Monitoring trace elements in selected organs of Antarctic penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae) by plasma-based techniques

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate the content and distribution of eight key elements, namely, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Se in liver, kidney and muscle of chick individuals of Adélie penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae). Samples were collected during the 2002/2003 austral summer season campaign around Jubany Station (Argentine scientific station), Potter Cove, King George Island. Solutions of organs were prepared by acid-assisted microwave (MW) digestion by employing HNO 3 and H 20 2. Instrumental techniques selected to analyze the different tissues were inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A wide range of elements retention capacity among the different organs was observed and the ranges ascertained are as follows (in μg g − 1): As, 0.5 (liver)–0.8 (muscle); Cd, < 0.07 (muscle)–3.4 (kidney); Co, 0.07 (liver)–0.7 (muscle); Cu, 0.6 (muscle)–18 (liver); Hg, 0.2 (kidney)–2.7 (liver); Mn, 1.5 (muscle)–10 (liver); Pb, 0.1 (muscle)–2.0 (liver); Se, 3.0 (muscle)–8.4 (liver). The observed trend in metal accumulation in the three organs of chick penguins was in the order Cu > Mn > Se ≫ As > Co > Pb ≫ Cd > Hg. Levels of metals and metalloids were, in general terms, higher in liver that is a specific target organ for metal accumulation. This study aimed at contributing to the establishment of base-line data on potential pollutants of ecotoxicological interest in the Antarctic ecosystem.