Mineral and potentially toxic element profiles in the soil-feed-animal continuum: Implications for public, environmental, and livestock health in three pasture-based sheep farming systems.

Grazing livestock derive most of their mineral requirements from foraging. The presence of toxic elements in soils has become a significant concern for food safety and ecosystem services. Understanding the mineral content profiles in soil and forage is crucial for assessing animal health, predicting potential transfers of minerals or heavy metals into the food-chain, and assessing threats to the environment and human health. In this study, Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were measured to determine the mineral status of three different pasture-based farming systems (with grazing sheep livestock) in a Spanish region of significant economic importance. A risk assessment evaluation of animal, environmental, and human health was performed on soil, forage, feed, serum, milk, and wool. Notably, traces of Pb, and As were identified in pastures in all farms. Our calculation of pollution indices revealed moderate levels of contamination by various elements, including Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The two farms with more intense agrosystem practices showed a significant potential ecological risk, characterized by high soil levels of Hg and Cd. Animals from these farms also had high concentrations of these metals in wool. Although the target Hazard Quotient derived from milk consumption suggests that dairy products from this area are safe for consumption for adults, only milk from a dehesa farm (mix of woodland and pastureland) was free of potential health concerns related to Pb exposure. Our assessment of mineral profiles reveals a cohesive relationship between soil quality and derived animal products, particularly of the Merino sheep breeding and farming system. The results reveal the importance of adopting and reinforcing strategies to preserve dehesas as a sustainable and environmentally friendly agrosystem in the western Mediterranean region.

Biomarker responses and lethal dietary doses of tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos in honey bees: Implications for chronic acaricide toxicity.

Evidence suggests that acaricide residues, such as tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos, are very prevalent in honey bee colonies worldwide. However, the endpoints and effects of chronic oral exposure to these compounds remain poorly understood. In this study, we calculated LC50 and LDD50 endpoints for coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate, and then evaluated in vivo and in vitro effects on honey bees using different biomarkers. The LDD50 values for coumaphos were 0.539, and for tau-fluvalinate, they were 12.742 in the spring trial and 8.844 in the autumn trial. Chronic exposure to tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos resulted in significant changes in key biomarkers, indicating potential neurotoxicity, xenobiotic biotransformation, and oxidative stress. The Integrated Biomarker Response was stronger for coumaphos than for tau-fluvalinate, supporting their relative lethality. This study highlights the chronic toxicity of these acaricides and presents the first LDD50 values for tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos in honey bees, providing insights into the risks faced by colonies.

Metal and metalloid concentrations in wild mammals from SW Europe: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and badger (Meles meles).

In recent years, there have been increasing ecological and global concerns associated to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). Thus, the relevance of wild mammals as biomonitors has been globally recognised. In the present study, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and As concentrations were quantified in European hedgehog and badger inhabiting SW Europe, and cumulative trends in relation to age and sex were evaluated. Liver and kidney samples were collected, mineralised and PTE content was determined by ICP-MS. Zn was the most abundant element quantified in both organs (239 and 89.8 mg kg-1 for hedgehogs and 179 and 164 mg kg-1 dw for badgers). In hedgehogs, very high Hg concentration were quantified (4.35 and 15.5 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney), and Cd was the most abundant for badgers (4.70 and 7.61 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney). Positive correlations were observed for the concentrations of PTE in the organs of both species. Age-dependence increased only Cd concentration, with levels in adult kidneys being significantly higher. In this study, European hedgehog and badger were used as biomonitors for the determination of PTEs to provide current reference values in relatively non-polluted areas of SW Europe, and to enhance the use of these species for future ecotoxicological studies.

Biochemical Effects of Heavy Metals and Organochlorine Compounds Accumulated in Different Tissues of Yellow-Legged Gulls (Larus Michahellis).

