The penguin feathers as bioindicator of Antarctica environmental state

Metcheva, Roumiana; Yurukova, Lilyana; Teodorova, Svetla E.; Nikolova, Elena V.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.05.008

Cited by 89 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Although phosphatized muscle tissue has been reported from the Solnhofen (21), the phosphorus and sulfur levels responsible for the rachis images presented here do not require the addition of P or S from elsewhere. Indeed, the levels we report for the rachis in Table 1 (310 ppm for P and 65 ppm for S) represent P concentrations well within the documented range of extant feathers (22)(23)(24)(25)(26) and S concentrations 3 orders of magnitude lower than S levels reported for extant feathers (27). Thus there is no need to add P and S via geochemical processes to produce these images; in fact, there has been considerable S loss and probably loss of P as well.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 75%

Archaeopteryx feathers and bone chemistry fully revealed via synchrotron imaging

Bergmann

Morton

Manning

et al. 2010

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

117

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Evolution of flight in maniraptoran dinosaurs is marked by the acquisition of distinct avian characters, such as feathers, as seen in Archaeopteryx from the Solnhofen limestone. These rare fossils were pivotal in confirming the dinosauria-avian lineage. One of the key derived avian characters is the possession of feathers, details of which were remarkably preserved in the Lagerstätte environment. These structures were previously simply assumed to be impressions; however, a detailed chemical analysis has, until now, never been completed on any Archaeopteryx specimen. Here we present chemical imaging via synchrotron rapid scanning X-ray fluorescence (SRS-XRF) of the Thermopolis Archaeopteryx, which shows that portions of the feathers are not impressions but are in fact remnant body fossil structures, maintaining elemental compositions that are completely different from the embedding geological matrix. Our results indicate phosphorous and sulfur retention in soft tissue as well as trace metal (Zn and Cu) retention in bone. Other previously unknown chemical details of Archaeopteryx are also revealed in this study including: bone chemistry, taphonomy (fossilization process), and curation artifacts. SRS-XRF represents a major advancement in the study of the life chemistry and fossilization processes of Archaeopteryx and other extinct organisms because it is now practical to image the chemistry of large specimens rapidly at concentration levels of parts per million. This technique has wider application to the archaeological, forensic, and biological sciences, enabling the mapping of "unseen" compounds critical to understanding biological structures, modes of preservation, and environmental context. trace elements | X-ray absorption spectroscopy A rchaeopteryx (1) are rare but occupy a pivotal place in the development of Darwinian evolution because of their possession of both reptilian (jaws with teeth and a long bony tail) and avian (feathered wings) characters (2). The specimen used in this study is considered to be the most complete and best preserved archaeopterygid (3) belonging to the species A. siemensii (4). Previous analyses of this fossil have relied upon visual inspection, X-ray computer tomography, scanning electron, and ultraviolet/ visible light microscopy. Structural studies have been extensive and strongly indicate that this organism is transitional between dinosaurs and birds; however, detailed chemical analysis has never been performed. Here we apply state-of-the-art synchrotron rapid scanning X-ray fluorescence (SRS-XRF) imaging to this remarkably well-preserved specimen revealing striking and previously unknown details about the chemical preservation of soft tissue, elemental distribution patterns most likely related to the organism's life processes, insights into the chemistry of the fossilization process, and details of curation history. In addition, quantitative chemical analyses and X-ray absorption spectroscopy are presented that not only corroborate the imaging results but also give further det...

