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Heavy metal bioaccumulation in two passerines with differing migration strategies
Zoë Cooper1, Robert Bringolf2, Robert Cooper2
1University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA; University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
Heavy metal contamination at Savannah River Site (SRS) was studied in Northern Cardinals and Great Crested Flycatchers. While overall toxicity risk is low, differing metal levels suggest varied exposure routes for migratory birds.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Avian Ecology
Background:
- Anthropogenic activities cause heavy metal contamination, historically impacting the Savannah River Site (SRS) due to nuclear waste.
- Songbirds may bioaccumulate metals, but data on concentration levels in contaminated vs. uncontaminated SRS areas is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey terrestrial heavy metal contamination at SRS using nonlethal avian samples.
- To quantify sex-specific heavy metal concentrations in Northern Cardinals and Great Crested Flycatchers.
- To assess potential bioavailability of pollutants like As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn.
Main Methods:
- Collected blood and feather samples from Northern Cardinals (resident) and Great Crested Flycatchers (migratory) at SRS between April-June 2016.
- Analyzed samples for concentrations of various heavy metals.
- Compared metal levels between species, sexes, and contaminated vs. reference sites.
Main Results:
- Flycatchers exhibited higher blood concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) compared to cardinals.
- Cardinals had lower feather concentrations of chromium (Cr).
- Zinc (Zn) levels were significantly lower in the feathers of both species from reference locations.
Conclusions:
- Migratory flycatchers showed differing heavy metal exposure on wintering versus breeding grounds.
- Individual sex did not significantly impact heavy metal bioaccumulation in either species.
- While acute toxicity risk appears minimal, further research on reproductive success in wild passerines with similar metal levels is warranted.
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