In the present study, livers, kidneys and adipose tissue of Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) were collected. Samples were used to determine relationships between heavy metals/metalloids in liver and kidneys (Hg, Cd, Pb, Se and As) or persistent organic pollutants in adipose tissue (7 PCBs and 11 organochlorine pesticides) with biomarkers of oxidative stress (CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, GST, MDA) analysed in both internal organs. Three possible influencing variables have been studied: age, sex and sampling area. As a result, statistically significant differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) were only found according to the sampling area, with differences among the three studied areas found in both organs. Significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) were found in liver (Hg vs. GST; Se vs. MDA) and in kidney (As vs. GR; As vs. GPx; PCB52 vs. CAT; PCB138 vs. CAT). The scarcity in correlations suggests that the levels of pollutants found in animals were not high enough to trigger an effect at the oxidative level.

Prevalence of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Burnout is a syndrome of emotional distress common in health-care professions. The aim of this study was to assess the potential levels of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in Spain as well as different factors involved in its prevalence. SAMPLE: 282 Spanish veterinarians (57.4% women and 42.6% men). PROCEDURES: All data were obtained through an online survey. The instrument utilized for this purpose was the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (adapted to a Spanish-speaking population), with analyses performed using statistical software. Moreover, a sociodemographic questionnaire was utilized. RESULTS: Within the considered population, 23% suffered from burnout syndrome and the average scores were 29 points for emotional exhaustion, 14 points for depersonalization, and 35 points for personal accomplishment. A higher prevalence of burnout was associated with small animal clinicians (75.3%) and women (66.1%), in comparison to large animal clinicians (24.6%) and men (33.8%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed for the first time that burnout syndrome is a current and highly relevant risk for Spanish veterinarians. The results obtained could help to raise awareness of this reality and the factors involved in the development or exacerbation of this syndrome.

Organochlorine residues in muscle of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from four Spanish Mediterranean wetlands and coastal lagoons.

European eels (Anguilla anguilla) are an endangered species throughout their range, and chlorine organic compounds are some of the most important pollutants for marine species. Data on contaminants in eel stocks remain incomplete, so organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in muscle of European eels from four Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems were analyzed. COPs are presents in eels from all areas, but some compounds are not detected: HCH α, ß and γ (lindane), endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, and PCBs 28, 52 and 180. The high percentage of DDT 2,4' in eels from S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, an ecosystem with good ecological status according to the Water Framework Directive, and the presence of PCBs in S'Albufereta Natural Reserve indicate the need to carry out further studies in the future. The results obtained can improve the management of this species in the studied areas.

Evaluating the chronic effect of two varroacides using multiple biomarkers and an integrated biological response index.

There is mounting evidence that acaricides are among the most prevalent medicinal compounds in honey bee hive matrices worldwide. According to OCDE guideline No. 245 chronic lethal concentration of tau-fluvalinate (at concentrations ranging from 77.5 to 523.18 ppm), coumaphos (59.8 ppm) and dimethoate (0.7 ppm) were determined. The activity of the biomarkers acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CbE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was analysed and as they are implicated in neurotoxicity, biotransformation and antioxidant defences, these values were combined into an integrated biomarker response (IBR). There was enhanced AChE, CAT and GST activity in honey bees exposed to tau-fluvalinate, while dimethoate inhibited AChE activity. Both dimethoate and coumaphos inhibited CbE activity but they enhanced CAT activity and MDA formation. Our results highlight how these biomarkers may serve to reveal honey bee exposure to commonly used acaricides.

Use of poisoned baits against wildlife. A retrospective 17-year study in the natural environment of Extremadura (Spain).

This study reports the results obtained from toxicological analyses of different types of baits referred to the laboratory of the Toxicology Area (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cáceres, Spain) over a 17-year period (2002-2018). These baits were suspicious materials found in the environment of the region of Extremadura (Western Spain), where such malpractices are a problem to be addressed, as wide livestock farming and hunting activities are combined with a significant wealth of wildlife (especially birds of prey). A total of 246 baits, including 32 commercial chemical products to be used in baits, were analysed. Samples from 183 cases were received and classified according to the material used for their preparation and the toxic substance found. Overall, the most common bait consisted of meat preparations (56.3% of cases) intended to eliminate predators considered 'annoying' for livestock and hunting practices, such as carnivores and scavengers. It should be noted that contact baits (as fenthion-impregnated perches) were also detected (7.6%). Regarding the substances detected, anticholinesterase compounds (organophosphates and carbamates) were the most commonly used substances for the preparation of baits (detected in 85.3% of positive baits). Moreover, 8% of the positive baits presented more than one toxic substance in their composition. Due to the types of toxic compounds and the methods used to prepare the baits, this study shows that the malicious use of highly toxic substances in the environment to kill wildlife is a common and current issue and poses a serious risk to different species.

