Bioindicator Of Metals Research Articles

Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Comprehensive Review on their Role as Heavy Metal Bioindicators in Aquatic Ecosystems

Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Comprehensive Review on their Role as Heavy Metal Bioindicators in Aquatic Ecosystems

Use of Social Bees and Solitary Bees as Bioindicators of Environmental Contamination

With an emphasis on the biology of bee nesting, their ecological functions, and their efficacy in determining heavy metal pollution, this review paper summarises current research on bees as bioindicators of environmental contamination. Review brought attention to the solitary nesting behaviours of species such as Epanthidium tigrinum and Megachile cephalotes, highlighting their preference for particular materials for their nests as well as their function as pollinators. It was investigated how resin serves many purposes in defense, disease resistance, and nest building, highlighting its ecological value. One paper talked about the abilities of wasps and bees, demonstrating how they interact with one another inside the nests and how sensitive they are to changes in their surroundings. Honeybees have been found to be useful bioindicators for pesticides and heavy metals because they incorporate toxins from the air, soil, and water into their products. Additionally, bee pollen has shown to be a trustworthy marker of pesticide residues, indicating the degree of local pollution. Furthermore, research examining the levels of heavy metals in bee products across different areas highlighted the potential of honey to serve as a biomonitor for pollution in the environment. One of the reviewed studies specifically measured heavy metal concentrations in pollen and Osmia bicornis L. bees across different habitats, demonstrating how variations in habitat proximity to pollution sources affect contamination levels, thereby underscoring the utility of solitary bees as effective bioindicators. The precise methods for assembling trap nests and gathering samples offered useful information for researching community dynamics and trophic relationships. Overall, this review summarises research showing that social bees and solitary bees are important for assessing the health of ecosystems and provide useful tools for environmental monitoring.

Monitoring metal patterns from urban and agrarian sites using the bumblebee Bombus terrestris as a bioindicator

Honeybees are well-established bioindicators for different types of pollutants. This study aims to establish another species of the Apidae family as a bioindicator, with a distinct behaviour and life cycle. The bumblebee Bombus terrestris was used as a bioindicator for 12 metals. Bumblebee hives were placed at sampling sites in and around the city of Aachen, Germany, and metal concentrations were assessed using ICP-MS. Metal concentrations were compared to those found in honeybees described in the literature. Spatial differences in metal patterns were investigated by comparing two land-use types: urban and agrarian. Seasonal differences were compared by taking samples in spring and summer. All analysed metals were detected above the detection limit and within or even above the concentration range found in honeybees. Significant spatial differences were found for the metalloid B and the metal Cd with higher concentrations at the agrarian sites than the urban sites. Significant seasonal differences were found for 8 metals: Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and As concentrations were higher in summer than in spring, while B and V concentrations were higher in spring. To categorise the results, we applied the honeybee contamination index (HCI) and adapted it to bumblebee purposes. According to the HCI, only one agrarian site showed a high contamination level. This study shows that bumblebees are suitable bioindicators for metals. The obtained data can serve as a first baseline in the establishment of additional monitoring studies or risk assessments.

Bees reflect better on their ecosystem health than their products.

Beehives constitute a source of environmental contaminants because forager bees explore their habitat and unintentionally accumulate them while foraging for food. Therefore, this review paper investigated different bee species and products from 55 countries to identify how they can help environmental biomonitoring by giving an overview of the past 11 years. Thereby is presented in this study the beehive's use as a bioindicator for metals, analytical techniques, data analysis, environmental compartments, common inorganic contaminants, reference thresholds for some metal concentrations in bees and honey, and other factors over more than 100 references. Most authors agree that the honey bee is a suitable bioindicator to assess toxic metal contamination, and among its products, propolis, pollen, and beeswax are more suited than honey. However, in some situations, when comparing bees with their products, bees are more efficient as potential environmental biomonitors. Some factors such as the colony location, floral sources, regional effects, and activities surrounding the apiary influence the bees, and the composition of their products is reflected by alterations in their chemical profile, making them suitable bioindicators.

