Short and long-term effects of nanobiomaterials in fish cell lines. Applicability of RTgill-W1.

Nanobiomaterials (NBMs) are nanostructured materials for biomedical applications that can reach aquatic organisms. The short and long-term effects of these emerging contaminants are unknown in fish. The RTgill-W1 cell line has been proposed as a model to predict the acute toxicity of chemicals to fish (OECD Test Guideline nº 249). We assessed the applicability of this cell line to study the short and long-term toxicity of 15 NBMs based on hydroxyapatites (HA), lipid (LSNP/LNP), gold, iron oxide, carbon, poly l-Lactide acid (PLLA) fibers with Ag and poly (lactide-co-glycolide) acid. Two more rainbow trout cell lines (RTL-W1, from liver, and RTS-11, from spleen) were exposed, to identify possible sensitivity differences among cells. Exposures to a range of concentrations (0.78-100 µg/mL) lasted for 24 h. Additionally, the RTgill-W1 was used to perform long-term (28 d exposure) and recovery (14 d exposure/14 d recovery) assays. Cells were exposed to the 24 h-IC20 and/or to 100 µg/mL. A triple cytotoxicity assay was conducted. After 24 h, only PLLA Fibers-Ag showed cytotoxicity (IC50 < 100 µg/mL). However, the NBMs in general provoked concentration-dependent effects after long-term exposures, except the LSNPs. A recovery of viability was only observed for AuNPs, AuNRods, Fe3O4PEG-PLGA, MgHA-Collag_Scaffolds, Ti-HA and TiHA-Alg NPs.These results evidenced the need to test the long-term toxicity of NBMs and showed differences in cytotoxicity probably associated to different mechanisms of toxic action. The RTgill-W1 was useful to screen short and long-term toxicities of NBMs and appears as a promiseful model to assess possible toxicity of NBMs in fish.

Fish cell lines as screening tools to predict acute toxicity to fish of biocidal active substances and their relevant environmental metabolites.

Biocidal substances and their environmental relevant metabolites are highly toxic for fish. However, an important scarcity of toxicity data for metabolites is recognised. This article provides new data about the toxicity to fish of these compounds and evaluates the potential use of fish cell lines as screening tools to assess the acute toxicity of these compounds in fish. To this aim, acute toxicity of 7 substances was tested in Oncorhynchus mykiss (OECD TG203) and cytotoxicity of 16 substances was assessed in fish cell lines from two species; Poeciliopsis lucida (PLHC-1) and O. mykiss (RTH-149, RTG-2 and RTgill-W1) performing three cytotoxicity tests: Alamar-Blue, 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, acetoxymethyl ester and Neutral Red Uptake. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo data from the LIFE-COMBASE database were included in a dataset finally comprising 33 biocides and 14 metabolites. Hazard data were categorized into 4 toxicity groups, according to the intervals established in Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Finally, the Spearman correlation test was performed and coincidences between in vitro-in vivo data established. In vitro and in vivo results revealed a high positive correlation, with a complete coincidence for 56.5% of the substances, a 2% of false positives (non-toxic in vivo) and a 13% of false negatives (toxic in vivo) for the 4 toxicity categories. However, when results were grouped in toxic or non-toxic coincidence was obtained for 85% of the substances. In conclusion, although fish denote a greater sensitivity, the use of at least two fish cell lines and three cytotoxicity endpoints appear to be valid approaches for fish acute toxicity screening of biocides and their metabolites.

Ensayo estandarizado (ISO 17512) de comportamiento de evitación de suelos contaminados. Efecto del pesticida dimetoato sobre la lombriz de tierra Aporrectodea caliginosa / Standardized avoidance test (ISO 17512) for contaminated soils. Effect of the pesticide dimethoate on the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa

La creciente preocupación por el bienestar animal ha propiciado el rechazo por parte de la sociedad a la utilización de animales en experimentación. Por este motivo, actualmente se están desarrollando métodos alternativos que cumplan con el principio de las 3Rs (reemplazar, reutilizar y refinar). Muchos de estos métodos se basan en la utilización de organismos inferiores, como las lombrices de tierra. El presente estudio desarrolla el ensayo estandarizado de la Organización Internacional de Normalización (ISO) 17512-1:2008, en el que se evalúa la toxicidad producida por el plaguicida organofosforado dimetoato en el suelo, utilizando la capacidad de repulsión o evitación que presentan las lombrices de tierra pertenecientes a la especie Aporrectodea caliginosa. Las concentraciones seleccionadas han sido 0,06, 0,3 y 1,5 mg/kg de suelo, ensayada cada una de ellas por triplicado, empleando 10 lombrices por cada réplica. Los resultados reflejan la capacidad de las lombrices de tierra de la especie Aporrectodea caliginosa para evitar suelos contaminados con el formulado comercial de dimetoato. Por otra parte, se confirma la tendencia de las lombrices a evitar el suelo contaminado a medida que aumenta la concentración de plaguicida ensayada, con significación estadística a la dosis más alta empleada (1,5 mg/kg). (AU)

