Toxic element concentrations in the Razorbill Alca torda (Charadriiformes, Alcidae) in Portugal |
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Authors: | Ribeiro A R Eira C Torres J Mendes P Miquel J Soares A M V M Vingada J |
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Institution: | (1) CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;(2) Portuguese Wildlife Society, Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal;(3) Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Sanitary Microbiology and Parasitology, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Barcelona, Joan XXIII Avenue, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;(4) Department of Biology, University of Minho, Gualtar Campus, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal |
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Abstract: | The present study provides the first data on inorganic element levels (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn) in juvenile,
immature, and adult razorbills (Alca torda) collected along the central coast of Portugal. Element concentrations were assessed by ICP-MS in kidney, liver, muscle,
and feathers of 28 razorbills, including 4 juveniles, 17 subadults, and 7 adults. The effect of age and tissue on element
accumulation was also assessed. The detected levels in razorbills may indicate a possible contamination risk by Hg and Cr.
With respect to bird tissues, higher accumulation of Se and Cd was detected in kidney, Zn and Pb in feathers, and As and Mn
in liver. Age was found to affect the accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Mn, juveniles presenting higher levels of Cu and
Mn than older individuals. In razorbill kidney, Zn–Hg constituted the most significant relationship among metal concentrations.
Liver presented the highest number of significant relationships (mostly involving Zn and Co). With regard to feathers, the
most significant relationships involved Se, Zn, Cr and Cu concentrations. Positive linear relationships were detected among
kidney, liver, and muscle, with emphasis on relationships involving Se and Hg, which may be indicative of similar accumulation/regulation
mechanisms in those organs. Element concentrations are discussed in view of possible detoxification mechanisms in seabirds. |
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