RESUMEN
Biomonitoring using birds of prey as sentinel species has been mooted as a way to evaluate the success of European Union directives that are designed to protect people and the environment across Europe from industrial contaminants and pesticides. No such pan-European evaluation currently exists. Coordination of such large scale monitoring would require harmonisation across multiple countries of the types of samples collected and analysed-matrices vary in the ease with which they can be collected and the information they provide. We report the first ever pan-European assessment of which raptor samples are collected across Europe and review their suitability for biomonitoring. Currently, some 182 monitoring programmes across 33 European countries collect a variety of raptor samples, and we discuss the relative merits of each for monitoring current priority and emerging compounds. Of the matrices collected, blood and liver are used most extensively for quantifying trends in recent and longer-term contaminant exposure, respectively. These matrices are potentially the most effective for pan-European biomonitoring but are not so widely and frequently collected as others. We found that failed eggs and feathers are the most widely collected samples. Because of this ubiquity, they may provide the best opportunities for widescale biomonitoring, although neither is suitable for all compounds. We advocate piloting pan-European monitoring of selected priority compounds using these matrices and developing read-across approaches to accommodate any effects that trophic pathway and species differences in accumulation may have on our ability to track environmental trends in contaminants.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Ambientales/metabolismo , Contaminación Ambiental/estadística & datos numéricos , Rapaces/metabolismo , Animales , Europa (Continente) , Unión Europea , PlumasRESUMEN
A key aspect in the safety testing of metal nanoparticles (NPs) is the measurement of their dissolution and of the true particle uptake in organisms. Here, based on the tendency of Ag-NP to dissolve and Au-NP to be inert in the environment, we exposed the earthworm Eisenia fetida to Au core-Ag shell NPs (Au@Ag-NPs, Ag-NPs with a Au core) and to both single and combined exposures of non-coated Au-NPs, Ag-NPs, Ag+ and Au+ ions in natural soil. Our hypothesis was that the Ag shell would partially or completely dissolve from the Au@Ag-NPs and that the Au core would thereby behave as a tracer of particulate uptake. Au and Ag concentrations were quantified in all the soils, in soil extract and in organisms by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The earthworm exposed to Au@Ag-NPs, and to all the combinations of Ag and Au, were analyzed by single particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOFMS) to allow the quantification of the metals that were truly part of a bimetallic particle. Results showed that only 5% of the total metal amounts in the earthworm were in the bimetallic particulate form and that the Ag shell increased in thickness, suggesting that biotransformation processes took place at the surface of the NPs. Additionally, the co-exposure to both metal ions led to a different uptake pattern compared to the single metal exposures. The study unequivocally confirmed that dissolution is the primary mechanism driving the uptake of (dissolving) metal NPs in earthworms. Therefore, the assessment of the uptake of metal nanoparticles is conservatively covered by the assessment of the uptake of their ionic counterpart.
Asunto(s)
Nanopartículas del Metal , Oligoquetos , Animales , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Oligoquetos/metabolismo , Plata/química , Suelo/química , SolubilidadRESUMEN
Carcasses of South Polar Skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) and Kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) were opportunistically collected around of Rothera Research station (67°35'8â³S and 68°7'59â³W) during the 2016/2017 austral summer. Samples of their tissues (muscle, liver and subcutaneous fat) were analysed for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) showed the highest concentrations, notably for pp'-DDE and HCB. The Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-profiles demonstrated a clear dominance of hexa- and hepta-CBs, while concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) remained low. The concentrations of some POPs (e.g. HCB) were lower than in past studies on similar species, however others were within the previous range (PCBs) or even higher than previous reported values (DDE). Although no major interspecific differences in the absolute concentrations of POPs were detected, their profiles varied, being likely related to feeding and migration patterns of each species. The current study provides important baseline data for future monitoring of POPs in Antarctica.