Types and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Stressed by Heavy Metals in Mangrove Forests

Heavy metals can decrease the number of species in nature. This research aims to determine the relationship between the type of macroinvertebrates stressed by heavy metals in the Wonorejo Mangrove Area, Surabaya, East Java. This type of research is observational. The determination of stations was done using the purposive random sampling method. Tests for Pb and Cd content were carried out using the AAS method. Nutrient content testing was carried out using the AAS and Kjeldahl methods. Data analysis was presented descriptively, and multivariate analysis was done using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Based on the present research, it can be concluded that there are variations in the type and distribution of macroinvertebrates stressed by heavy metals in the mangrove area of Surabaya. Station 1 is dominated by Ocypode ryderi, Station 2 by Assiminea sp., Station 3 by Scylla paramamosain, and Station 4 by Cerithidea sp. with the high presence of metals (Cd, Pb), and soil and water nutrients (Org-C, N) at Stations 1, 3, and 4. The Station 2 has only Pb. Assiminea sp. (Phylum Mollusca) can be the best candidate for metal bioindicators because it appears in all locations where soil and water have been contaminated with Pb and Cd metals without affecting their life.

Assessment of metal trace elements in the echinoderm Paracentrotus lividus from the North-Eastern coast of Algeria

The echinoderm sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck, 1816 (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) is a good species to be used in environmental and toxicology research, in particular as a heavy metal bio-indicator. Our study’s objective is to evaluate the amounts of Zn, Pb, Fe, and Cu in sea urchin specimens collected from the coast of Skikda (Northeast Algeria) in order to validate the fact that sea urchins are good indicators of metal pollution and can be used effectively for environmental biomonitoring. To realize our objectives, three sampling sites were chosen based on suspected forms and sources of contamination. The main physicochemical parameters of the seawater were measured to determine their quality. 15 specimens of urchins in each station were obtained from exposed rocky surfaces and transported to the laboratory. Before dissection, the biometric parameters and the total wet weight were determined. The soft organs (gut and gonads) of individuals were separated and utilized to evaluate the levels of heavy metals. The condition index and metal indices were also determined. Our study confirmed that P. lividus may be considered a valuable bioindicator of heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems. The results show that the amounts of heavy metals differed significantly between stations. Samples taken from the Larbi Ben M’hidi station showed greater amounts of Pb, Zn, and Cu. These amounts are above the recommended limits for fish and aquatic animals. Also, the heavy metals found in sea urchins vary depending on the physicochemical parameters, trace metals in the seawater, and the individual biometric parameters. These higher concentrations of metals in seawater and in P. lividus individuals at the Larbi Ben M’hidi station are largely caused by the construction of a massive oil industry complex and terminal with several refineries and petrochemical units near this station, as well as by a considerable amount of domestic wastewater. Finally, to avoid this metallic pollution risk, it is necessary that permanent controls be imposed as soon as possible. Urban and industrial wastes must be treated before being released, in the hope of reducing future metal concentrations.

Common weeds as heavy metal bioindicators: a new approach in biomonitoring

Environmental pollution by heavy metals affects both urban and non-urban areas of Europe and the world. The use of bioindicator plants for the detection of these pollutants is a common practice. An important property of potential bioindicators is their easy availability and wide distribution range, which means that they can be practically used over a wide area. Therefore, common and widely distributed weeds: Trifolium pratense L., Rumex acetosa L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Plantago lanceolata L., ornamental species Alcea rosea L., and Lolium multiflorum L. var. Ponto were selected as a potential bioindicators of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn). Plants were exposed in the same soil conditions in three sample sites in the Poznań city. It was found that all species had heavy metal accumulation potential, especially A. rosea, P. lanceolata and L. multiflorum for Zn (BCF = 6.62; 5.17; 4.70) and A. rosea, P. lanceolata for Cd (BCF = 8.51; 6.94). Translocation of Cu and Zn was the most effective in T. pratense (TFCu = 2.55; TFZn = 2.67) and in A. retroflexus (TFCu = 1.50; TFZn = 2.23). Cd translocation was the most efficient in T. pratense (TFCd = 1.97), but PB was the most effective translocated in A. retroflexus (TFPb = 3.09).. Based on physiological response to stress, it was detected an increasing level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in roots and leaves of all samples, with the highest in all organs of A. rosea. Enzymatic activity levels of CAT, APOX, and also the marker of polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation MDA, were higher after 6 weeks of exposure in comparison to control samples and varied in time of exposure and between species and exposure. After the experiment, in almost all samples we detected a reduction of chlorophyll content and relative water content, but in efficiency of photosynthesis parameters: net photosynthesis rate, intercellular CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance, we noted increased values, which proved the relatively good condition of the plants. The examined weeds are good bioindicators of heavy metal contamination, and their combined use makes it possible to comprehensively detection of environmental threats.

