 1986;Braune and Gaskin 1987). The majority of mercury incorporated into feathers of fish-eating birds is monomethylmercury derived from a diet of mercury-contaminated fish (Kim et al 1996).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury Distribution in Blood, Tissues, and Feathers of Double-Crested Cormorant Nestlings from Arid-Lands Reservoirs in South Central New Mexico

Caldwell

Arnold

Gould

1999

Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.

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Eggs, blood, liver, muscle, and feathers were analyzed for concentrations of total mercury in double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) nestlings from two reservoirs in south central New Mexico. Total mercury concentrations among eggs, tissues, and feathers were not significantly correlated. Concentrations of total mercury averaged 0.40 microg/g in liver and 0.18 microg/g in muscle tissues in both populations of nestlings. There were no significant changes in concentrations of total mercury in whole blood of nestlings collected 7-10 days and 17-22 days posthatch in Caballo Reservoir (0.36 microg/g and 0.39 microg/g, respectively) and in Elephant Butte Reservoir (0.36 microg/g and 0.34 microg/g, respectively). Total mercury concentrations were similar for blood, muscle, and liver in nestlings for both reservoirs. Total mercury concentrations were higher in eggs and tail, primary, and secondary feathers from nestlings at Caballo Reservoir compared to Elephant Butte Reservoir. Although there were no differences in concentrations of total mercury in fishes between the two reservoirs, bioaccumulation and biomagnification was evident in planktivorous and piscivorous fishes. The data demonstrate that feather analysis may not be a good predictor of tissue burden in nestlings from regions of low contamination.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury Distribution in Blood, Tissues, and Feathers of Double-Crested Cormorant Nestlings from Arid-Lands Reservoirs in South Central New Mexico

Caldwell

Arnold

Gould

1999

Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.

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“…Seal hair, therefore, appears to play an important role in the accumulation of heavy metals. Keratinized tissues such as bird feathers and human hair are known to be reliable indicators of metal pollution (Jenkins, 1979;Phelps, 1980;Gochfeld, 1991). Marine mammal hair may also be useful in this regard.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trace metal accumulation in hair and skin of the harbour seal, Phoca vitulina

Wenzel¹,

Adelung²,

Kruse³

et al. 1993

Marine Pollution Bulletin

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Skin and hair samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina)found dead along the west coast of northern Germany in 1988 were analysed for total mercury, cadmium and lead. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the detection limit in most skin samples. The mercury content of the hair (median: 23.1 lag g-l wet wt) was several magnitudes higher than the mercury content of the skin (0.27 lag g-i wet wt). Mercury concentrations in hair samples were significantly higher than lead concentrations (0.54 0g g-t wet wt), which significantly exceeded cadmium levels (0.09 l~g g-i wet wt). Female seals revealed lower cadmium concentrations in the hair than male seals. Accumulations of metals with age were observed for cadmium and lead in hair samples and for mercury in skin samples of male seals. A connection between metal accumulation and pigmentation or rather moult was clearly recognizable.Pronounced fluctuations in harbour seal populations of the North Sea have frequently occurred in the last few decades (Reijnders, 1986). The mass mortality of seals in 1988 due to infections of herpes-and morbiliviruses (Haas, 1991) led to one of the strongest decreases of marine mammals ever encountered in this area. Although infection was considered a direct cause of death, pollution effects are likely to favour mortality by weakening the immune system. Chronic exposure~ of organochlorines and trace metals are known to effect the immune system of animals and humans. Mercury, cadmium and lead are particularly pertinent in this respect because of their high toxicities and accumulation properties.Several investigations have been done on the metal burden of inner organs of marine mammals (Koeman et al

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“…In this regard they can be compared to tactile hairs. The colors displayed in avian plumage are due to structural adaptations in the feathers and to the presence of a variety of pigments, including melanins [162]. This is an important consideration when evaluating which feathers to analyze quantitatively because compounds of interest may bind in different amounts based on the concentration and type of these pigments.…”

Section: Feathers: Growth Exposure and Incorporation With An Emphasmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Residues of ingested compounds are incorporated in much the same manner as they are into hair: i.e., from the lower portion of the feather (the calamus) during the growth phase, while the feather is connected to the bloodstream through small blood vessels [146,161]. After the feather is fully formed these vessels atrophy and residues cease to be incorporated (the catagen phase) [162]. The feather then remains attached to the follicle as an inert appendage, until it is shed.…”

Section: Feathers: Growth Exposure and Incorporation With An Emphasmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In any case, removing primary or secondary feathers in living birds is unacceptable from an animal welfare perspective. By contrast, use of body feathers is relatively non-invasive, does not disrupt flight, and allows for collection from several locations on the body [157,159,162]. Powder feathers, which grow continuously and are never molted [159], should also be investigated as potentially suitable for detecting compounds of concern.…”

Section: Feathers: Growth Exposure and Incorporation With An Emphasmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Merging Wildlife and Environmental Monitoring Approaches with Forensic Principles: Application of Unconventional and Non-Invasive Sampling in Eco- Pharmacovigilance

Richards¹

2014

J Forensic Res

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Pharmaceutical residues in the environment have the potential to harm wildlife. A population's fragility or an animal's secretive nature may preclude capture and the use of invasive/destructive sampling techniques that are typically used in a risk assessment. Conventionally favoured matrices gathered opportunistically from carcasses have a finite lifespan, thereby limiting the detection window. This multidisciplinary paper aims to promote the use of non-invasive approaches and optimize use of even the most degraded carcasses. We highlight a selection of promising alternative, unconventional and underutilized sample types that could be applied in environmental monitoring efforts and wildlife forensic investigations. With a focus on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), now under increasing scrutiny in the freshwater and terrestrial environment, we first illustrate current sampling practices and gaps in knowledge by summarizing exposure of: 1) aquatic organisms to urban effluent discharged into waterways, and, 2) scavenging species to veterinary residues in livestock and other carrion. We then consider the merits and limitations of a range of alternative environmentally robust sample options that offer a broader detection interval for NSAIDs, with emphasis on hair, wool and feathers. The viability of eyes/ocular material, bone matter, fecal matter, injection sites, ingesta/pellets and scavenging/coprophagous insects are also discussed.

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Effects of color on cadmium and lead levels in avian contour feathers

Cited by 18 publications

References 11 publications

Mercury Distribution in Blood, Tissues, and Feathers of Double-Crested Cormorant Nestlings from Arid-Lands Reservoirs in South Central New Mexico

Mercury Distribution in Blood, Tissues, and Feathers of Double-Crested Cormorant Nestlings from Arid-Lands Reservoirs in South Central New Mexico

Trace metal accumulation in hair and skin of the harbour seal, Phoca vitulina

Merging Wildlife and Environmental Monitoring Approaches with Forensic Principles: Application of Unconventional and Non-Invasive Sampling in Eco- Pharmacovigilance

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