Asunto(s)
Charadriiformes/metabolismo , Hidrocarburos Clorados/análisis , Plaguicidas/análisis , Migración Animal , Animales , Regiones Antárticas , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Hidrocarburos Clorados/metabolismo , Hígado/química , Hígado/metabolismo , Músculos/química , Músculos/metabolismo , Plaguicidas/metabolismoRESUMEN
In The Netherlands the European badger Meles meles is presently recovering from earlier declines in numbers. The rate of recovery, however, varies between regions. It is argued that the effects of traffic accidents cannot account for the differences in recovery between regions. It is further shown that the population recovery is relatively poor in areas with high cadmium and zinc concentrations, such as near rivers. It is suggested that cadmium has an adverse effect on reproduction and that this effect is amplified by the social structure of the badger family. While traffic has a severe impact on the total population, trace metals may affect populations locally. Contrary to cadmium and zinc, lead and copper concentrations are decreasing with time. PCBs are generally not above critical levels, although there are some local exceptions, which may be related to fluctuations in physiological condition of individual badgers.
Asunto(s)
Carnívoros/fisiología , Bifenilos Policlorados/análisis , Reproducción , Oligoelementos/análisis , Animales , Contaminación Ambiental , Femenino , Masculino , Países Bajos , PoblaciónRESUMEN
This study describes the actual risks of exposure to contaminants, which little owls (Athene noctua vidalli) face in Dutch river floodplains. The results indicate that PCBs pose a risk: not only are levels in little owls from floodplains higher than levels found in little owls from a reference site but the PCB patterns in owls from the floodplains also indicate induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by dioxin like compounds, possibly PCBs. Of the heavy metals, only cadmium is thought to pose a risk in certain conditions, for example, when little owls are feeding only on earthworms over a prolonged period of time. The results do not indicate any effects on the occurrence of prey items of the little owl like for instance earthworm, beetles and shrews. Hence, it is not expected that little owls will be affected by diminishing prey availability due to contamination.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Ambientales/efectos adversos , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversos , Metales Pesados/efectos adversos , Bifenilos Policlorados/efectos adversos , Estrigiformes , Animales , Escarabajos/química , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/efectos adversos , Países Bajos , Oligoquetos/química , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
PCB levels in blood of common terns (Sterna hirundo) from Terneuzen, a breeding colony in The Netherlands with relatively low breeding success, were significantly higher than in birds from two Dutch reference colonies, one nearby (Oesterdam) and one further away (the Isle of Griend). However, a detailed analysis of the patterns of PCB congeners in birds from the different colonies indicated that birds from Terneuzen and to a lesser extent birds from the Oesterdam showed Ah-receptor mediated activity of P450 iso-enzymes. It is concluded that the induction of this enzyme activity in Terneuzen may be related to PCBs as well as other non-identified compounds. In contrast to this, it is likely that at the Oesterdam non-identified compounds are mainly responsible for the enzyme activity, resulting in a shift of PCB congener patterns.