Comparisons of diatoms and fishes as toxic metal bioindicator: a case study of an A-class wetland in northwest Turkey under effect of an intensive paddy cultivation stress.

In this research, diatoms as the first step and fishes as the last step of the food chain were compared as toxic metal accumulation bioindicator in an A-class wetland in Turkey. Bioaccumulations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined in liver, gill and muscle tissues of two commercially consumed fish species Carassius gibelio and Cyprinus carpio and in frustules of epiphytic diatom communities living on submerged macrophytes. Samples were collected seasonally from the Gala Lake, which is among the best stopover habitats of birds migrating between Europe and Africa, considering the paddy harvest period that is a major stress factor for the ecosystem. Also, potential human health risks associated with the consumption of fishes and consumption - dermal contact of diatoms were evaluated both for summer - before paddy harvest (BPH) and autumn - after paddy harvest (APH) periods. As a result of this research, the investigated toxic metal concentrations were increased significantly in diatoms in the APH period, while less significant exchanges were recorded in fishes. The bioaccumulations of PTEs were ranked as follows: Zn > Mn > Se > Cu > B > Cr > Ni > As > Pb > Cd for C. gibelio; Zn > Mn > Se > Cu > B > Cr > As > Ni > Pb > Cd for C. carpio; and Mn > Zn > Se > Pb > B > Ni > Cr > Cu > As > Cd for diatom frustules. Although the HI values in diatoms detected in the APH period were statistically significantly higher (about 1000 times; p < 0.05) than detected in the BPH period, they were less than the limit of 1 in both seasons. However, the HI coefficients of fishes were quite higher than the limit (an average of 23.59 for C. gibelio and 19.18 for C. carpio), which means quite high probable non-carcinogenic health risks for humans. Furthermore, the CR coefficients of Cr, Ni and As in muscle tissues of fishes were considerably higher than the limit of 10-4, which reflects a significant carcinogenic health risk for consumers. The data showed that although the fishes at the top of the food chain bioaccumulate the PTEs in their tissues much higher than the diatoms at the bottom of the food chain, the diatoms are much more sensitive to changes in the environmental conditions than the fishes and they are more effective biological tools as toxic metal accumulation bioindicators.

Occurrence of Histamine Toxicity and Metal and Mineral Contaminants in Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans) in Grenada, West Indies

Targeted fishing of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) in the Caribbean creates an opportunity to monitor lionfish for food safety and to examine their utility as environmental sentinel species. The goals of this study were to assess P. volitans for histamine toxicity (scombroid poisoning) and to quantify mineral and heavy metal contaminants in lionfish in Grenada, West Indies. Histamine concentrations in lionfish muscle significantly increased after heat stress but remained below maximum allowable concentrations for consumption. Mineral and heavy metal concentrations were tested in muscle and liver from lionfish from two separate reef systems using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Total arsenic levels in liver were significantly higher in fish sampled from Boss's Reef than those from Halifax Harbor, but they were not interpreted as clinically significant. Lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, molybdenum, and cobalt were below the detectable limit of the analyzer. Thallium, selenium, iron, zinc, and manganese were detected in muscle and/or liver tissue at expected concentrations. Lionfish represent a low risk for histamine toxicity and have not bioaccumulated significant heavy metals in Grenada to pose a food safety risk. The higher arsenic concentrations in Boss's Reef suggest that the location should be monitored and studied in the future. The potential for lionfish to act as bioindicators for heavy metals is uncertain and needs further validation.

