Heavy Metal and Selenium Concentrations in Liver Tissue From Wild American Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis) Livers Near Charleston, South Carolina

Campbell, Joshua W.; Waters, Matthew N.; Tarter, Anna; Jackson, Jennifer A.

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-46.4.1234

Cited by 31 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…However, the known biodistribution of Pb in alligators is such that muscle and liver tissue both have a lesser Pb concentration compared to blood (Nilsen et al, 2017b). The mean blood Pb concentrations observed in this study are within the range reported in the liver of adult alligators from other sites in Florida (35 ng/g–3400 ng/g), but lesser than the mean liver Pb concentration reported (8150 ng/g) for alligators from the Charleston, SC area (Horai et al, 2014; Campbell et al, 2010). The mean Pb concentrations in blood observed in alligators in this study are comparable to historic muscle tissue samples from alligators across Florida range from 40 ng/g to 120 ng/g Pb (Nilsen et al, 2017b; Lance et al, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 56%

“…The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a keystone predator that is critical to the balanced structure and function of wetlands throughout the southeastern U.S., directly connecting alligators to the health of the wetland ecosystem (Palmer and Mazzotti, 2004; Mazzotti et al, 2009; Bondavalli and Ulanowicz, 1999; Kushlan, 1974; Rosenblatt and Heithaus, 2011). The toxic trace elements have continually been reported in the tissues of alligators sampled across Florida and South Carolina (Nilsen et al, 2017b; Burger et al, 2000; Horai et al, 2014; Delany et al, 1988; Campbell et al, 2010; Yanochko et al, 1997). The long lifespan, broad diet, and relatively strong site fidelity have allowed alligators to be used in monitoring the effects of contaminants both at the population and individual levels for decades (Nilsen et al, 2017b; Wilkinson et al, 2016; Hord et al, 1990; Lange et al, 2000; Delany et al, 1988; Milnes and Guillette, 2008; Guillette et al, 2000; Gunderson et al, 2003, 2004, 2006; Hamlin et al, 2010; Elsey et al, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Examining toxic trace element exposure in American alligators

Nilsen

Bowden

Rainwater

et al. 2019

Environment International

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Toxic trace element exposure occurs through release of the ubiquitous and naturally occurring elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). The unique environmental conditions of the wetland ecosystems along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States lead to the accumulation of Hg which is greater than in most other ecosystems in the country. There are also point sources of As, Cd, and Pb in this region. To effectively monitor trace element concentrations, and consequently the potential human exposure, accessible local sentinel species are needed. In this study, concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Hg and six other trace elements (Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) were examined in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from seven wetland sites in South Carolina and Florida and assessed for their utility as a sentinel species for human trace element exposure. Alligators were chosen as a potential sentinel as they share a common exposure with the local human population through their aquatic diet, and they are directly consumed commercially and through recreation hunting in this region. Sex was significantly related to the concentration of Zn, Mo, and Al, but not As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, or Cu. Site specific differences in element concentrations were observed for As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, Zn, and Mo. Size/age was significantly related to the element Hg and Pb concentrations observed. The observed concentration ranges for the four toxic elements, As (6–156 ng/g), Cd (0.3–1.3 ng/g), Pb (3–4872 ng/g), and Hg (39–2765 ng/g), were comparable to those previously reported in diverse human populations. In this region alligators are hunted recreationally and consumed by the local community, making them a vehicle of direct human toxic element exposure. We propose that the similarity in As, Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations between alligators observed in this study and humans underscores how alligators can serve as a useful sentinel species for toxic element exposure.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 56%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining toxic trace element exposure in American alligators

Nilsen

Bowden

Rainwater

et al. 2019

Environment International

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“…A few studies have measured Cr in alligators and reveal a concern. A study of alligators in South Carolina found a cluster of alligators had relatively high concentrations of Cr in liver tissue with several animals having levels over 30 ug/g (Campbell et al, 2010). Horai et al (2014) showed that Cr accumulates in adult alligators based on comparisons between juvenile and adult alligator livers at 3 different sites in Florida.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hexavalent chromium is cytotoxic and genotoxic to American alligator cells

Wise

Xie

et al. 2016

Aquatic Toxicology

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Metals are a common pollutant in the aquatic ecosystem. With global climate change, these levels are anticipated to rise as lower pH levels allow sediment bound metals to be released. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an apex predator in the aquatic ecosystem and is considered a keystone species; as such it serves as a suitable monitor for localized pollution. One metal of increasing concern is hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). It is present in the aquatic environment and is a known human carcinogen and reproductive toxicant. We measured the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Cr(VI) in American alligator cells derived from scute tissue. We found that particulate and soluble Cr(VI) are both cytotoxic and genotoxic to alligator cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These data suggest that alligators may be used as a model for assessing the effects of environmental Cr(VI) contamination as well as for other metals of concern.

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“…Crocodilians bioaccumulate Hg at various concentrations, depending on the species and on the location (Elsey et al 1999;Rumbold et al 2002;Campbell et al 2010;Vieira et al 2011;Nilsen et al 2017a;Lemaire et al 2021a). However, interspecific variability across the whole group remains still poorly understood to date as most of the available studies on Hg concentrations have disproportionately focused on two species, the American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis and the Morelet's Crocodile, Crocodylus moreletii (Yanochko et al 1997;Jagoe et al 1998;Elsey et al 1999;Burger et al 2000;Rainwater et al 2007;Horai et al 2014;Trillanes et al 2014;Nilsen et al 2017a;Buenfil-Rojas et al 2018;Nilsen et al 2019;Buenfil-Rojas et al 2020).…”

Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%