Indicators Of Environmental Contamination Research Articles

Seasonal and geographical variations in levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in Polish butter fat used as an indicator of environmental contamination

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal variation/geographical distribution of environmental concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) across Poland using butter fat as an indicator of the contaminants. The average concentration of six indicator PCBs determined in the studied samples was 1500 pg g–1 fat. The average concentration of 12 dioxin-like PCBs expressed as lower-bound dioxin-equivalent toxicity was 0.684 pg TEQ g−1 fat. The average total concentration of 14 investigated PBDE congeners was 105 pg g−1 fat. Statistically significant concentration differences between summer and winter samples were found. The results of this study indicate also a significant geographical diversification of butter contamination reflecting regional differences in environmental contamination. The seasonal variation of PBDE profiles evidences transformation of PBDE within the environment.

Verificação da contaminação por dimetoato e aldicarb em fígado de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) coletados em dois frigoríficos do Estado do Paraná

A importância dos peixes como fonte protéica na alimentação humana é indiscutível, porém seu papel como indicador de contaminação ambiental também é muito relevante. O presente trabalho objetivou a análise de fígados de Tilápia do Nilo ( Oreochromis niloticus) , coletados em frigoríficos comerciais de dois municípios do Estado do Paraná para averiguação de contaminação pelos compostos organofosforados e carbamatos. Coletou-se 30 amostras de fígado de Tilápia do Nilo ( O. niloticus) no frigorífico A e 45 amostras no frigorífico B, totalizando 75 amostras analisadas. Em cada local foram realizadas três visitas, e de forma aleatória, coletadas as amostras no período de julho de 2006 a maio de 2007. Para extração e análise das amostras utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa de Cromatografia em Camada Delgada (CCD). Os padrões de organofosforado e carbamato utilizados na análise de CDD foram respectivamente o Dimetoato e Aldicarb. Nas amostras analisadas foi encontrado o praguicida cabarmato em sete amostras, sendo uma das amostras coletada no frigorífico A e seis coletadas no frigorífico B. O composto organofosforado foi encontrado em quinze amostras das 75 amostras analisadas, sendo sete amostras do frigorífico A e oito das amostras do frigorífico B. Os resultados obtidos inferem na possibilidade da contaminação dos tanques de criação nas pisciculturas e da necessidade de monitoramento constante quanto à presença de resíduos de praguicidas nesta importante matriz alimentícia.

Prevalence of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fecal and ear samples from slaughtered cattle in Sweden.

A national verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7 monitoring study was carried out among cattle at slaughter in Sweden during 2005 and 2006. Sixty (3.4%; 95% confidence interval, 3.3 to 3.5%) of 1,758 fecal samples collected and 54 (12%; 95% confidence interval, 11.9 to 12.4 %) of 446 ear samples tested positive for VTEC O157:H7. Ear samples were included to evaluate whether they could be used to assess general VTEC O157:H7 contamination at slaughter. The respective prevalences of positive fecal and ear samples were 16 and 21% for older calves, 3.5 and 10% for young stock, and 1.6 and 12% for adult cattle. There were significant differences between the age groups for the fecal samples, but not for the ear samples. It could be that ear samples are less subject to age variations due to environmental factors, or perhaps this observation was due to fewer ear samples being collected in this study. Within the age groups, the prevalence of VTEC O157:H7-positive ear samples was significantly higher than that of fecal samples for young stock and adult cattle. Furthermore, the prevalence of positive ear samples fluctuated more widely throughout the year than that of positive fecal samples. The fecal prevalence data can be used as baseline data against which future intervention strategies can be evaluated, and the ear samples can be used as an indicator of environmental contamination. The results of the ear samples are too limited to determine if they can be used to detect hide contamination and risk of carcass contamination.

Non-Invasive Evaluation of Egg Quality and Early Life Stage Development of Medaka Fish (Oryzias latipes) by Means of Morphological Image Analysis Methods

Early life stage animal models are used to investigate environmental contamination by various industrial wastes and toxicity of various potential drugs or substances used in the production of clothes and food. Estimation of chances of the survival of particular fauna species facing global environmental changes is also done using the same models. This study demonstrates how advanced image processing methods applied for evaluation of egg quality and investigation of the development of the embryos of the fresh water teleost fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes) could extend the possibilities and improve the quality of investigations. Quality of the egg (evoked cortical reaction) and development of the cardiovascular system of the embryo were evaluated using methods of mathematical morphology. Optical registration of the heart beats of the embryos combined with advanced signal processing methods were used for detailed analysis of heart activity. All these methods could be applied to detect and evaluate the developmental disorders of the embryos – indicators of environmental contamination or toxicity of chemical substances. Ill. 5, bibl. 15 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).