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 75%

Archaeopteryx feathers and bone chemistry fully revealed via synchrotron imaging

Bergmann

Morton

Manning

et al. 2010

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

117

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“…Burger et al (1992a) reported 41 times greater Pb concentration in feathers from Cairo than from Aswan, Egypt. Lead is a known as calcium-formations seeking element, readily accumulates in bones, hairs, feathers and nails and is not metabolically regulated which makes it potentially important for monitoring of anthropogenic pollution (Metcheva et al 2006). It is a non-degradable metal (Scheifler et al 2006) and its concentrations of 4,000 ppb (4 lg/g) in feathers were found to be associated with delayed parental and sibling recognition, impaired thermoregulation, locomotion, depth perception, feeding behavior, and lowered chick survival in gulls , 1995, 2000bBurger et al 1994).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of environmental contamination using feathers of Bubulcus ibis L., as a biomonitor of heavy metal pollution, Pakistan

2009

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Concentrations of metals such as Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed in the feathers of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from three breeding colonies in the Punjab province, Pakistan. The mean concentrations of Ca, Cd, Fe, Pb and Mn were significantly different between the three study sites (River Chenab, River Ravi and Rawal Lake Reservoir). The mean concentrations of Ca, Cd, Fe and Mn were significantly greater at the River Chenab heronry and Cr, Co, Zn, and Pb concentrations at the River Ravi heronry. The feathers of cattle egrets collected from the Rawal Lake Reservoir heronry were least contaminated. Multivariate statistical methods viz., Factor Analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (FA/PCA); Hierarchical Cluster analyses (HACA), and Correlation Analyses identified relatively similar associations of metals and their sources of input. Metals such as Ca, Mg, and K were related with natural input from parent rock material whereas trace metals viz., Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, Ni, and Zn were associated mainly with anthropogenic processes. Metals such as Fe, Mn, and Li were either correlated with natural input or with anthropogenic activities. Concentration of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Cr were well above the threshold level that can cause adverse effects in birds and pose menace to the cattle egrets population in Pakistan. The study suggested that the feathers of cattle egret could be used as a bio-monitor of the local heavy metals contamination.

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“…In the exploration of the content of biogenic elements, both major and trace elements in the Antarctic fauna will be of importance. Biomonitoring could provide useful information about the natural levels of the biogenic elements in animal diets as well as some physiological and metabolic characteristics, specific for the polar conditions (Metcheva et al 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biogenic and toxic elements in feathers, eggs, and excreta of Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii) in the Antarctic

Metcheva

Yurukova

Teodorova

2011

Environ Monit Assess

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Feathers, eggs, and excreta of Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii), adults, from Livingston Island (South Shetlands), chosen as bioindicators, were used to test the quality of the Antarctic environment. Sex was not examined. The bioaccumulations of toxic trace elements (Cd, Pb, Al, and As), essential trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, V, Ni, and Sr), and major essential elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, and S) were established. For the first time data about the element contents in Gentoo eggs is provided. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) there are differences in the metal levels among eggs and feathers; and (2) the element concentrations are highest in the excreta. The hypotheses were confirmed at 0.01-0.05 confidence levels. The concentrations of almost all trace elements were significantly higher in the feathers compared to those in the eggs. The following values of the concentrations ratio Fe/Zn were obtained: in the embryo, Fe/Zn = 1.5, and in the feathers, Fe/Zn = 0.5. The concentration of Pb in the embryo and excreta was below 0.4 μg/g, and Cd and As in eggs were below 0.05 and 0.3 μg/g, respectively. This indicates that there is no toxic risk for penguin offspring. Arsenic could be considered as a potential pollutant for Antarctic soil due to its relative high concentration in excreta, 5.13 μg/g. The present data (year 2007) were compared to the data for years 2002 and 2003. No trend of toxic element contamination was established. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in representatives from the top of the food chain in the Antarctic (the present study) and Arctic (literature data) were compared. The data supports the hypothesis that there is an abnormality in cadmium levels in polar marine areas. Regarding Pb, the South Shetlands displayed 3-fold lower level compared to the Aleutians.

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The penguin feathers as bioindicator of Antarctica environmental state

Cited by 89 publications

References 25 publications

Archaeopteryx feathers and bone chemistry fully revealed via synchrotron imaging

Archaeopteryx feathers and bone chemistry fully revealed via synchrotron imaging

Assessment of environmental contamination using feathers of Bubulcus ibis L., as a biomonitor of heavy metal pollution, Pakistan

Biogenic and toxic elements in feathers, eggs, and excreta of Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii) in the Antarctic

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