Mineral Element Profile in African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) Feathers and Its Possible Relationship with Molting

Bird feathers have been proven to be reliable indicators of metal exposure originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. The concentrations of 15 essential and non-essential metals were investigated in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) feathers from a Northwestern Italian zoological facility. These birds are exclusively fed with herring from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Certain elements, such as Hg and Cd, reflected the bioaccumulation phenomena that occur through the marine food chain. The levels of Cr, Mn, and Ni were comparable to those registered in feathers of birds living in polluted areas. These results are important for comparative studies regarding the health, nutrition and welfare of endangered seabirds kept under human care.

Simple SummaryThe bioaccumulation of elements (e.g., heavy metals) in living organisms (e.g., animals) is vitally important from at least two points of view: the growth and development of the organisms themselves and remediation of the polluted environment. So far, bioaccumulation has been characterized by the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), which is the ratio between the concentration of elements in the organism to the concentration in the matrix (water, soil, etc.). This factor is a good measure of bioaccumulation in ecosystems in which an organism lives from the beginning of their lives to the moment of investigation. However, especially in laboratory experiments, when organisms at a given stage of development are introduced to the system and contain some non-zero concentration of an element, the BAF can lead to misinterpretation. Therefore, we propose a new measure called the bioaccumulation index (BAI), which is the relative increase in the concentration of a given element in the organism to its initial concentration after the experiment. We proved, on the basis of data published by other authors, that the BAI was much more valid for the interpretation of bioaccumulation in these cases.Bioaccumulation, expressed as the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), is a phenomenon widely investigated in the natural environment and at laboratory scale. However, the BAF is more suitable for ecological studies, while in small-scale experiments it has limitations, which are discussed in this article. We propose a new indicator, the bioaccumulation index (BAI). The BAI takes into account the initial load of test elements, which are added to the experimental system together with the biomass of the organism. This offers the opportunity to explore the phenomena related to the bioaccumulation and, contrary to the BAF, can also reveal the dilution of element concentration in the organism. The BAF can overestimate bioaccumulation, and in an extremal situation, when the dilution of element concentration during organism growth occurs, the BAF may produce completely opposite results to the BAI. In one of the examples presented in this work (Tschirner and Simon, 2015), the concentration of phosphorous in fly larvae was lower after the experiment than in the younger larvae before the experiment. Because the phosphorous concentration in the feed was low, the BAF indicated a high bioaccumulation of this element (BAF = 14.85). In contrast, the BAI showed element dilution, which is a more realistic situation (BAI = −0.32). By taking more data into account, the BAI seems to be more valid in determining bioaccumulation, especially in the context of entomoremediation research.

Removal of pomace residues is critical in quantification of element concentrations in extra virgin olive oil

Elevated environmental levels of elements originating from anthropogenic activities threaten natural communities and public health, as these elements can persist and bioaccumulate in the environment. However, their environmental risks and bioaccumulation patterns are often habitat-, species- and element-specific. We studied the bioaccumulation patterns of 11 elements in seven freshwater taxa in post-mining habitats in the Czech Republic, ranging from less polluted mining ponds to highly polluted fly ash lagoons. We found nonlinear, power-law relationships between the environmental and tissue concentrations of the elements, which may explain differences in bioaccumulation factors (BAF) reported in the literature. Tissue concentrations were driven by the environmental concentrations in non-essential elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and V), but this dependence was limited in essential elements (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn). Tissue concentrations of most elements were also more closely related to substrate than to water concentrations. Bioaccumulation was habitat specific in eight elements: stronger in mining ponds for Al and Pb, and stronger in fly ash lagoons for As, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se, V and Zn, although the differences were often minor. Bioaccumulation of some elements further increased in mineral-rich localities. Proximity to substrate, rather than trophic level, drove increased bioaccumulation levels across taxa. This highlights the importance of substrate as a pollutant reservoir in standing freshwaters and suggests that benthic taxa, such as molluscs (e.g., Physella) and other macroinvertebrates (e.g., Nepa), constitute good bioindicators. Despite the higher environmental risks in fly ash lagoons than in mining ponds, the observed ability of freshwater biota to sustain pollution supports the conservation potential of post-industrial sites. The power law approach used here to quantify and disentangle the effects of various bioaccumulation drivers may be helpful in additional contexts, increasing our ability to predict the effects of other contaminants and environmental hazards on biota.