Asunto(s)
Aves , Contaminantes Ambientales/sangre , Contaminantes Ambientales/metabolismo , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangre , Bifenilos Policlorados/metabolismo , Animales , Países Bajos , Reproducción , Distribución TisularRESUMEN
Biomonitoring using raptors as sentinels can provide early warning of the potential impacts of contaminants on humans and the environment and also a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures. Examples include detection of heavy metal-induced immune system impairment, PCB-induced altered reproductive impacts, and toxicity associated with lead in shot game. Authorisation of such releases and implementation of mitigation is now increasingly delivered through EU-wide directives but there is little established pan-European monitoring to quantify outcomes. We investigated the potential for EU-wide coordinated contaminant monitoring using raptors as sentinels. We did this using a questionnaire to ascertain the current scale of national activity across 44 European countries. According to this survey, there have been 52 different contaminant monitoring schemes with raptors over the last 50years. There were active schemes in 15 (predominantly western European) countries and 23 schemes have been running for >20years; most monitoring was conducted for >5years. Legacy persistent organic compounds (specifically organochlorine insecticides and PCBs), and metals/metalloids were monitored in most of the 15 countries. Fungicides, flame retardants and anticoagulant rodenticides were also relatively frequently monitored (each in at least 6 countries). Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), tawny owl (Strix aluco) and barn owl (Tyto alba) were most commonly monitored (each in 6-10 countries). Feathers and eggs were most widely analysed although many schemes also analysed body tissues. Our study reveals an existing capability across multiple European countries for contaminant monitoring using raptors. However, coordination between existing schemes and expansion of monitoring into Eastern Europe is needed. This would enable assessment of the appropriateness of the EU-regulation of substances that are hazardous to humans and the environment, the effectiveness of EU level mitigation policies, and identify pan-European spatial and temporal trends in current and emerging contaminants of concern.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Rapaces/fisiología , Animales , Europa (Continente) , Plumas/química , Rapaces/clasificación , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Cigoto/químicaRESUMEN
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine insecticides (OCs) were analysed in 58 Eurasian Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) unhatched eggs collected between 2004 and 2009 in Southeastern Spain. Levels of p,p'-DDE were found to be higher than in eggs laid by other European owls in the same decade, probably due to the greater agricultural activity in our study area. Compared to other European raptors, exposure to PCBs can be considered intermediate, but low to PBDEs. Land use differences and prey availability were the rationale to divide the study area in two subareas in further assessments. Temporal trends of HCB, p,p'-DDE, ß-HCH, PCBs and PBDEs were significantly different in each subarea, generally increasing over time in the Southern but decreasing or remaining stable in the Northern. On the contrary, levels of cyclodienes tended to decrease in both subareas. Dietary shifts with a greater amount of birds are suggested as a cause for increasing organochlorine loads in raptors. This may explain the increasing trend in the Southern territories. However, due to the proximity of most of these nests to Cartagena, an important industrial city, increasing environmental pollution cannot be ruled out. Although average levels of the compounds analysed are below threshold levels, 17% of the samples exceeded 400 pg g(-1)ww (wet weight), the LOAEC for Total TEQs. Moreover, a negative correlation between TEQ concentrations and the metabolizable fraction of PCBs (F(prob)=0.0018) was found when TEQs values were above 10 pg g(-1)ww. This could be indicative of hepatic enzymes induction in the birds exposed at higher concentrations, which are mainly breeding in the Southern subarea. These females could be suffering from Ah-receptor-related toxic effects, some of which have been related to altered bird reproduction. Finally, a significant negative correlation between p,p'-DDE levels and eggshell thickness (r=-0.469, p<0.001) was observed, with about 17% of eggshell thinning for eggs with p,p'-DDE levels above 100 µg g(-1)lw. The persistence of this degree of thinning over a period of time has been related to population declines in other raptor species.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Hidrocarburos Halogenados/análisis , Insecticidas/análisis , Animales , Cáscara de Huevo/química , Éteres Difenilos Halogenados/análisis , Bifenilos Policlorados/análisis , Rapaces , Receptores de Hidrocarburo de Aril/química , Receptores de Hidrocarburo de Aril/metabolismo , Medición de Riesgo , España , EstrigiformesRESUMEN
Effects of C60 nanoparticles (nominal concentrations 0, 15.4 and 154 mg/kg soil) on mortality, growth and reproduction of Lumbricus rubellus earthworms were assessed. C60 exposure had a significant effect on cocoon production, juvenile growth rate and mortality. These endpoints were used to model effects on the population level. This demonstrated reduced population growth rate with increasing C60 concentrations. Furthermore, a shift in stage structure was shown for C60 exposed populations, i.e. a larger proportion of juveniles. This result implies that the lower juvenile growth rate due to exposure to C60 resulted in a larger proportion of juveniles, despite increased mortality among juveniles. Overall, this study indicates that C60 exposure may seriously affect earthworm populations. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that juveniles were more sensitive to C60 exposure than adults.