Heavy metals and metalloid levels in the tissues of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) from Spain: sex, age, and geographical location differences.

In the present study, mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) were measured in liver, kidney, and feathers of adult, juvenile, and chick seagulls (Larus michahellis) collected from the northwest of Spain. Age, sex, and the geographical location of samples were considered variables that can influence metal bioaccumulation, for which concentrations were determined by means of ICP-MS. The mean concentrations (dry weight) found in seagulls were 7.01 ± 0.37 mg Hg/kg, 22.82 ± 2.83 mg Cd/kg, 7.36 ± 1.36 mg Pb/kg, 18.64 ± 0.63 mg Se/kg, and 10.64 ± 0.59 mg As/kg. Regarding the different factors analyzed, Hg was the only metal showing sex-related differences, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) the concentrations found in feathers of males (1.26 ± 0.12 mg/kg) than those in females (0.99 ± 0.11 mg/kg). A highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in levels of some metals was found in liver related to the increase of age: Hg (adults (A) 3.33 ± 0.22 mg/kg vs chicks (C) 1.76 ± 0.28 mg/kg), Cd (A 4.74 ± 0.62 mg/kg vs C 1.79 ± 0.2), Pb (A 0.65 ± 0.12 mg/kg vs juveniles 0.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg), and Se (A 7.56 ± 0.43 mg/kg vs C 5.24 ± 0.53 mg/kg). Positive correlations between Cd-Hg and Se-Hg were found in liver (p < 0.001), kidney (p < 0.001), and feathers (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The associations found may reflect antagonistic interactions between Se and Cd on Hg toxicity. The results suggest that L. michahellis can reveal local contamination around the foraging and breeding sites and can be a very useful monitoring instrument for assessing heavy metal contamination and sentinel species of environmental health.

Malnutrition and Increased Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Case-Control Study Nested in a Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition increases worse outcomes during hospital admission for elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery in older adults. METHODS: This work was designed an observational, monocentric, case-control study nested in a cohort of patients undergoing elective surgery for CRC disease at the Hospital Universitario de la Ribera (HULR) (Alzira, Valencia, Spain) between 2011 and 2019. The study considered patients with a CONUT score in the range of moderate to severe malnutrition (>4 points), with control patients with normal nutritional situations or mild malnutrition. RESULTS: Moderate-to-severe malnutrition cases presented a greater length of stay (LOS), a higher incidence of adverse events (both medical and surgical complications), a higher incidence of surgical-wound infection, a greater need for blood transfusion, and a greater amount of transfused packed red blood cells. During hospitalization, the percentage of patients without nutritional risk decreased from 46 to 9%, and an increase in mild, moderate, and severe risk was observed. Patients with severe nutritional risk at hospital admission had significantly increased mortality at 365 days after discharge (HR: 2.96 (95% CI 1.14-7.70, p = 0.002)). After adjusting for sex, age, and Charlson index score, patients with severe nutritional risk at admission maintained a higher mortality risk (HR: 3.08 (95% CI 1.10-8.63, p = 0.032)). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition prevalence is high in older adults undergoing CRC elective surgery. Furthermore, this prevalence increases during hospital admission. Malnutrition is linked to worse outcomes, such as LOS, surgical and clinical complications, and mortality. For this reason, nutritional interventions are very important in the perioperative period.

Heavy Metal Assessment in Feathers of Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica): A Possible Strategy for Monitoring Environmental Contamination?