Condition hair as an indicator of environmental contamination by heavy metals

Простежено кореляцію між вмістом важких металів у волоссі та станом захворюваності населення, а також відставанням розумових здібностей дітей. Показано, що середній вміст свинцю становить 10,32 мкг/г. Дані встановлено для людей, що живуть на відносно незабрудненій території.

The impact of cadmium and mercury contamination on reproduction and body mass of earthworms

The accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of earthworms is a helpful indicator of environmental contamination. The degree of substrate contamination can be additionally evaluated on the basis of survivability, reproduction and body mass of earthworms. In this study <I>Eisenia fetida</I> Sav. earthworms were exposed to a series of increasing concentrations of cadmium and mercury. The numbers of animals and their body mass were checked after 4 and 8 months. The strongest impact of substrate contamination was exerted upon the number of young individuals and cocoons. The cadmium contamination did not affect adversely the mass of earthworms, whereas in the mercurycontaminated group the decline in body mass was evident. After 8 months of experiments, the content of heavy metal in the bodies of earthworms was determined. An evident relationship between the cadmium and mercury contents in the substrate and their accumulation in earthworms’ tissues was found. The concentration in the bodies exceeded the level in the substrate.

Induction of Cytochrome P450 1A by β-naphto-flavon within the Pig Liver and Central Nervous System

The cytochromes P450 play a key role in the metabolism of both endogenous compounds such as steroids, cytokines, fatty acids, D vitamins, and xenobiotics including drugs and environmental contaminants. The purpose of this work was to investigate the expression and the induction of CYP1A within brain regions and the liver of pigs after treatment with β-naphtoflavon. The CYP1A family is predominant in the detoxification of aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (Waxman, 1999), and of some dioxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzop-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) (Clemons et al., 1998), as well as in the activation of aflatoxin B1, and of benzo-a-pyrhene (Omiecinski et al., 1999). Several substrates such as dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are able to induce CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 by the activation of the AhR receptor; whereas, other compounds, like fluoroquinolones, can inhibit the activity of CYP1A. In fish, the induction of CYP1A has been characterised as a biological indicator of environmental contamination (Arinc et al., 2000). Furthermore, correlations between exposure to environmental pollution and reproductive dysfunction and tumours have been reported in several marine mammals (Beland et al., 1993); CYP1A is always involved in the production of highly reactive and toxic metabolites. Recently, in the central nervous system (CNS) of several animal species (human, rat, trout, sea bass, salmon, gilt-bream and rabbit) the presence of CYP1A has been demonstrated by RT-PCR methods, as well as its induction by 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital and BNF (Dayal et al., 2001; Liu et al., 2001; Ortiz-Delgado et al., 2002; Chung-Davidson et al., 2004).

Metal Concentrations in the Radula of the Common Limpet, Patella vulgata L., from 10 Sites in the UK

