Heavy-metal concentrations in three owl species from Korea

Abstract

This study presents concentrations of heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium) in livers of three owl species from Korea. Essential trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, and copper) did not differ among the owl species. We suggest that the essential elements are within the normal range and are maintained by normal homeostatic mechanisms. Lead and cadmium concentrations in Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) were significantly lower than in Brown Hawk Owls (Nixos scutulata) and Collared Scops Owls (Otus lempiji). Lead and cadmium concentrations in Korean owl species were at background levels; lead concentrations in two Collared Scops Owls were above background concentrations. Lead and cadmium concentrations were similar to concentrations previously reported in owls from other parts of the world. We suggest that lead and cadmium concentrations in Korean owls are below toxic concentrations.

Toxicity Assessment on the Levels of Select Metals in the Critically Endangered Indian White-backed Vulture, Gyps bengalensis, in India

“…Further levels of Zinc reported by Kim et al, (2008) in Brown Hawk Owl Korea are higher than the levels presently reported. However, impact of Zn on White-backed Vulture is unclear.…”

Concentrations of lead and other elements in the liver of the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), a European flagship species, wintering in Eastern Poland

“…The Cd concentrations in the kidneys of most wild freshwater ducks, which are the primary prey of the studied species, are relatively high, i.e., 2–8 (Scheuhammer 1987 ; Binkowski et al 2013 ), and Cd bioaccumulation is accompanied by changes in the levels of some essential elements, including Zn (Brzoska and Moniuszko-Jakoniuk 2001 ), which was reflected in our study in the significantly high correlation between both elements ( r s = 0.75). Positive correlations between tissue concentrations of Cd with Zn have been reported for many species of birds (Furness 1996 ; Nam and Lee 2006 ; Kim et al 2008 , 2009 ). Increased liver concentrations of Zn (Chmielnicka et al 1989 ; Lopez-Alonso et al 2002 ) decrease the availability of this element for other tissues (for example, bone) and many biochemical processes (Brzoska and Moniuszko-Jakoniuk 2001 ), but an increased Zn supply may reduce Cd absorption and accumulation, thus preventing or reducing the adverse actions of Cd.…”

“…As biomonitoring sentinels, raptors can provide early warnings of the potential impacts of contaminants on humans and the environment and can act as a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures (Kim et al 2008 ; Ansara-Ross et al 2013 ; Gomez-Ramírez et al 2014 ). The value of birds as biomonitors of environmental pollution has been widely recognized (Horai et al 2007 ; Schummer et al 2011 ; Kim and Oh 2015 ).…”

Evaluation of pesticide contamination in Dilek National Park, Turkey

“…However, climate changes, groundwater withdraw, decreasing food reserves, and the presence and persistence of the contaminants still pose a serious threat to the inhabitants of the protected ecosystems (Deguise and Kerr 2006;Greenwald and Bradley 2008;Powles et al 2000;Turner et al 2006). The pesticides in the water and sorbed to sediments can be consumed directly or after they have been accumulated in plant matter (Celik et al 2006;Gjershaug et al 2008;Kim et al 2008b). Research has shown that birds that ingested organochlorines exhibited abnormal reproductive behavior, thinning of shells, feminization of males, and immunotoxicologic responses (Cid et al 2007;Harris et al 2005).…”