The increasing concern about animal wellness has induced the repulse of society to the use of animals in research. For this reason, alternative methods which comply with the 3Rs principle (Replace, Reuse and Refine) are currently being developed. Many of these methods are based on the use of lower organisms on the evolutionary scale, such as earthworms. The present study develops the standardized test of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 17512-1:2008, in which the toxicity produced by the pesticide organophosphate dimethoate in the soil is evaluated, using the capacity of repulsion or avoidance that presents the earthworms Aporrectodea caliginosa. The assayed concentrations were 0.06, 0.3 and 1.5 mg/kg of soil, each one tested in triplicated, using 10 earthworms for each repetition. The results reflect the ability of earthworms of the species Aporrectodea calliginosa to avoid soils contaminated with the commercial formulation of dimethoate. On the other hand, the tendency of worms to avoid contaminated soils is confirmed as the concentration of pesticide increases, with statistical significance at the highest concentration used (1.5 mg/kg). (AU)

Ensayo estandarizado (ISO 17512) de comportamiento de evitación de suelos contaminados II. Respuesta de distintos biomarcadores tras la exposición a dimetoato en la lombriz de tierra Aporrectodea caliginosa / Standardized avoidance test (ISO 17512) for contaminated soils II. Response of different biomarkers after exposure to dimethoate in earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa

En la primera parte del presente estudio, publicado en 2021, se mostraron los resultados obtenidos al aplicar el ensayo estandarizado de la Organización Internacional de Normalización (ISO) 17512-1:2008. En dicho trabajo se evaluó la toxicidad producida por el plaguicida organofosforado dimetoato en el suelo, utilizando la capacidad de repulsión o evitación que presentan las lombrices de tierra de la especie Aporrectodea caliginosa. En esta segunda parte, para evaluar los efectos subletales producidos por el dimetoato sobre las lombrices, se han determinado como biomarcadores la actividad de la enzima acetilcolinesterasa (AChE, cuya inhibición es el principal mecanismo de acción de este tipo de compuestos) y la actividad glutatión S-transferasa (GST, que comúnmente se activa como mecanismo de detoxificación de plaguicidas). Las concentraciones seleccionadas han sido 0,06, 0,3 y 1,5 mg/kg de suelo, ensayada cada una de ellas por triplicado, empleando 10 lombrices por cada réplica.La actividad AChE se inhibió significativamente en la exposición a las tres concentraciones empleadas. No se ha producido aumento de la actividad GST que, por el contrario, aparece significativamente inhibida a la concentración más alta de plaguicida ensayada. La falta de una inducción de la actividad GST puede deberse a que el mecanismo de detoxificación no se ha puesto en marcha por el corto tiempo de exposición al plaguicida. Estos resultados reflejan la sensibilidad de la AChE como biomarcador de la contaminación de los suelos con organofosforados. (AU)

In the first part of this study, published in 2021, the results obtained when applying the standardized test of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 17512-1:2008 were shown. In this study, the toxicity produced by the pesticide organophosphate dimethoate in the soil was evaluated, using the capacity of repulsion or avoidance that presents the earthworms Aporrectodea caliginosa. To evaluate the sublethal effects produced by dimethoate on worms, the activities of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE, the inhibition of which is the main mechanism of action of this type of compound) and glutathione S-transferase enzyme (GST, which is commonly activated as a pesticide detoxification mechanism) have been determined. The commercial product called DIMAFID40, whose active substance is the organophosphate pesticide dimethoate, was used. The selected concentrations were 0.06, 0.3 and 1.5 mg / kg of soil, each one tested in triplicate, using 10 worms per replicate.The AChE activity was significantly inhibited after exposure to the three assayed concentrations. With respect to GST activity, it was not increased but significantly inhibited after exposition to the highest concentration of pesticide. The non-appearance of an induction of GST activity may be due to the fact that the detoxification mechanism has not been started because the time of exposure to the pesticide has been too short. These results reflect the sensibility of AChE as a biomarker of the contamination in soils with organophosphate. (AU)

Concentrations of chlorinated pollutants in adipose tissue of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) from Spain: Role of gender and age.