The elemental composition of different parts of the Cornelian cherry (fruit flesh, pit, leaf, and bark) was analyzed using the ICP-OES method. Macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S), microelements (B, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Se, Si, Sr, Zn), and toxic elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Pb) were analyzed. The highest concentrations of Ca (10,818.04-24,901.29mg/kg), Mg (1903.77-3558.87mg/kg), S (2193.67-3284.59mg/kg), and P (3655.34-5959.26mg/kg) were determined in the leaves. S was also present in significant concentrations, and K was highest in the fruit flesh (6598.00-8967.40mg/kg). Higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn were determined in the leaves and bark, while the fruit flesh had lower concentrations of these elements (Fe: 7.17-337.05mg/kg; Mn: 0.66-1.19mg/kg; Zn: 2.70-3.83mg/kg). B (to 24.09mg/kg), Si (to 468.99mg/kg), Li (to 1.44mg/kg), and Sr (to 76.00mg/kg) were most abundant in leaves and bark. The highest concentration of the toxic metal Al was detected in the leaf sample from Mostar (373.49mg/kg). Cd and Pb revealed the lowest concentrations, below the detection limit (< 0.01mg/kg), in several pit and flesh samples collected from Tuzla, Bijeljina, and Mostar. As levels were below 0.01mg/kg in all analyzed samples. The differences in element concentrations may be related to different geochemical and ecological conditions characteristic of the collection areas, indicating a complex environmental influence on the bioaccumulation of elements in Cornelian cherry. In this study, an assessment of the potential health risks associated with the presence of heavy metals was conducted. The obtained Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) results for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr were lower than the safe limit, while Carcinogenic Risk Index (CRI) analysis indicated that Cd and Ni were the most important pollutants in the analyzed samples.

The presence of xenobiotics, such as metals, in ecosystems is concerning due to their durability and they pose a threat to the health and life of organisms. Moreover, mercury can biomagnify in many marine food chains and, therefore, organisms at higher trophic levels can be adversely impacted. Although feathers have been used extensively as a bio-monitoring tool, only a few studies have addressed the effect of both age and sex on metal accumulation. In this study, the concentrations of trace elements were determined in the feathers of all members of a captive colony of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) housed in a zoological facility in Italy. Tests were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to detect aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. Mercury was detected by a direct mercury analyzer. Sexing was performed by a molecular approach based on analyzing the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding1 gene, located on the sex chromosomes. Sex- and age-related differences were studied in order to investigate the different patterns of metal bioaccumulation between male and female individuals and between adults and juveniles. Juvenile females had significantly higher arsenic levels than males, while selenium levels increased significantly with age in both sexes. Penguins kept in controlled environments-given that diet and habitat are under strict control-represent a unique opportunity to determine if and how metal bioaccumulation is related to sex and age.

Mineral and heavy metal accumulation in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) is of growing interest. The bioaccumulation of elements in BSFL is usually assessed by a bioaccumulation factor (BAF), which is the ratio between the concentration of an element in the organism and in its feeding substrate. Recently, a new index, i.e. bioaccumulation index (BAI), which represents the relative increase in the concentration of a given element to its initial concentration has been proposed. The BAI is claimed to be a more valid alternative to the BAF, especially because it takes into account the initial element concentration of the larvae. This work assesses BAF and BAI in comparison with true element retention rate in BSFL. Using an experimental setup that included the element turnover of BSFL in two different feeding regimes (with and without a different substrate for neonatal larvae), we show that: (1) the initial element concentration in BSFL is only a tiny fraction (&lt;0.1%) of the total element pool in the system, implying that the feeding substrate is the main source of elements to be accumulated by the growing larvae; (2) each element has a specific concentration pattern from the start to the end of feeding experiments. Furthermore, in cases where both neonatal diets and experimental feeding substrates are used during the larval growth period, BAI can be confounded by time/age with diet-related effects. From an agri-food perspective of rearing BSFL for element accumulation, the retention rate of elements from the feeding substrate to the larval body remains the most valid evaluation parameter. The results of input-output calculations and element-unspecific correlations suggest a higher agreement of true element retention rate with BAF than with BAI. Therefore, we propose to assess the element accumulation in BSFL by retention rate followed by BAF under laboratory conditions.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements affects chick body condition and gut microbiome in greater flamingos

To investigate the potential link between toxic heavy elements in soil with soil physiochemical properties and oxides, as well as their impact on the bioaccumulation of these elements in wheat grains. Agriculture soil and wheat grains were sampled from Yaychi area, Kirkuk northeast of Iraq. Soil physiochemical properties, oxides and toxic heavy elements contents were determined. The average concentration of toxic heavy elements in soil was in this order Ni&gt; Cr&gt; Pb&gt; As&gt; Cd&gt; Hg, and some of these elements had exceeded their average in earth's crust and Canadian Agricultural Soil Quality Guidelines. While in wheat grains the toxic heavy elements, contents were in the following order Cr&gt; Ni&gt; Pb&gt; As&gt; Cd&gt; Hg. The soil physiochemical properties in the study area are shown to be medium alkaline, non-saline, calcareous, non-gypsiferous, inorganic and loam texture. It became clear from the correlation matrix that the toxic heavy elements except for arsenic have significant relationships with different soil physiochemical properties and major oxides. In turn, oxides and the physiochemical properties of the soil and its type reduced the bioaccumulation of these elements in wheat grains except for arsenic, as appeared in the present study, that toxic heavy elements do not accumulate in wheat grains. And among the studied elements, arsenic had the highest bioaccumulation rate in wheat grains, because its concentration in soil has been affected by only human activities.

