PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) pose a risk to captive giant pandas

Abstract

The Qinling subspecies of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis), is highly endangered; fewer than 350 individuals still inhabit Qinling Mountains. Previous research revealed captive pandas were exposed to bromine, so we hypothesized that captive pandas were exposed to and affected by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). To test this hypothesis, we tested blood and feces of captive and wild pandas, their drinking water, food (bamboo leaves) from SWARC (Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center)and FNNR (Foping National Nature Reserve) and supplemental feedstuff given to captive panda at SWARC. We found 13 congeners of PBDEs in fecal samples, of which BDE47, BDE66, BDE71, BDE99, and BDE154 were the dominant, total PBDE concentration in feces of captive pandas was 255% higher than in wild pandas. We found nine PBDEs congeners in blood samples: BDE153 and BDE183 were the predominant congers. PBDEs in blood from captive pandas were significantly higher than in wild pandas. The total concentration of PBDEs were 5473 and 4835 (pg.g) in Fargesia qinlingensis, were 2192 and 1414 (pg.g) in Bashannia fargesii (2192, 1414 pg g), 0.066, 0.038 (pg/ml) in drinking water, and 28.8 (pg.g) in supplemental feedstuff for captive and wild pandas, which indicate that the PBDEs came from its bamboo feed, especially from Bashannia fargesii. Our results demonstrate that BDE99 and BDE47 could be threatening the pandas' health especially for captive panda and there are potential health risks from PBDEs for pandas. In the short term, this risk may be ameliorated by strict control of food quality. In the long term, however, reducing air, water and soil contamination so as to improve environmental quality can best reduce these risks to meet the international standard such as Stockholm Convention.

Establish a special conservation zone for the captive giant panda

“…com/link") (pink area in Figure 2 With rapid industrialization, environmental pollution is increasing and following a similar trajectory to that previously seen in developed countries (Seinfeld 2004). Recent studies also have revealed that captive pandas are exposed to high concentrations of toxic chemicals, including PCDDs (polychlorinated didenzo-p-dioxins), PCDFs (polychlorinated dibenzofurans), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), and heavy metals (Chen et al 2016;Chen et al 2017a;Chen et al 2017b;Chen et al, forthcoming). A detailed study of the Qinling subspecies demonstrated that exposure to Figure 2.…”

Air Quality Impacts on the Giant Panda Habitat in the Qinling Mountains: Chemical Characteristics and Sources of Elements in PM2.5

“…Additionally, heavy metal pollutants (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and other elements) are found in the soil, water, staple food (bamboo), and feces of giant pandas in their habitat in the Qinling Mountains, which are mainly the result of coal burning, garbage burning, and traffic pollution sources [12]. Meanwhile, high levels of pollutants have been detected in a giant panda's body [13], which were related to abnormalities of alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, etc., in the giant panda's body [14,15]. The wild giant panda habitats are inaccessible and far away from the main areas of human activity, and administrators strictly manage their habitats.…”

Organochlorine compounds pose health risks to the Qinling Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis)

“…The subspecies' survival is threatened by habitat fragmentation, epidemics, bamboo 6 / 38 flowering, human activities (such as road network construction, solid waste, industrial activities, etc.) and harmful pollutants (Chen et al, 2016;Chen et al, 2017;Zhao et al, 2019). The contamination of water, soil, and vegetation (especially bamboo) by OCs is of great concern because of the possible risk to giant pandas and other wildlife.…”