Concentrations of 7 different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and eleven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and metabolites, including DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexane isomers), Endosulfan, Endosulfan sulfate, Endrin, Dieldrin and HCB (hexachlorobenzene), were determined in adipose tissue of 57 yellow-legged gulls collected from NW and N Spain. Furthermore, the possible differences due to two endogenous factors, age and gender, were determined. All the analyzed PCBs were detected in over 66% of the samples, with levels of 291.9 (PCB 180), 34.5 (PCB 118), 0.7 (PCB 28), 432.6 (PCB 153), 225.5 (PCB 138), 1.3 (PCB 101) and 0.4 (PCB 52) µg/kg of adipose tissue. With respect to the OCPs and metabolites, only 4,4'-DDE and HCB were detected in more than 50% of the samples, with means of 360.6 and 2.5 µg/kg of adipose tissue, respectively. From all the considered contaminants, only 4,4'-DDE levels presented significant differences depending on the gender, with females showing higher values than males (p < 0.01). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were also found related to age for the levels of PCBs 180, 138, 101, 28 and 153, as well as 4,4'-DDE, with adult levels being higher than those in young birds. The results of the present study constitute a baseline to better assess the environmental impacts of PCB and OCP contamination at other coastal sites for future biomonitoring studies, with particular emphasis on gender- and age-related differences.

Does gender influence the levels of heavy metals in liver of wild boar?

The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for risk assessment studies. For this purpose, the levels of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined in liver tissues of wild boars sampled in NW Spain. The mean values were 0.383, 0.326, 23.50 and 56.86mg/kg dried weight, respectively. In general, the levels detected were similar to or lower than the levels reported in literature. This study not only provides a useful baseline for biomonitoring the levels of the analyzed contaminants in wildlife in NW Spain, it also helps to understand the effects of gender on the levels of these elements. Similar to studies performed in other geographical regions, no significant gender-related differences could be detected. Although differences were not significant, the levels of zinc, cadmium and lead were modestly higher in males (55.78, 0.346 and 0.424mg/kg, respectively) compared to females (45.25, 0.305 and 0.341mg/kg). Our results indicate that, although gender did not significantly affect heavy metal uptake and toxicokinetics of contaminants in wild boars, these effects could vary between species, populations, organs, and elements. It is therefore essential to investigate gender-related differences for each species.

Concentrations of Metals, Metalloids, and Chlorinated Pollutants in Blood and Plasma of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) Nestlings From Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of different inorganic elements (lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], and arsenic [As]) and persistent chlorinated pollutants (including polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] and organochlorine pesticides [OCPs]) in blood and plasma of White stork (Ciconia ciconia) nestlings from northwest (NW) Spain. The concentrations of PCBs were lower than the limit of detection in all samples. The OCPs γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDE, HCB, and endosulfan were detected most frequently in plasma from White stork nestlings. These OCPs were detected in 98, 54, 39, and 37 % of all samples, respectively. However, the concentrations of organic pollutants were lower than the risk thresholds for birds. The mean levels of the inorganic elements Pb, Hg, and As were found to be 36.92 ± 33.48, 16.48 ± 12.87, and 9.813 ± 13.84 µg/L, respectively. These levels were also lower than the risk thresholds for birds. This study not only provides a snapshot of the levels of both inorganic and organic contaminants in wild White storks in NW Spain, it also provides a useful baseline for biomonitoring levels of the measured contaminants in this area.

Effects of deltamethrin on biometric parameters and liver biomarkers in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal exposure to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin, according to biometric parameters and important liver biomarkers in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were exposed for 4, 15 and 30 days to deltamethrin mixed to the aquaria water at the concentrations of 0.08, 0.4 and 0.8µg/L. The exposure did not affect fish biometric parameters. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in liver (hepatopancreas) increased in fish exposed to the high concentration of pesticide only after 30 days when compared to controls. A significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) content (79.4% and 90.2% of control) was remarked after 15 and 30 days of exposure to the highest concentration of pesticide. Catalase activities (CAT) went up after 4 days of was to the concentration of 0.4µg/L and 0.8µg/L and at 15 days of exposure to 0.4µg/L. The most significant change of glutathione reductase (GR) activity was recorded at the fourth day, when GR activity was significantly increased after exposure to the concentrations of 0.4µg/L and 0.8µg/L of deltamethrin.