Metal (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Zn) levels in the feeding organ or radula of the common limpet Patella vulgata L. were surveyed in 10 populations over a approximately 150-km stretch of coastline in north-east England. The most northern population was at Beadnell in Northumberland and the most southern was at Port Mulgrave in North Yorkshire; sites included unspoilt bays and areas heavily affected by industrial contamination such as the River Tees estuary. We hypothesized that the radula might be used as an indicator of environmental contamination. There were significant differences between the sites in the ratio of radula length to shell length. Limpets from Whitburn had the smallest radula fraction (mean = 1.665), while those from Port Mulgrave the largest (mean = 1.998). Such variation is common in the literature and we detected no correlate and propose no cause. Iron was clearly the dominant metal in the radulae, with an overall of mean of 1.46% of radular weight, though this is rather low in comparison to values in the literature. Iron is naturally secreted into the developing radula as a putative hardening agent. The next most abundant metals, in descending order, were Na (at approximately 2000-8000 microg g(-1)), K, Mg, Ca (approximately 1000-1500 microg g(-1)), Zn, Cu, Al, Pb (approximately 7-75 microg g(-1)), Mn, As, Cd (approximately 0-1 microg g(-1)). All but Al and Cd showed significant differences between the sites, but not in any consistent or convincing geographic manner. Nevertheless, the variations in metal levels between sites (e.g. Fe > 72%, Cu and Zn > 10-fold) suggest an environmental cause, but we are unable to offer any responsible factor, for example, there appeared little effect of the River Tees estuary. Cadmium is at a relatively low level in the radula in comparison to published data on pedal mucus and the flesh, but Pb is relatively high in pedal mucus and the radula and this might suggest that the radula is a detoxification route for Pb. Although the relationship between radula metal content and environmental metal content is unknown, the radula is constantly replaced and so may yet have the potential to be of use as a bioindicator, integrating metal exposure over much shorter periods than whole body burdens.

The feasibility of using introduced lizards as indicators of environmental contamination

Introduced species can provide valuable opportunities for applied research once they have become established with little possibility of eradication. They have been used as indicators of environmental contamination in aquatic ecosystems for many years. However, in terrestrial ecosystems, introduced species have not been utilized as sentinels of environmental quality. We review the feasibility of using species of lizards that have been introduced, are closely related to species that have been introduced, or have the potential of being introduced to the United States, as indicators of heavy metal contamination. Metal concentrations in lizards were compared from the few available studies, including one recently conducted on the introduced brown anole Anolis sagrei in southern Florida. Brown anoles, tropical house geckos Hemidactylus mabouia, sand lizardsLacerta agilis, common viviparous lizards Lacerta vivipara, common wall lizards Podarcis muralis, and starred agamas Laudakia (Agama) stellio stellio were shown to be suitable indicators of heavy metal pollution because differences were found in metal levels in lizards from different locations within a given region, and lizards from sites presumed to be contaminated by heavy metals contained higher metal concentrations than those from locations that were uncontaminated.

Reduction of cytochrome P4501A with age in Atlantic tomcod from the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada: relationship with emaciation and possible effect of contamination

This study reports a reduction of ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase (EROD) activity in large-sized, older Atlantic tomcod ( Microgadus tomcod) collected in the St. Lawrence Estuary (Quebec, Canada) and investigates its relationship over a 4-year period to sex, gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (CF) and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) mRNA levels. In addition, the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in a subsample of fish. The reduction of EROD activity with age was observed each year in both sexes and was not related to the GSI. A high proportion of large-sized fish, with a body length greater or equal to 225 mm, were emaciated (CF≤0.55). A 6–16-fold reduction of EROD activity and a 2–4-fold reduction of CYP1A mRNA levels were observed in large-sized emaciated females compared to small-sized non-emaciated females. Concentrations of PCBs in liver increased from 1000 to 4000 ng/g lipid weight as the hepatic lipid content and the CF decreased. The inter-annual variation of EROD activity was associated with the variation in CF with lowest EROD activity and CF in 1999. When emaciated fish were excluded from the analyses, EROD activity was still lower (2–5-fold) in large compared to small fish and was no longer related to CF. For similar levels of CYP1A mRNA, EROD activity was lower in large compared to small fish. Thus, there was post-transcriptional inhibition of CYP1A activity in large-sized tomcod, indicative of cellular dysfunction. This response may be related to aging, chronic exposure to toxic contaminants or to selective pressures favoring less responsive individuals. This study demonstrates that fish age, size, and CF are important variables to consider in studies using EROD activity as an indicator of environmental contamination. The main finding was that a large part of the reduction of CYP1A with age in St. Lawrence Estuary tomcod was associated with severe emaciation of a large proportion of large-sized fish. Hepatic concentrations of contaminants covaried with the CF and the effects of these two variables on CYP1A could not be discriminated.

Egrets as monitors of trace-metal contamination in wetlands of Pakistan.

