Effects of Lead, Iron, and Bismuth Alloy Shot Embedded in the Breast Muscles of Game-Farm Mallards

Abstract

Effects of five lead (Pb), iron (Fe), or bismuth (Bi)/tin (Sn) alloy shot embedded in the breast muscles of game-farm mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were studied from 28 March 1994 through 27 March 1995. We detected no differences in the mean survival times, mean hematocrits, or mean body weights among the three shot types. Connective tissue encapsulated Pb and Bi/Sn shot but only slight changes occurred in tissues surrounding the shot. Recovered Pb and Bi/Sn shot were essentially unchanged in appearance and weight. A thin zone of "oxide" surrounded Fe shot with a slight inflammatory response and a small amount of scarring adjacent to the embedded shot. Fe shot decreased slightly in weight while embedded. Bacterial infections were absent in all dosed ducks. Mean weights of kidneys, livers, and gonads did not vary by type of shot. Kidneys and livers of Bi-dosed ducks had higher concentrations of Bi than in Pb- and Fe-dosed ducks. Muscle and blood showed no differences in Bi concentrations among doses. We found no histological dose-related effects in kidneys, liver, and gonads from the embedded shot.

Toxicity of Ingested Bismuth Alloy Shot in Game-farm Mallards

“…Sanderson et al (1997b) reported that reproduction of game-farm mallards was not affected after chronic dosing with Bi/Sn alloy shot. Sanderson et al (1997a) reported no toxic effects of Bi shot embedded in the breast muscles of game-farm mallards.…”

Bismuth‐induced lysosomal rupture in J774 cells

“…B-1654) or sodium citrate C 6 H 2 O 7 Na (Merck Product no. 6448); 16 mg bismuth citrate was dissolved in 500 ml 1.0 M NH 3 and diluted with the culturing medium up to 100 ml (a stock solution of 400 mM bismuth citrate in cultur-397 ing medium). This stock solution was further diluted to obtain the bismuth concentrations used.…”

“…In many countries, shotgun pellets of lead are forbidden. Therefore, the use of shotgun pellets made of other metals, including bismuth, has increased and may cause some considerable exposure of wild animals to bismuth (2, 3). In medicine, bismuth has been used for the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea and dyspepsia for many years, whereas at present its main application is in the treatment of peptic ulcers (4–7).…”

Evaluation of local and systemic effects after intramuscular implantation of lead shot alternatives in rats

“…A shortterm study 13 in mallard ducks revealed minimal inflammatory response to tungsten-bismuth-tin and moderate to severe inflammatory response to steel shot implanted in breast muscles for up to 8 weeks. A similar study 14 in mallard ducks investigating lead, iron, and bismuthtin shot revealed minimal tissue response to lead and bismuth-tin and a moderate amount of inflammatory response to embedded steel shot.…”