Non-destructive multibiomarker approach in European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) exposed to the herbicide atrazine.

The effect of orally administered atrazine (25 or 100 mg/kg on days 0, 5, and 10 of the experiment) was studied in European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) on four non-destructive biomarkers: fecal porphyrins, blood glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Uroporphyrin I (UPI) and coproporphyrins I and III (CPIII) were the main porphyrins detected in feces. The lowest dose of ATZ caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in UPI and CPIII at day 5, and the highest dose of ATZ caused an induction of CPI and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in MDA levels at day 30.

Riesgos de los residuos de minería: intoxicación intencional en vacuno por arsénico inorgánico / Risks of mining residues: intentional inorganic arsenic poisoning in cattle

Las intoxicaciones por arsénico en los animales domésticos han sido una de las principales causas de intoxicación, especialmente en el ganado vacuno, aunque han ido disminuyendo desde la prohibición de muchos de sus compuestos y actualmente son anecdóticas. En este trabajo se presenta un caso de intoxicación intencional en ganado vacuno ocurrido en una explotación de Barruecopardo (Salamanca). Siete vacas nodrizas se vieron afectadas, muriendo cuatro de ellas, con un cuadro caracterizado por apatía, postración, pérdida de apetito, intensas diarreas, normotermia y disnea. En la necropsia se observaron fenómenos congestivos y equimosis en corazón y aparato digestivo, y úlceras perforantes en la pared del abomaso. Ante la sospecha de una posible intoxicación por arsénico, se analizaron muestras de hígado y riñón encontrando unos niveles de 13,57 y 8,65 mg/kg respectivamente, que confirmaron el diagnóstico clínico inicial. Un polvo grisáceo, insoluble en agua, que contenía arsénico en una proporción del 65,24 % (652,4 x 103 mg/kg) había sido depositado intencionadamente en el suelo donde se colocaba el alimento para el ganado. En el mismo cercado se produjo la muerte de 15 ovejas con un cuadro clínico similar. Este artículo resulta especialmente interesante debido a la ausencia de casos intencionados confirmados de intoxicación por arsénico en rumiantes. Se incide en la importancia del peligro de los residuos abandonados de minería cuando el arsénico es uno de los subproductos comerciales obtenidos (AU)

Arsenic has been a major cause of poisoning in domestic animals, especially in cattle, though it has been declining since the ban of many of its compounds. Incidents are anecdotal today. This paper reports a case of intentional poisoning in cattle occurred in a farm in Barruecopardo (Salamanca). Seven adult cows were affected. Four died, with a condition characterized by apathy, prostration, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, normothermia and disnea. At necropsy, congestion and ecchymosis in heart and the digestive system and perforating ulcers in the abomasal mucosa were observed. Arsenic poisoning was suspected and liver and kidney samples were analyzed. High arsenic levels (13.57 and 8.65 mg/kg, respectively) were detected, thus confirming the clinical diagnosis. A grey powder, insoluble in water, and containing arsenic in a proportion of 65.24% (652.4 x 103 mg/kg), had been intentionally poured in the field where cattle were routinely fed. Fifteen sheep died in the same enclosure showing similar symptoms. This article is especially relevant due to the gap of confirmed intentional cases of arsenic poisoning in ruminants. The risk due to residue mining with high content of arsenic is highlighted (AU)

Empleo de Ivermectina como parasiticida en ovino: posibles efectos tóxicos y repercusiones ambientales / Use of ivermectin as an antiparasitic in ovines: possible toxic effects and environmental impact

El profesional veterinario debe conocer no sólo los efectos terapéuticos derivados del empleo de ciertos agentes farmacológicos, sino también los posibles riesgos medioambientales que su actividad puede ocasionar. A través del presente trabajo se repasan las enormes posibilidades terapéuticas de la ivermectina como antiparasitario en el ganado ovino, pero también se hace hincapié en sus efectos ambientales, intentando concienciar al veterinario acerca de su importante papel como profesional implicado en la protección del medio ambiente(AU)

The veterinarian must be aware not only of the therapeutical effects of some pharmacological agents, but also the possible environmental risk derived from their use. The present paper wishes to summarise the wide therapeutical spectrum of ivermectin as an antiparasitic agent in ovines, as well as to focus on its potential environmental side effects(AU)

Brain acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione as biomarkers of continuous exposure of tench, Tinca tinca, to carbofuran or deltamethrin.