Impact of the post-weaning nutritional history on the response to an experimental Haemonchus contortus infection in Creole goats and Black Belly sheep

The penguin feathers as bioindicator of Antarctica environmental state

To evaluate the nutritional challenge faced by molting penguins we studied the composition of contour feathers of three species of penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, P. antarctica, and P. papua. The feathers of these species are nearly identical in structure and chemical composition. They have a unique broad, flat rachis that accounts for 60 to 70% of the total feather mass. Their barbules are pennaceous and able to interlock tightly, which probably accounts for the shedding of plumage in sheets rather than as individual feathers. Compositionally, the penguin feathers are remarkably similar to feathers of other species of birds representing six different orders and varied life-styles. Whole penguin feathers averaged 8-10% water. Ash contents of P. adeliae and P. antarctica feathers averaged less than 1%, but P. papua averaged 2.6%. The nitrogen contents of the barbs were nearly identical in the three species and averaged 16.4%. The nitrogen content of the rachises of P. adeliae and P. antarctica feathers averaged 16.4%, but was slightly less in P. papua (15.5%), probably due to the higher ash content and slightly higher pigment content in this species. The most abundant amino acids in barbs and rachises were gly, pro, ser, cys/2, val, and leu. Six nonessential amino acids (ala, asp, glu, gly, pro, ser) made up 52.5 and 54.3% of the barbs and rachises, respectively. The basic amino acids (lys, his, arg) were among the least concentrated amino acids. This amino acid profile is typical of mixed feather keratins. The high cys/2 contents of feather proteins results in a large mismatch between nonkeratinous mixed tissue proteins and feathers that could result in highly inefficient reutilization of tissue amino acids in feather synthesis during the molt fast. Some compensatory mechanisms that penguins might use to minimize this inefficiency are discussed.

Introduction It has been shown that the concentrations of some elements, for example K, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn, may differ significantly between the healthy area and the tumour area in the same human tissue [1]. Most studies conducted so far are focussed on specific elements which are a priori known to be involved in physiological or pathological processes, and thus risk neglecting the potential role of the excluded elements in those processes [2]. The role of elements considered in isolation has been questioned because it ignores the important interactions amongst the various elements [3]. However, even when concentrations of various elements are obtained in the same study, comparisons between healthy and diseased tissues, or correlations between the various elements, both intrinsically multivariate, are often implemented with univariate methods, which may result in observed effects or the inability to detect such effects [4]. The methodologies in this study, which complement multielement determinations by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in several types of biological samples, with multivariate data analysis methodologies, provide an important contribute to fill existing gaps in current knowledge of the role elements in such metabolic pathways. Materials and methods Samples consisted of five matched pairs (10 samples) of normal and tumour human tongue tissue. In the developing work, the XRF and XRD techniques are applied in the determination of the concentration profile of several elements of interest, in samples of healthy tissue and tongue carcinoma, with the objective of developing a classification system based on the profile of elemental concentrations which allows to discriminate between healthy tissue and carcinoma, and thus clarify the role of these elements in the aetiology of the disease. Results Potential differences in Ca, Fe and S were observed. Intrasampling tests determined that samples were inhomogeneous which may affect the ability to discriminate between normal and tumour tissues. Discussion and conclusions It is highlighted that the limited number of samples prevents any conclusive findings for now nevertheless results provide areas of focus for upcoming study.

Trace elements distribution in hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) tissues on the northern coast of Bahia, Brazil

The use of plant species to stabilize and accumulate trace elements in contaminated soils is considered of great usefulness given the difficulty of decontaminating large areas subjected to mining for long periods. In this work, the bioaccumulation of trace elements is studied by relating the concentrations in leaves and roots of three plants of Mediterranean distribution (Dittrichia viscosa, Cistus salviifolius, Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupanii) with the concentrations of trace elements in contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Furthermore, in the case of D. viscosa, to know the concentration of each element by biomass, the pool of trace elements was determined both in the aerial part and in the roots. The bioaccumulation factor was not high enough in any of the species studied to be considered as phytoextractors. However, species like the ones studied in this work that live on soils with a wide range of concentration of trace elements and that develop a considerable biomass could be considered for stabilization of contaminated soils. The plant species studied in this work are good candidates for gentle-remediation options in the polluted Mediterranean.