Environments in Pakistan are subject to increasing pollution, but previous studies were very scanty. During 1999 and 2000, we assessed trace element contamination at three wetlands, Karachi Harbour (with presumed industrial-urban pollution), Taunsa Barrage (agricultural pollution), and Haleji Lake (relatively unpolluted), using as indicators the eggs and the feathers of colonial waterbirds, particularly Little Egrets, their prey, and the sediments collected within their foraging areas. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Mn, Se, and Zn were generally within the normal background level, and mostly below the threshold that may affect bird survival or reproduction. However, somewhat high concentrations were found in fish from Karachi, for Pb that was at levels that may harm fish reproduction, and for Hg that was at limit concentration for human consumption. Alarming concentrations were found for Cr and Se in sediments from Karachi, that were above the critical levels for contaminated soil, and Se in eggs, that may affect egret reproduction. The differences among the three wetlands were less marked than hypothesized. The egret species within the same area differed in the concentration of certain elements in their eggs, possibly because females may have foraged in different habitats before breeding, whereas no interspecies difference was found in chick feathers, presumably because their food had been collected in similar habitats around the colony. High bioaccumulation from sediments to organic samples occurred for Hg, while Cd, Se, and Zn exhibited low accumulation; for all these elements, feathers of predatory birds such as the egrets are the best indicators of environmental contamination. On the other hand, As and Cr did not bioaccumulate, and the sediments, or the organisms low in the food chain, like fish or crustaceans, are better indicators of their presence in the environment than predatory birds.

The survival and recovery of bacteria in vacuum cleaner dust.

The possibility exists that environmental dust could be a source of gastro-intestinal infection in the domestic environment and that the causative microbes are collected during vacuum cleaning. This study examines the survival of total bacterial populations, Enterobacteriaceae and salmonella species in vacuum cleaner dust in vitro and in use. Total counts remain constant at around 10(6)-10(8) colony forming units (cfu) g-1 for at least 60 days. Enterobacteriaceae showed only a slight decline over the same period. Recovery of salmonellae artificially inoculated into vacuum dust was dose and time dependent: even relatively small inocula (< 100 cfu g-1) were recoverable more than one month after inoculation. Questionnaires and vacuum cleaner dust samples were received from 76 households. A significant association was found between total bacterial counts and whether the household was in a rural or urban situation and the number of people in the household. No association was found between total bacterial counts and the number of children in the household, the presence of pets, wearing shoes indoors, the makes, model and age of the vacuum cleaner, the type of dust collector or dust bag, how often the vacuum cleaner was used and the length of time between sample collection and microbiological testing. Salmonella species were isolated from vacuum cleaner dust from three of the 76 households although no factors could be identified linking the homes. This study shows that vacuum cleaners are effective collectors and reservoirs of microbial contamination and that these contaminants are able to survive for up to two months. Vacuum cleaner dust could thus be a useful indicator of environmental contamination in the home.

Enhanced surveillance of campylobacter infection in the North West of England 1997-1999.

To identify sources and routes of infection for sporadic cases of campylobacter infection in the North West of England. Standard, structured questionnaires were used to gather epidemiological information from cases of campylobacter infection in the North West Region of England between 1997 and 1999. The strains of campylobacter isolated from these cases were identified and typed using serotyping and phage typing methods. Analysis of combined serotype and epidemiological data is presented. Human campylobacter infection in the North West is seasonal and a new observation was a peak in cases in March each year. Drinking bird-pecked milk was a highly seasonal exposure that might be an indicator of environmental contamination with campylobacter. A possible environmental basis for seasonality of infection is discussed. Frequencies of risk exposures related to serotypes of cases are described and a potential association was demonstrated between Campylobacter jejuni HS6 and consumption of bird-pecked milk. Also, Campylobacter coli infections were more commonly associated with travel abroad than C. jejuni and a decreased proportion of C. jejuni HS2 and C. jejuni HS11 reported consumption of meat and unpasteurised milk (respectively). Contact with a sick animal may be a significant risk exposure in younger age groups and in those who do not consume poultry or meat. It is clear from this and other studies that the sources and vehicles of human campylobacter infection are numerous and interventions that target a single risk factor are unlikely to impact significantly on the overall burden of disease.

