Characterization of Pb and Cd contamination in the feces and feathers of rook (Corvus frugilegus) and the scalp hair of residents in Qiqihar, northeastern China

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe concentrations of Pb and Cd, and trace elements (Cu and Zn) in the urban topsoil, rook (Corvus frugilegus) feces and feathers and human scalp hair were analyzed to examine the potential ecological risk posed by Pb and Cd on local residents of Qiqihar City, northeastern China. Results revealed that the Cd concentrations in the topsoil were ranged from 0.14 to 3.55 mg kg−1 dry weight (dw). The maximal geoaccumulation indices [a value from logarithmic (a measured metal content/1.5 × background content of the metal in this region), introduced by Muller] of Cd exceeded 3.5, which suggested that this region was seriously contaminated by Cd. The corresponding average detectable concentrations in C. frugilegus feathers and feces were 1.38 and 3.97 mg kg−1 dw for Pb and 1.04 and 0.69 mg kg−1 dw for Cd. High Pb and Cd concentrations, respectively, ranging from 7.46 to 24.9 mg kg−1 dw and from 0.35 to 0.92 mg kg−1 dw were also detected in the human scalp hair samples. These high Pb and Cd concentrations in C. frugilegus and local people were possibly associated with local industrial wastes and vehicle exhausts. The external tissues (feces and feather) of the rook species can be considered as an indicator of potential Cd toxic risk in this species; however, the human scalp hair is not a reliable biomarker for risk of Pb and Cd in the human being. Effective measures should be established to reduce the inputs of Pb and Cd into the urban environment and to protect the health of local people.