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Non-lethal sampling for mercury evaluation in crocodilians.

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Summary

Non-lethal sampling of mercury (Hg) in caimans using claws and caudal scutes is effective. Claw analysis provides more consistent results for tracking Hg bioaccumulation and exposure patterns in tropical ecosystems.

Keywords:
CaimanCaudal scutesClawsFlood and dry seasonMercuryPantanalReptile

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Wildlife Biology

Background:

  • Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental contaminant with significant toxicity to wildlife and humans.
  • Tropical floodplain environments, particularly those impacted by land use and gold mining, exhibit high mercury methylation potential.
  • Assessing mercury levels in threatened species necessitates reliable non-lethal sampling methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the spatial and seasonal efficacy of caudal scutes and claws for estimating mercury bioaccumulation in Caiman yacare.
  • To investigate mercury bioaccumulation in top predators relative to mining proximity and hydrological characteristics in the Pantanal.
  • To compare mercury concentrations in claws versus caudal scutes as non-lethal biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Non-lethal sampling of caiman claws and caudal scutes in the Pantanal.
  • Analysis of total mercury (THg) concentrations in collected tissue samples.
  • Comparison of Hg levels based on proximity to mining sites and hydrological conditions during dry and flood seasons.

Main Results:

  • Highest Hg concentrations were found in caiman claws (2176 ng g(-1) ww) and caudal scutes (388 ng g(-1) ww) near mining activities.
  • Claw Hg concentrations were thirteenfold higher than scute concentrations and correlated with the flood season.
  • Both tissues proved effective for monitoring long-term Hg bioaccumulation in reptiles.

Conclusions:

  • Claw tissue offers a more consistent and reliable indicator for spatial mercury exposure patterns in caimans compared to caudal scutes.
  • Non-lethal sampling of claws and scutes are viable methods for assessing mercury bioaccumulation in threatened reptiles.
  • Understanding mercury dynamics in tropical ecosystems is crucial for wildlife conservation efforts.