Abstract
The use of feathers is a non-invasive and repeatable method for biomonitoring trace element levels in birds and their ecosystems. Trace element levels were examined in different parts of growing flight feathers from young common terns (Sterna hirundo) to determine distribution of heavy metals and selenium, potential bias from using partially grown feathers, and whether additional heavy metals and selenium are excreted in feather sheaths that are sloughed before feathers are usually sampled. Lead and mercury levels were significantly higher in the distal fully formed portion of the growing feather (with no residual blood supply) compared to the proximal, growing portion of the feather with a residual blood supply, but no significant differences were evident for cadmium and selenium. These results suggest that using partially grown feathers underestimates the amount of lead and mercury in fully formed feathers and that higher levels of lead and mercury are sequestered in feathers than are present in the blood at any one time. Significantly higher concentrations of lead and cadmium, and significantly lower levels of mercury were in the sheath compared to the whole feather blade. These data suggest that birds excrete more lead and cadmium during molt than previously thought.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 105-108 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 1 1992 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pollution
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
- Toxicology
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Trace element distribution in growing feathers : Additional excretion in feather sheaths. / Burger, Joanna; Gochfeld, Michael.
In: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 23, No. 1, 01.07.1992, p. 105-108.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Trace element distribution in growing feathers
T2 - Additional excretion in feather sheaths
AU - Burger, Joanna
AU - Gochfeld, Michael
PY - 1992/7/1
Y1 - 1992/7/1
N2 - The use of feathers is a non-invasive and repeatable method for biomonitoring trace element levels in birds and their ecosystems. Trace element levels were examined in different parts of growing flight feathers from young common terns (Sterna hirundo) to determine distribution of heavy metals and selenium, potential bias from using partially grown feathers, and whether additional heavy metals and selenium are excreted in feather sheaths that are sloughed before feathers are usually sampled. Lead and mercury levels were significantly higher in the distal fully formed portion of the growing feather (with no residual blood supply) compared to the proximal, growing portion of the feather with a residual blood supply, but no significant differences were evident for cadmium and selenium. These results suggest that using partially grown feathers underestimates the amount of lead and mercury in fully formed feathers and that higher levels of lead and mercury are sequestered in feathers than are present in the blood at any one time. Significantly higher concentrations of lead and cadmium, and significantly lower levels of mercury were in the sheath compared to the whole feather blade. These data suggest that birds excrete more lead and cadmium during molt than previously thought.
AB - The use of feathers is a non-invasive and repeatable method for biomonitoring trace element levels in birds and their ecosystems. Trace element levels were examined in different parts of growing flight feathers from young common terns (Sterna hirundo) to determine distribution of heavy metals and selenium, potential bias from using partially grown feathers, and whether additional heavy metals and selenium are excreted in feather sheaths that are sloughed before feathers are usually sampled. Lead and mercury levels were significantly higher in the distal fully formed portion of the growing feather (with no residual blood supply) compared to the proximal, growing portion of the feather with a residual blood supply, but no significant differences were evident for cadmium and selenium. These results suggest that using partially grown feathers underestimates the amount of lead and mercury in fully formed feathers and that higher levels of lead and mercury are sequestered in feathers than are present in the blood at any one time. Significantly higher concentrations of lead and cadmium, and significantly lower levels of mercury were in the sheath compared to the whole feather blade. These data suggest that birds excrete more lead and cadmium during molt than previously thought.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0026645364&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226002
DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226002
M3 - Article
C2 - 1637189
VL - 23
SP - 105
EP - 108
JO - Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
JF - Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
SN - 0090-4341
IS - 1
ER -