Utilization of birds of different mating system behavior and feeding habits as a bioindicator for urbanization lead pollution

Abstract

Anthropogenic contamination is spreading through every environment on the planet that affects the whole biota. Negative effects have been observed recently in a number of taxa, including birds. Birds are crucial as bioindicators as one of the best studied groups of organisms because they are noticeable, relatively simple to observe, and the subject of public interest and concern. Therefore, evaluation of lead (Pb) levels in the liver, muscle, kidney, and feathers of laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), Egyptian barn swallow (Hirundo rustica savignii), and house sparrow (Passer domesticus niloticus) was done. These bird species, which live in the coastal region of Damietta, have various feeding routines, habitat preferences, and mating strategies. In both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, these wild birds were collected. Measurement of the levels of lead (Pb) in their liver, kidney, muscle, and feathers were evaluated. The results showed that females of laughing doves and barn swallows had significantly higher Pb concentrations than males, while males of house sparrows accumulated significantly higher Pb concentrations than females. This could be attributed to the active food search in both female laughing doves and swallows, and male sparrows. House sparrows, with the widest range of distribution near main roads, showed the highest concentration of Pb, especially in the liver, kidney, and feather than laughing doves and swallows, which prefer the wild rural areas. Histological examination of the gonads revealed unhealthy testes and ovaries. The ovarian tissue was less impacted than the testicular tissue, especially during the nonbreeding season. Compared to the dove and swallow, the sparrow's gonadal architectural histopathological findings were more noticeable. It seems that testes are more affected and more related to the results of lead measurements, and can be used as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution. The findings offer also some proof of the house sparrow's potential as a biomonitor for urban heavy metal pollution. This research emphasises the significance of using biomonitors from various habitat types and feeding guilds.