In the present study, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), was evaluated as a possible bioindicator of environmental pollution by heavy metals (HMs). Levels of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg in feathers of 64 magpies (31 males and 33 females) were measured by ICP-MS technique. Plasmatic biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS) were also assessed. The birds were captured in the province of Parma (Italy), in different capture sites within 1 km from urban area (UZ), and farther than 5 km from urban area (RZ). Median HM levels were 0.68 mg/kg (0.18-2.27), 2.80 mg/kg (0.41-17.7),

Non-invasive biomonitoring of organic pollutants using feather samples in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

A large portion of organic pollutants (OPs) represent a potential hazard to humans and living beings due to their toxic properties. For several years, birds have been used as biomonitor species of environmental pollution. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) were assessed in body feather samples of 71 feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) collected from Asturias and Galicia (NW Spain). The percentage of detection for all chemical groups were above 90% in studied birds. The general pattern was dominated by PAHs (mean value ± standard deviation (SD) 32 ± 15 ng/g) followed by OCPs (3.8 ± 1.1 ng/g), PYRs (3.4 ± 3.8 ng/g), PCBs (1.6 ± 1.0 ng/g), OPPs (1.3 ± 0.70 ng/g) and PBDEs (0.80 ± 0.30 ng/g). Significant differences were observed between age, location and gender suggesting different sources of exposure and accumulation pathways.

Pancreatic stellate cells exhibit adaptation to oxidative stress evoked by hypoxia.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Pancreatic stellate cells play a key role in the fibrosis that develops in diseases such as pancreatic cancer. In the growing tumour, a hypoxia condition develops under which cancer cells are able to proliferate. The growth of fibrotic tissue contributes to hypoxia. In this study, the effect of hypoxia (1% O2 ) on pancreatic stellate cells physiology was investigated. Changes in intracellular free-Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial free-Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied by fluorescence techniques. The status of enzymes responsible for the cellular oxidative state was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods and by Western blotting analysis. Cell viability and proliferation were studied by crystal violet test, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine cell proliferation test and Western blotting analysis. Finally, cell migration was studied employing the wound healing assay. RESULTS: Hypoxia induced an increase in intracellular and mitochondrial free-Ca2+ concentration, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. An increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production was observed. Additionally, an increase in the oxidation of proteins and lipids was detected. Moreover, cellular total antioxidant capacity was decreased. Increases in the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 were observed and superoxide dismutase activity was augmented. Hypoxia evoked a decrease in the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio. An increase in the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor and in expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalase, NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 were detected. The expression of cyclin A was decreased, whereas expression of cyclin D and the content of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine were increased. This was accompanied by an increase in cell viability. The phosphorylation state of c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase was increased, whereas that of p44/42 and p38 was decreased. Finally, cells subjected to hypoxia maintained migration ability. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Hypoxia creates pro-oxidant conditions in pancreatic stellate cells to which cells adapt and leads to increased viability and proliferation.

Melatonin modulates red-ox state and decreases viability of rat pancreatic stellate cells.

In this work we have studied the effects of pharmacological concentrations of melatonin (1 µM-1 mM) on pancreatic stellate cells (PSC). Cell viability was analyzed by AlamarBlue test. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was monitored following CM-H2DCFDA and MitoSOX Red-derived fluorescence. Total protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation were analyzed by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ψm) was monitored by TMRM-derived fluorescence. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) levels of glutathione were determined by fluorescence techniques. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes. Determination of SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were carried out by colorimetric methods, whereas expression of SOD was analyzed by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The results show that melatonin decreased PSC viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Melatonin evoked a concentration-dependent increase in ROS production in the mitochondria and in the cytosol. Oxidation of proteins was detected in the presence of melatonin, whereas lipids oxidation was not observed. Depolarization of ψm was noted with 1 mM melatonin. A decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio was observed, that depended on the concentration of melatonin used. A concentration-dependent increase in the expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalase, NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 was detected in cells incubated with melatonin. Finally, decreases in the expression and in the activity of superoxide dismutase were observed. We conclude that pharmacological concentrations melatonin modify the redox state of PSC, which might decrease cellular viability.