In this study, the chronic effect of the insecticides carbofuran and deltamethrin on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were examined in the brain of tench. Both pesticides were evaluated in two separate experiments, and animals were exposed in a continuous flow-system to three different concentrations of carbofuran (0, 10 and 100 microg/L) and deltamethrin (0, 0.0039 and 0.039 microg/L) for 60 days. After that period, animals were kept into pesticide-free water for other 30 days. In all cases, animals were sampled every 10 days all along the experience. AChE activity was significantly inhibited in fish exposed to 100 microg/L of carbofuran, during the first 30 days of exposition, returning to basal levels after this initial period. With respect to deltamethrin exposure, AChE activity was not significantly affected. When considering MDA levels, significant changes could only be detected during the recovery period for both pesticides, with a maximum of induction at 70 and 80 days, respectively associated to the highest dose of carbofuran and deltamethrin. Similarly, GSH levels varied all along the experience, with a maximum of significant increase at day 80 of exposition to the highest dose of both pesticides. This study shows that changes in AChE brain activity in tench can be used as a biomarker of early pesticide exposition in environmental monitoring programs, whereas MDA and GSH levels could be more associated to long-term expositions. The above results confirm and broaden former observations, suggesting that more investigations are needed before these biochemical parameters can be used as biomarkers.

Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) poisoning in dog: a case report.

This article describes a case of Chinaberry tree poisoning diagnosed in a dog. The initial clinical signs were variable and included tremors (muscular seizures) and a moderate limp in the dog's back leg, which evolved to a more severe condition in the following hours. Abdominal radiographic evaluation was requested, and abundant small, foreign, radio-dense bodies were detected, which were associated with Chinaberry tree fruits after surgical extraction. Adequate treatment was established, and the patient recovered completely. In addition, we compare clinical and gross postmortem findings in other similar cases reported in the literature. There is a general lack of information of such poisoning in pets.

Exposición a largo plazo de tenca (Tinca tinca L) al plaguicida deltametrina: efecto en las actividades microsomales hepáticas CYP1A, CYP3A y UDPGT / Long-term exposure of tench (Tinca tinca L) to the pesticide Deltamethrin: effects on hepatic microsomal CYP1A, CYP3A and UDPGT activities

Los piretroides, incluida la deltametrina, son derivados sintéticos de las piretrinas, los cuales han sido usados como sustitutos de los insecticidas órgano clorados dada su baja persistencia en el ambiente. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de una exposición a largo plazo a diferentes concentraciones (0,0039 y 0,039ìg/l) de deltametrina, usando un sistema de flujo continuo, en tenca, un pez ampliamente distribuido en el sur de Europa. Fueron evaluados los niveles de diferentes parámetros bioquímicos(actividades EROD, BFCOD y UDPGT) en las fracciones microsomales hepáticas de los peces, de cara a validarlos como efectivos biomarcadores de contaminación medioambiental. La actividad EROD mostró una clara inhibición en los peces expuestos a la concentración más alta de plaguicida, con respecto al control, durante toda la experiencia, siendo estadísticamente significativa tras 50 días de exposición. Con respecto a la actividad BFCOD, se vio significativamente incrementada tras 10 días y disminuida tras 70 días de ensayo, en ambos casos con la concentración más baja, aunque no se pudo establecer una clara tendencia para este parámetro bioquímico. Por último, considerando los resultados concernientes a la actividad UDPGT, se observó una inhibición enzimática en general para ambas concentraciones de pesticida ensayadas, siendo más evidente en el caso de la más alta, donde se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con respecto al control tras 10, 50 y 70 días de ensayo. Estos resultados sugieren que las actividades EROD y UDPGT determinadas en este estudio podrían ser usados como herramienta para evaluar diferentes tipos de contaminación medioambiental en el sur de Europa, y la tenca podría ser un modelo válido para los estudios ecotoxicológicos (AU)