Coastal macrophytes as bioindicators of trace metals in the Asia's largest lagoon ecosystem

Coastal trace metal contamination is of serious concern and the role of new bioindicator species in monitoring of trace metals is essential. The present study quantified the concentration of trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediment and the macrophytes of Chilika lagoon, India, and investigated the bioindicator potential of the seagrasses, saltmarshes and macroalgae. The Igeo values for sediment indicated significant contamination of Cu and Zn in seagrass, Cu, Ni and Zn in saltmarsh and moderate contamination of Cr, Cu and Pb in macroalgal ecosystems. In general, the Bio-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) indicated that the macrophytes accumulated higher concentration of Mn and Ni from the sediments. The high concentration of trace metals in the sediment of the three macrophytes ecosystems did not result in higher accumulation of the same metals in the tissues of the respective macrophytes suggesting metal specific and species-specific behaviour.

Aquatic insects as a biomonitoring and bioindicators for trace metals in the contaminated Al-Mahmoudia Canal, River Nile, Egypt

Aquatic insects as a biomonitoring and bioindicators for trace metals in the contaminated Al-Mahmoudia Canal, River Nile, Egypt

Amphimedon Viridis Marine Sponge as Metal Bioindicator for Al, Ba, Cr, Fe and Mn

Amphimedon Viridis Marine Sponge as Metal Bioindicator for Al, Ba, Cr, Fe and Mn

Corynosoma caspicum (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae), as a heavy metal bioindicator in the fish Gasterosteus aculeatus from the Caspian Sea, northern Iran.

Previous marine biology studies found that the concentration of heavy metals in some parasites of fish such as acanthocephalans can be a proper bioindicator. Therefore, we attempted to measure five heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of the fish Gasterosteus aculeatus (G. aculeatus) and its acanthocephalan parasites, Corynosoma caspicum (C. caspicum) from the Southern Caspian Sea, northern Iran. G. aculeatus (three-spined stickleback) was collected from the south of the Caspian Sea, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. After tissue preparation, the heavy metal concentrations in fishes and acanthocephalans were obtained using the tissue dissolution technique and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in the skin, liver, muscle, and intestine tissues of the fish and its parasites, C. caspicum, were measured and compared. Eighty (32%) of 250 collected fish were infected by at least one acanthocephalan parasite. The Cr indicated the highest concentration (5.329±3.275) of the heavy metals in acanthocephalan, even more than the skin, liver, and muscle of infected fishes. Cd had the lowest concentration (0.0333±0.0075) of heavy metals in acanthocephalan, but it was still higher than the concentration in the infected fishes' skin, liver, muscle, and intestine tissues. Our findings indicated that C. caspicum parasites can be considered extremely sensitive early-alert bioindicators, particularly in sensitive and under-threat environments with low pollution levels.

Honeybees as a biomonitoring species to assess environmental airborne pollution in different socioeconomic city districts.

Honeybees have been used in Europe as environmental bioindicators for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, their potential has been little explored in North America, especially between environments which have similar pollution levels. Many urban residents and stakeholders are concerned with air quality, mainly in regard to gradients of exposure to industrial pollution between deprived and privileged subpopulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of honeybees as bioindicators to assess exposure to heavy metals and PAHs in Québec City, Canada, in different socioeconomic districts of Quebec City (deprivation index). Honeybees were sampled over a 5-month period (May to September) at six locations distributed in two urban areas that are distinct geomorphologically and socioeconomically (lower town socio-economically deprived and upper town socioeconomically privileged) and two control rural locations. Six PAHs were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), while four heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenic was the only measured pollutant that showed a significant gradient of exposure between rural and urban environments, but also between the two urban areas. Furthermore, we were able to detect significant differences at certain sampling times for heavy metals and PAHs. Overall, the results show that honeybees are sensitive enough to detect differences between the differential urban environments of a city presumed to have similar pollution levels and therefore could be used when potential socio-environmental inequalities are present.