Brain biomarkers in tench ( Tinca tinca L.) after semi-static exposure to the pesticide carbofuran / Biomarcadores cerebrales en tenca (Tinca tinca L.) tras una exposición semiestática al pesticida carbofurano / Biomarcadores cerebrais na tenca (Tinca tinca L.) após uma exposição semi-estática ao pesticida carbofurano

Abstract Background: The aquatic environment is continuously being contaminated with toxic chemical substances from industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. The identification of different biomarkers of such contamination is of great relevance to determine the potential impact of those xenobiotics on the health of organisms. Objectives: To estimate the suitability of different biochemical brain biomarkers from tench in order to evaluate the environmental effect of an exposition to different concentrations of the pesticide carbofuran. Methods: The present study focused on the effect of a long-term exposure (28 days) to different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μg/L) of the pesticide carbofuran on certain biochemical parameters of tench (Tinca tinca L.). Selected biomarkers for stress monitoring were malondialdehyde (MDA), as index of lipid peroxidation, and reduced glutathione (GSH). Moreover, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was quantified as biomarker of effect on fish nervous system. Results: AChE activity was significantly inhibited in fish exposed to all concentrations of carbofuran after 14 and 21 days of exposure, returning to basal levels after this period with 50 and 100 μg/L. Moreover, significant decreases of MDA levels could be detected after 14 and 21 days of exposure to 200 μg/L, lasting until the end of the experiment. GSH levels decreased after 14 and 21 days of exposure to 100 and 200 μg/L; nevertheless, GSH recovered basal levels at the end of the experiment. Conclusion: All the three biochemical parameters assessed -mainly inhibition of AChE activity- could be adequate biomarkers of early exposition (less than 14 days) to low doses of carbofuran in biomonitoring programs, being MDA reduction also related to longer exposure.

Resumen Antecedentes: El ambiente acuático está continuamente contaminado con sustancias químicas tóxicas provenientes de actividades industriales, agrícolas y domésticas. La identificación de diferentes biomarcadores de dicha contaminación es de gran relevancia para determinar el impacto potencial de esos xenobióticos en la salud de los organismos. Objetivo: Estimar la idoneidad de diferentes biomarcadores cerebrales bioquímicos de tenca para evaluar el efecto ambiental de una exposición a diferentes concentraciones del pesticida carbofurano. Método: El presente estudio se centró en los efectos de una exposición a largo plazo (28 días) a diferentes concentraciones (50, 100 y 200 μg/L) del pesticida carbofurano sobre determinados parámetros bioquímicos de la tenca (Tinca tinca L.). Los biomarcadores seleccionados para el control del estrés fueron el malondialdehído (MDA), como indicador de peroxidación lipídica, y el glutatión reducido (GSH). Además, se cuantificó la actividad acetilcolinesterasa (AChE), como biomarcador de efecto sobre el sistema nervioso del pez. Resultados: La actividad AChE se inhibió significativamente en los peces expuestos a todas las concentraciones de carbofurano después de 14 y 21 días de exposición, regresando a los niveles basales tras este periodo en las exposiciones con 50 y 100 μg/L. Así mismo se detectaron descensos significativos de los niveles de MDA tras 14 y 21 días de exposición con 200 μg/L, manteniéndose hasta el final del experimento. Los niveles de GSH descendieron tras 14 y 21 días de exposición con 100 y 200 µg/l; sin embargo, los niveles basales se recuperaron al final del experimento. Conclusión: Los tres parámetros bioquímicos evaluados, pero principalmente la inhibición de la actividad de AChE, podrían usarse como biomarcadores de exposición temprana (menos de 14 días) a bajas dosis de carbofurano en programas de biomonitorización, estando la reducción de MDA también relacionada con exposiciones más prolongadas.

