Organohalogen exposure in a Eurasian Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population from Southeastern Spain: Temporal–spatial trends and risk assessment

Gómez‐Ramírez, Pilar; Martínez-López, Emma; García-Fernández, Antonio J.; Zweers, A.J.; Brink, Nico W. van den

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.03.014

Cited by 29 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…In contrast, 3 compounds were detected in 100% of samples: p,p′-DDE, dieldrin, and β-HCH. In recent studies from different regions of the world, other authors have reported a similar pattern of contamination, where p,p′-DDE and HCH isomers were the chief contributors to the total OC content (Dhananjayan, 2013b;Gomez-Ramirez et al, 2012;Yordy et al, 2013). We observed a high dispersion in the level of residues among species (Fig.…”

Section: Accumulation Pattern Of Ocpssupporting

confidence: 79%

Assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in six species of predatory birds of the Canary Islands, Spain

Luzardo

Ruiz-Suárez

Henríquez-Hernández

et al. 2014

Science of The Total Environment

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In the present study, we investigated the concentrations and distributions of 57 anthropogenic pollutants, including 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCs), 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver samples from 102 birds of prey of six species that were found dead or that had died during their stay in the Wildlife Recovery Centers of the Canary Islands (Spain) between 2009 and 2012. The dual goal of this work was to determine the occurrence of these contaminants in these six species of birds of prey, and also whether they can be used as bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution in the region. We found that Accipiter nisus, Falco pelegrinoides and Falco tinnunculus were the most contaminated species. The profiles of contamination among the species were extremely similar in the case of organochlorine contaminants, with DDT and its metabolites as the most abundant compounds. The contamination by DDT and its metabolites, as well as contamination by dieldrin, could be considered high in these animals, much higher than reports from other regions of the planet, which is in agreement with previous reports from our group regarding humans, food and other animals from this area. In contrast, the contamination by PCBs could be considered extremely low and was probably below the threshold of toxicity for these contaminants. The content of carcinogenic/mutagenic PAHs in these animals was clearly dependent on the feeding pattern of the species; however, the levels were also well below the values that were considered toxic in predictive models. This study represents the first report of contamination by PAHs in all these species and is also the first report of PCB levels in Barbary Falcons.

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Section: Accumulation Pattern Of Ocpssupporting

confidence: 79%

Assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in six species of predatory birds of the Canary Islands, Spain

Luzardo

Ruiz-Suárez

Henríquez-Hernández

et al. 2014

Science of The Total Environment

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“…However, by the 1960s it became apparent that non-target species were susceptible to toxic effects, notably DDT affecting reproduction in birds of prey populations, publicized widely in Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” [ 8 ]. Eggshell thinning is the most well-known effect of DDT in birds, but other effects include reduced post-hatch survival, altered sexual behavior, neurotoxicity and smaller brain size [ 9 – 12 ]. Field sampling of avian species with lifelong environmental exposure has identified correlations between DDTs contamination and various hormonal and immune responses [ 13 – 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of mRNA expression changes associated with field exposure to DDTs in chickens from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

et al. 2018

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The objective of this study was to identify potential mRNA expression changes in chicken livers associated with environmental exposure to dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs). In particular, we focused on genes relating to the immune system and metabolism. We analyzed liver samples from free-ranging chickens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for contamination by DDTs. This area predominantly uses DDT in its malaria control program, and homes are sprayed annually with the pesticide. Genes relating to the immune system and metabolism were selected as potential genetic biomarkers that could be linked to higher contamination with DDTs. RT-qPCR analysis on 39 samples showed strong correlations between DDTs contamination and mRNA expression for the following genes: AvBD1, AvBD2, AvBD6 and AvBD7 (down-regulated), and CYP17, ELOVL2 and SQLE (up-regulated). This study shows for the first time interesting and significant correlations between genetic material collected from environmentally-exposed chickens and mRNA expression of several genes involved in immunity and metabolism. These findings show the usefulness of analysis on field samples from a region with high levels of environmental contamination in detecting potential biomarkers of exposure. In particular, we observed clear effects from DDT contamination on mRNA expression of genes involved in immune suppression, endocrine-disrupting effects, and lipid dysregulation. These results are of interest in guiding future studies to further elucidate the pathways involved in and clinical importance of toxicity associated with DDT exposure from contaminated environments, to ascertain the health risk to livestock and any subsequent risks to food security for people.

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“…Since the effects of toxicants in free-living birds of prey can be used as an early warning system for the whole ecosystem (Woodruff, 2011), birds of prey are commonly used in monitoring programs (Gómez-Ramírez et al, 2014) using non-destructive sampling methods (Dell'Omo et al, 2008;Pereira et al, 2009;Eulaers et al, 2011;Jaspers et al, 2011;Johansson et al, 2011;Gómez-Ramírez et al, 2012;García-Fernández et al, 2013). Therefore, experimental exposure studies on birds of prey, although difficult and scarce, are of utmost significance to predict effects in free-living birds of prey.…”

Section: Birds Of Preymentioning

confidence: 99%

Selecting the right bird model in experimental studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals

Jaspers

2015

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Birds have been used as model species in ecotoxicological research for decades but have only recently been included in toxicity testing schemes. However, the avian fauna is very diverse. Given this diversity, the ecology, behavior, and reproduction should be considered when selecting the appropriate bird model in ecotoxicological studies. This article focusses on choosing the right bird model species for experimental studies with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs have been associated with adverse effects on reproduction and development in birds and other wildlife. In addition, new EDCs continue to emerge and the concern for potential effects in humans and wildlife is calling for increased toxicity testing and hence appropriate model species. Common bird model species used in ecotoxicological studies investigating EDCs will be reviewed. In addition, considerations for selecting the right bird model, along with potential drawbacks and restrictions on the use of certain species will be discussed.

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Organohalogen exposure in a Eurasian Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population from Southeastern Spain: Temporal–spatial trends and risk assessment

Cited by 29 publications

References 51 publications

Assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in six species of predatory birds of the Canary Islands, Spain

Assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in six species of predatory birds of the Canary Islands, Spain

Investigation of mRNA expression changes associated with field exposure to DDTs in chickens from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Selecting the right bird model in experimental studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals

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