A Small-Scale Study on Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water Using Water Hyacinth

The aim of this research was to determine whether water hyacinth can be used to remove heavy metals, such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper, from industrial wastewater. Investigations of the pollution removal or prevention potential of aquatic macrophytes, such as heavy metal bio-indicators in aquatic habitats, can prove to be advanced field studies. Water hyacinth is one of the aquatic plant species that has been effectively utilized for the treatment of wastewater. It is extremely effective in removing stains, suspended solids, BOD, organic matter, and heavy metals. This research focused on the use of water hyacinth to treat wastewater from heavy metals. Water hyacinths can grow in sewage, absorbing and digesting contaminants and transforming sewage effluents into comparatively clean water in the process. As a result, the plants have the potential to be used as natural water purification systems at a fraction of the cost of a standard sewage treatment facility. The experiment was performed using healthy, young, and acclimatized water hyacinths. Containment water with a cadmium concentration of 0.5 mg/L, arsenic concentration of 0.5 mg/L, lead concentration of 2 mg/L, zinc concentration of 5 mg/L, and copper concentration of 5 mg/L was added to five different polyethylene pots with 100 g of water hyacinth in each pot. After 30 days, the removal efficiency for heavy metals (Cd, As, Pb, Zn, and Cu) reached 59–92%, and the results were within the permitted limits according to the National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater in Vietnam. Based on this information, it is possible to deduce that water hyacinth can be utilized to remove cadmium, arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper from industrial wastewater effluents efficiently.

Rice cultivation in former rubber land without soil remediation contribute toxicity risk of heritable heavy metals contamination

The rubber-based intercropping management system (RBIS) land management using chemical fertilizer and herbicides cause heavy metal accumulation in soil. Rice is a good heavy metal bioindicator to monitor soil quality and often integrated with RBIS while rubber trees are young as subsistence farming. Heavy metal accumulation in soil and hill paddy grown on former rubber land and specialized paddy field (control) had been assessed to determine whether harvested rice grain poses toxicity risk. Grain harvested from specialized paddy land was safer to consume as none of the selected heavy metal concentrations in rice grain had exceeded the permissible limit of Malaysia Food Regulation 1985 (MFR 1985). Meanwhile, hill paddy grown intercropping with young rubber trees on former rubber land had accumulated a high amount of heavy metals in rice grain whereby nonessential heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium and lead had exceeded the permissible limit of MFR 1985. Commonly, indigenous hill paddy belongs to tall paddy variety group can grow more than 120 cm tall. All harvested hill paddy landraces grown on specialized paddy field surpassed 120 cm. Nevertheless, all hill paddy landraces that were cultivated in former rubber land were below 100 cm tall indicated that heavy metal phytotoxicity occurred in plants. Rice grain produced in former rubber land poses toxicity risk to consumers due to unsustainable conventional agricultural management practice. Soil degradation needs to be prevented as it can impact food safety and food security. Further soil remediation requirement must be determined to ensure high productivity and safety.

TREND OF POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS AND DIBENZOFURANS (PCDD/PCDFS) IN BEEHIVE MATRICES

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) are well-known persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with highly toxic potential. These compounds are released in the environment as a complex mixture of various congeners which shown significant physico-chemical differences, as well as different environmental fates. PCDD/PCDF mixtures change spatially and temporally in the environment and biota, complicating the risk assessment and regulatory control for human and animal exposure. Considering the well-known role of honeybees as bioindicators for pesticides, heavy metals and other chemicals, the present study has been developed to assess the use of honeybees and honeybee products in biomonitoring projects about PCDD/PCDFs. Three Dadant-Blatt type beehives, located since March 2017 in the headquarter of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy) have been used as monitoring stations. Honeybees, honey and beeswax have been sampled and analyzed for PCDD/PCDFs detection in June and in September of the same year. Among the analyzed matrices, beeswax has shown the highest WHO-TEQ values, probably due to its lipidic nature capable of accumulating fat-soluble, non-volatile, persistent organic pollutants. Hexaclorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD), usually measured in vegetables and fruits, has been detected only in honey samples. Maximum levels of PCDD/PCDFs are settled by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1259/2011 of 2 December 2011, but only on animal-derived products. Considering the role of dietary-model adopted by the consumers on toxic substances dietary intake and associated exposure risks, limits on botanical derived products are needed. But more controls about bee-products are advisable also in order to reduce the exposure risk for bees and for protecting biodiversity.