Resumo Antecedentes: O meio aquático está sendo continuamente contaminado com substâncias químicas tóxicas de atividades industriais, agrícolas e domésticas. A identificação de diferentes biomarcadores de tal contaminação é de grande relevância para determinar o impacto potencial desses xenobióticos na saúde dos organismos. Objetivo: Estimativa da idoneidade de várias biomarcadores cerebrais bioquímicos de tenca para avaliar o efeito ambiental de uma exposição a diferentes concentrações do pesticida carbofurano. Método: O presente estudo centrou-se no efeito de uma exposição a longo prazo (28 dias) a diferentes concentrações (50, 100 e 200 μg/L) do pesticida carbofurano em certos parâmetros bioquímicos da tenca (Tinca tinca L.). Os biomarcadores selecionados para o monitoramento do estresse foram malondialdeído (MDA), como índice de peroxidação lipídica e glutationa reduzida (GSH). Além disso, a atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) foi quantificada, como biomarcador de efeito sobre o sistema nervoso do peixe. Resultados: A atividade de AChE foi significativamente inibida em peixes expostos a todas as concentrações de carbofurano após 14 e 21 dias de exposição, voltando aos níveis basais após esse período com 50 e 100 μg/L. Além disso, as diminuições significativas dos níveis de MDA podem ser detectadas após 14 e 21 dias de exposição a 200 μg/L, até o final do experimento. Os níveis de GSH diminuíram após 14 e 21 dias de exposição a 100 e 200 μg/L, porém GSH recuperou os níveis basais no final do experimento. Conclusão: Todos os três parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados, mas principalmente a inibição da atividade AChE, podem ser biomarcadores adequados de exposição precoce (menos de 14 dias) a baixas doses de carbofurano em programas de biomonitorização, sendo a redução de MDA também relacionada a exposições mais longas.

Metal content in the liver, kidney, and feathers of Northern gannets, Morus bassanus, sampled on the Spanish coast.

The value of birds as bioindicators for monitoring the environmental inorganic elements has been globally recognized. In this context, due to its well-known ecology and population stability, the Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) could be particularly useful. Dead Northern gannets (n = 30) were collected and samples from the liver, kidney, and feathers were taken, dried, mineralized, and finally analyzed via ICP-MS. Metals and metalloids, namely As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn, associated with environmental pollution and toxicity on living organisms, were evaluated. The mean highest concentrations of As, Hg, and Zn were found in the liver (0.916, 7.026, and 89.81 mg/kg dry weight, respectively). For Cd, the kidney showed the highest mean concentration (17.51 mg/kg dry weight), whereas for Pb, this value corresponded to the feathers (0.399 mg/kg dry weight). Significant differences were found between the age classes in terms of contaminant concentrations, with the adults exhibiting higher metal levels. This difference was significantly relevant for Pb and Hg, where the effect of age was observed for all the considered tissues. When considering the effect of gender, no significant differences were observed, in agreement with similar studies performed in other geographical regions. Finally, positive correlations between the concentrations of Hg and Pb in the feathers and in the liver (r = 0.688, p < 0.001 and r = 0.566, p < 0.001, respectively) were observed, as well as between the feather and kidney concentrations (r = 0.685, p < 0.001) indicating the possibility to use feathers, a non-invasive biomonitoring tissue, for better understanding Hg and Pb exposure in seabirds.

Lead and copper in hunted wild boars and radiographic evaluation of bullet fragmentation between ammunitions.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the content of lead in carcasses of wild boars shot with lead bullets, in comparison with that of copper caused by lead-free ammunitions. Radiographic images of hunted boars were obtained in order to assess the degree of bullet fragmentation in the carcasses. Samples of meat were collected from different body areas at increasing distance from bullet trajectory, to be analysed by ICP-MS for lead and copper levels. In wild boars shot with lead ammunitions, a massive dispersion of bullet fragments and very high lead levels were detected. By contrast, in wild boars killed with copper ammunitions no radiographic signs of bullet fragmentation were observed. Copper ammunitions seem therefore a safer alternative to standard lead-core ones, due to their minimal fragmentation and the relatively low toxicity of this metal.