Heavy Metal Distribution in Some Wild Birds from Korea

Abstract

This study presents concentrations of heavy metals (manganese, zinc, lead, and cadmium) in tissues in six orders of Korean wild birds (n=37), 2000-2002. Zinc, manganese, lead, and cadmium concentrations in all tissues were highest in ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus). Essential elements in Korean wild birds were within the normal range for wild birds and are maintained there by a normal homeostatic mechanism. Lead concentrations in livers of almost all birds were within the background levels. Cadmium concentrations in livers and kidneys of ancient murrelets exceeded background levels for wild birds, but other birds were within the normal range. Acute and chronic contaminations of lead and cadmium levels differed among groups (or species). We suggest that differences in lead and cadmium concentrations among groups are because of differences in diet and habitat. In ancient murrelets, zinc and manganese concentrations correlated with their cadmium concentration in livers. Zinc, manganese, and cadmium concentrations in murrelet livers were also higher than in other species. Therefore, we suggest that high zinc and manganese concentrations in ancient murrelets were related to their high cadmium concentrations.

Contaminations of Metal in Tissues of Siberian Gull Larus heuglini: Gender, Age, and Tissue Differences

“…Zinc concentrations in Siberian gull liver from the present study were lower than those in Great knot and Terek sandpiper from Korea (Kim et al 2009) but higher than those of Black-crowned night heron and Grey heron from Korea (Kim and Koo 2008). Essential elements, such as zinc, are necessary for the metabolism but can however cause adverse effects when their concentration in the organism becomes excessive.…”

Heavy Metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mn, Zn) Contents in Ungulates of Ogun State Agricultural Farm Settlement, Ago - Iwoye, Nigeria

“…Pb and Cd concentrations in the liver were within the background level or normal range which against Kim and Koo (2008b) findings, but in accordance with Kim et al (2009) findings on heavy metals in tissue of some wild birds from Korea. Zn, Mn and Fe concentrations were found higher and not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the liver in line with Kim et al (2009) findings.…”

“…The concentration of Cu in the kidney at the first week was significantly lower than subsequent weeks (Table 4), while Cr, Cd, Fe, Zn and Pb concentrations were significantly higher at the fourth week with significant difference (P < 0.05) occurred in Mn and Cu. Pb, Cd and Cr clearly revealed low value while the reverse was true for Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in contrary to Köck et al (1989a) finding on accumulation of heavy metals in the kidney of small mammals captured at a waste disposal site, but in line with Kim et al (2009) findings.…”

“…Pb, Cr and Cu concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the kidneys than the liver, skin and lungs. Similarly, concentrations of Zn, Mn and Cd were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the skin than the other organs studied ( ISSN 2157-6076 2015 the metals across the organs of Cephalophus species may not be as a result of differences in the animal diet and habitat as opined by Kim et al (2009), but rather as to the level of acute or chronic contamination of their diet and habitat. Figure 2.…”

The Characteristics of Heavy Metal Distributions in the Tissues of Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) as a Bio-monitoring Indicator

“…were discussed. (Deng et al 2007;Honda et al 1986;Hulse et al 1980;Kim et al 2006;Kim et al 2009;Llacuna et al 1995) ※ Each acronym is explained in Apeendix 3~5. Kim et al 2009 …”