Bird's feather as an effective bioindicator for detection of trace elements in polymetallic contaminated areas in Anhui Province, China

Environmental pollution, especially because of trace metals, seriously affects ecological safety, and bird feathers are often used as bioindicators to monitor this risk in various environments. However, the feasibility of feathers as bioindicators for trace metals in polymetallic contaminated areas has not been extensively studied. In this study, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify and compare the contents of nine trace metal(loid)s (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) among soil, plants, insects and birds (feathers and internal tissues) sampled in the mining area of Tongling, a polymetallic contaminated area in Anhui Province, eastern China. We detected significant trace metal pollution in the abiotic and biotic materials. The contents of Cr, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in feathers differed among bird species and among sampling sites, with higher contents often recorded in tree sparrows (Passer montanus). The metal(loid)s V, Mn, Co, Zn, and As had higher contents in feathers than in internal tissues including heart, liver, kidneys, muscles and bones. The contents of some elements in feathers were positively correlated with those in internal tissues, for example, Co, As, and Cd in the heart, V and Co in the kidneys, Cd in the liver, Pb in bones, and As in muscles. Furthermore, the contents of V, Cr, As and Pb in feathers were higher than those in other biomaterials, implying an increasing trend from plants, insects, and feathers. Our study indicates that bird feathers can be used as effective, non-destructive bioindicators to monitor trace metal(loid) pollution, especially for V, Co, As, Cd and Pb, in polymetallic contaminated areas, providing reliable information for ecological assessment.

Foliar heavy metals and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) profiles as reliable urban pollution biomonitoring tools

Anthropogenic heavy metal pollution is an important health issue in urban areas, and therefore rapid and inexpensive monitoring in time and space is desirable. This study aimed (i) to assess the suitability of Tilia cordata leaves as a valuable heavy metal bioindicator, including seasonal changes in concentrations and (ii) to evaluate the use of leaf carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (δ13C and δ15N) as novel indicators of urban heavy metal pollution. Leaves were collected from three different pollution intensity locations (Bilbao, Vitoria, and Muskiz) in the Basque Country (northern Spain). Analysis of leaf heavy metals related to traffic emissions and δ13C and δ15N determinations were carried out during July-October 2018. Leaf samples from Bilbao, the most populated and traffic-intense location, showed the highest concentration of heavy metals (mainly from polluted air). Additionally, the two urban areas, Bilbao and Vitoria, showed stronger correlation between these heavy metals, indicating a traffic-related source of emissions. The source of contamination (soil or air) in relation to elements and optimal sampling time is discussed herein. On the other hand, Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant trends between leaf δ13C and δ15N and the studied heavy metals, especially Pb, Cr and Cd, supporting the hypothesis of δ13C and δ15N as tools to distinguish locations according to their heavy metal pollution levels. To our knowledge, this is the first time that δ13C and δ15N have been used as monitoring tools in heavy metal pollution and consequently more research is still needed to calibrate this tool through extensive vegetation screening.

Yellow-legged gull eggs (Larus michahellis) as persistent organic pollutants and trace metal bioindicator for two nearby areas with different human impact

The concentration of different persistent organic pollutants (POPs including chlorinated and brominated compounds) and trace metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn) was examined in eggs from two colonies of yellow-legged gulls. The two colonies are established in Ría de Vigo, Northwest Spain, with a distance between them of only 10 km, one in Vigo town (industrial and harbour activities) and the other in the Cíes Islands in a Natural Park and Marine Protected Area –MPA- (with no known anthropogenic inputs). Statistically significant differences for the two colonies were observed for Hg, the sum of 7 CBs, the sum of DDTs y and the sum of 9 PBDEs, with values that could be causing some toxic effects in the area of the most anthropogenically influenced colony. The estimated isotopic niche was also calculated, based on δ15N and δ13C, for the two colonies, pointing to a wider diet in the Cíes colony when compared to the diet in the Vigo colony. The study supports the use of the yellow-legged seagull eggs as a bioindicator of pollution capable of differentiating pollution level even in geographically close areas.