Criteria for definition of environmental contamination indicators related to solid waste from health care facilities: a proposal for evaluation

The objective of this study was to identify target microorganisms as indicators of environmental contamination. The study evaluates the main environmental aspects and epidemiological chain related to such agents. Microorganisms were selected through key information about microbiological characterization of health care facilities' solid waste and evaluation of risk of infection from discarded sharps. The form of evaluation proposed for criteria adopted in the selection of contamination indicators included prior submission of a structured questionnaire to a network of specialists from the Federal District of Brazil. The specialists' multidisciplinary background, including professionals from the health field and an environmental microbiologist, helped define environmental contamination indicators by consensus. Pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and hepatitis A and B viruses were specifically identified as capable of environmental survival or resistance.

Spatial Variation in Mercury Concentrations in Wild Mink and River Otter Carcasses from the James Bay Territory, Québec, Canada

Mercury concentrations were analyzed in different organs/tissues of wild minks (Mustela vison) and river otters (Lutra canadensis) trapped during two seasons in the James Bay territory (49 degrees N to 55 degrees N, Québec, Canada). In 1993-94, mean total Hg concentration (microg/g, wet weight) in 39 wild mink and 12 river otter carcasses was greatest in fur/hair samples (30.1 and 20.7 microg/g, respectively) and least in brain samples (0.96 and 0.8 microg/g, respectively) with liver, kidney, and muscle samples showing intermediate values. Pooling data from the 1993-94 and 1994-95 trapping seasons revealed mean (SD) liver total Hg concentrations of 3.71 microg/g (3.91) in 316 wild mink carcasses and 4.05 microg/g (3.41) in 153 river otter carcasses. Log liver total Hg concentration increased with age in wild mink but not in river otter. Log liver total Hg concentration in each species was greatest in areas with moraine deposits and least in areas with rich clay deposits, but the effect of soil deposits could be confounded by uneven deposition of anthropogenic Hg. Controlling for type of soil deposits, log liver total Hg concentration decreased with increasing distance from local industrial centers in each species but varied little with changes in distance from hydroelectric reservoirs. In a subsample of carcasses from the moraine sector, log liver total Hg concentration was higher in wild mink than in river otter. Spatial variation in log liver total Hg concentration in relation to soil deposit type and proximity to industrial centers suggests that the two wild furbearer species could be useful indicators of environmental contamination.

Treatment of sanitary-important bacteria by bacteriocin substance V24 in cattle dung water.

Quantification of sanitary-important bacteria (e.g. Enterobacteriaceae), as well as indicators of environmental contamination, was assessed in samples of cattle dung from 25 cattle farms in 15 north-eastern Slovakia districts. The inhibitory effect of crude bacteriocin extract CBE V24 from Enterococcus faecalis V24 against Listeria monocytogenes Ohio and Yersinia enterocolitica YE85 was examined in cattle dung water with the aim of finding a new way of eliminating the health risk of the animal slurry. The following bacterial groups were quantified: Salmonella spp., Shigella-like spp. , Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. , Escherichia coli, Listeria spp., staphylococci, streptococci and enterococci (the average count ranged from 102 up to 104 cfu ml-1). Antagonistic effect of the crude bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecalis V24 in the range of 100-600 Arbitrary units per ml (AU ml-1) was shown against the following bacteria: Enterobacter cloacae, Ent. asburiae, Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., Acinetobacter lwoffi, L. monocytogenes as well as Y. enterocolitica YE85. During tests performed to study the inhibitory effect of the crude bacteriocin CBE V24 (concentration 800, 1600 AU ml-1) against L. monocytogenes Ohio and Y. enterocolitica YE85 in experimentally contaminated cattle dung, a reduction of 2.03 and 1.44 log cfu ml-1, respectively, was already noted after 1 h after crude bacteriocin CBE V24 addition.

Performance characteristics of the polymerase chain reaction to confirm clinical meningococcal disease

Objectives: To identify sources and routes of infection for sporadic cases of campylobacter infection in the North West of England.Methods: Standard, structured questionnaires were used to gather epidemiological information from cases of campylobacter infection in the North West Region of England between 1997 and 1999. The strains of campylobacter isolated from these cases were identified and typed using serotyping and phage typing methods. Analysis of combined serotype and epidemiological data is presented.Results and Conclusions: Human campylobacter infection in the North West is seasonal and a new observation was a peak in cases in March each year. Drinking bird-pecked milk was a highly seasonal exposure that might be an indicator of environmental contamination with campylobacter. A possible environmental basis for seasonality of infection is discussed. Frequencies of risk exposures related to serotypes of cases are described and a potential association was demonstrated between Campylobacter jejuni HS6 and consumption of bird-pecked milk. Also, Campylobacter coli infections were more commonly associated with travel abroad than C. jejuni and a decreased proportion of C. jejuni HS2 and C. jejuni HS11 reported consumption of meat and unpasteurised milk (respectively). Contact with a sick animal may be a significant risk exposure in younger age groups and in those who do not consume poultry or meat. It is clear from this and other studies that the sources and vehicles of human campylobacter infection are numerous and interventions that target a single risk factor are unlikely to impact significantly on the overall burden of disease.

Growth and Contaminant Dynamics of Lake Superior Lake Trout

Lean lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush) and the endemic siscowet are ecologically distinct phenotypes of char inhabiting Lake Superior. To examine growth and contaminant concentration dynamics of these fishes, and to assess their utility as indicators of environmental contamination, length, weight, estimated age, and muscle tissue lipid and organochlorine (OC) chemical concentration data were analyzed. Lean lake trout grew faster in length and weight than siscowet. Siscowet muscle tissue lipid concentrations were on average greater than in lean lake trout and increased with length and age, while lean lake trout muscle tissue lipid concentrations decreased in larger, older fish. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most often detected contaminant, found in 95% of the lean lake trout analyzed and 100% of the siscowets. PCBs attained the highest concentration of the OC compounds quantified, followed by p,p’-DDE, dieldrin, and trans-nonachlor, respectively. Siscowet had greater total concentrations of PCBs at length than lean lake trout, but siscowet and lean lake trout had similar concentrations of PCBs at age. Based on 1990s growth and contaminant data, it is estimated that an 88 cm total length (16-year-old) lean lake trout and a 62 cm total length (15-year-old) siscowet from Lake Superior will exceed the 2.0 mg/kg “Action Level” for total concentrations of PCBs set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Study results show phenotypic differences in growth and contaminant dynamics between lean lake trout and siscowet, findings that may improve our understanding and management of Lake Superior's aquatic resources.

Urine arsenic concentrations in healthy adults as indicators of environmental contamination: Relation with some pathologies

Arsenic concentrations were determined in 126 urine samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Samples were mineralized with nitric acid in a thermostated mineralization block. This technique was compared with a method that involves mineralization in a microwave digestion bomb. A mean recovery percentage of 100.80±5.57% was obtained. The relative standard deviation ranged from 1.7 to 10.52%. It was found that subject sex and age did not affect urine As levels (P>0.05). The mean urine As levels in patients with hepatic injury (4.24±1.98 μg/l), diabetes (3.44±2.36 μg/l) and myocardial infarction (3.64±1.85 μg/l) were not statistically different (P>0.05) to that found in the control group (healthy subjects) (3.68±2.27 μg/l). This result could be related to the fact that the regulation of As in the human organism is independent of these diseases. Measured As concentrations in the eight basic health zones of the study area were not statistically different (P>0.01). This fact demonstrates the existence of a similarly low environmental As distribution in coastal and mountainous zones.

Biomonitoring with the BuzzardButeo buteo in the Netherlands: Heavy metals and sources of variation

The feasibility of using Buzzards found dead as indicators of environmental contamination was tested. Liver, kidney, and tibia specimens were examined for the presence of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Fe, which were used as markers. All buzzards submitted to the Veterinary Institute in 1992 were examined for cause of death and condition. Results showed that more than half had been poisoned or shot. As the condition of the birds worsened, fat reserves were depleted before protein reserves. Concentrations of the heavy metals rose in liver and kidney as nutrient reserves fell. Since the content of heavy metal per organ was not related to body condition, content was considered a better measure for biomonitoring. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, or Fe measured in buzzards were not toxic. In several places buzzards had recently ingested relatively large amounts Cd and/or Pb. Buzzards with high contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Mn were found in areas having more than average contamination. The North-South gradient in aerosol deposition and soil content of heavy metals (especially Cd & Pb) was reflected in the Buzzard. We concluded that the Buzzard is a suitable and cost-effective biomonitor, to investigate the bioavailability of ecocontaminants in large areas, to signal gross changes in food webs, and to monitor raptor persecution.