Pyrethroids, including delta methrin, are synthetic derivatives of pyrethrins which have being used as substitutes for organochlorines insecticides because of their low persistence in the ambient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term exposition at different doses (0.0039 and 0.039ìg/l) of deltamethrin, using a flow-through system, on tench, abroadly distributed fish in Southern Europe. Different biochemical parameters (EROD, BFCOD y UDPGT activities) were evaluated on fish hepatic microsomal fractions, in order to validate them as effective biomarkers of environmental contamination. The EROD activity showed a clear inhibition on fish exposed to the highest dose of pesticide, with respect to control during all the experience, being statistically significant after 50 days of exposure. With respect to BFCOD activity, it was significantly increased after 10 days and decreased after 70 days of assay, in both cases with the lowest dose, but not a clear trend could be established for this biochemical parameter. At last, when considering results concerning UDPGT activity, a general enzymatic inhibition was observed for both assayed doses of pesticide, being more evident in the case of the highest one, where a statistically significant difference with respect to controls was observed at 10, 50 and 70 days of assay. These results suggest that EROD and UDPGT activities analyzed in this study could be a useful tool to evaluate different types of environmental contamination in Southern Europe, and tench could be a valuable model for eco-toxicological studies (AU)

Contenido hepático de mercurio y plomo en cormorán moñudo (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) y alcatraz atlántico (Morus bassanus) procedentes de las costas de Galicia (España) / Mercury an d lead hep atic con ten t in s hag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and gannet (Morus bassanus) from the Galician coast (Spain)

En el presente estudio se han analizado las concentraciones de dos metales pesados (Hg y Pb) en el tejido hepático de dos especies de aves marinas (cormorán moñudo, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, y alcatraz, Morus bassanus), empleando para ello animales aparecidos muertos o moribundos a lo largo de la costa de Galicia. Los ejemplares considerados fueron divididos en dos grupos en función de si habían sido afectados o no por la marea negra causada por el vertido del 'Prestige' en noviembre de 2002, a fin de determinar si dicho vertido había afectado al contenido metálico de estas especies. Tras la digestión de las muestras por vía húmeda, el contenido de ambos metales fue determinado por medio de voltamperometría de redisolución anódica (Pb) y de un analizador directo de mercurio (DMA) (Hg). Considerando la diferencia interespecífica para el Hg total, las concentraciones en cormorán moñudo (media: 4,2-7,6 ppm) fueron siempre mayores que en alcatraz (media: 1,6-1,8 ppm), con un valor máximo superior a 20 ppm (peso húmedo), correspondiente a un animal afectado por la marea negra. Con respecto al Pb, el resultado fue contrario, con niveles ligeramente superiores en los alcatraces con respecto a los cormoranes moñudos, pero en ningún caso superándose el nivel de 0,01 ppm (peso húmedo). Al considerar los dos grupos establecidos (afectados o no por el accidente del 'Prestige'), se pudo evidenciar que el vertido de crudo no afectó de una manera estadísticamente significativa a los niveles de ambos contaminantes metálicos en el tejido hepático de los animales considerados (AU)

At the present work, heavy metal (Hg and Pb) concentrations in hepatic tissue from two seabird species (shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, and gannet, Morus bassanus) have been analyzed, by using collected animals which died or were dying along the Galician coast (NW Spain). The considered animals were divided in two groups, considering if they had been affected or not by the oil spill caused by the 'Prestige' in November 2002, and in order to determine if such spill had modified the heavy metal content of such seabird species. After sample wet digestion, heavy metal content was determined using anodic stripping voltammetry (Pb) and direct mercury analyzer (DMA) (Hg). When considering inter-specific differences for total Hg, hepatic concentrations from shag samples (mean: 4.2-7.6 ppm) were higher than those from gannet (mean: 1.6-1.8 ppm), with a maximum value reaching up to 20 ppm (wet weight), corresponding to an animal affected by the oil spill. With regards to Pb content, results were different, with slightly higher levels from gannet samples than those from shag, but never exceeding 0.01 ppm (wet weight). When considering both established groups (affected or not by the 'Prestige' accident), it could be established that the oil spill did not affect on a statistically significant manner the levels of both metallic contaminants on the hepatic tissue of the considered animals (AU)

Estudio comparativo del nivel hepático de metales pesados y metaloides en aves rapaces diurnas de Galicia y Extremadura / Comparative study of heavy metal and metalloid hepatic levels in diurnal raptors from Galicia and Extremadura

Las aves rapaces son predadores situados en la cumbre de las cadenas alimenticias, por lo cual podrían ser consideradas como adecuados bioindicadores en los programas de biomonitorización del medio, a fin de evaluar la presencia y efecto de diversos contaminantes en los ecosistemas. En el presente trabajo se han determinado las concentraciones de diversos metales pesados y metaloides (As, Cd, Pb y Zn) en el tejido hepático de distintas especies de aves rapaces diurnas procedentes de Galicia y Extremadura, empleando para ello animales que llegaron muertos o se sacrificaron a su llegada a los Centros de Recuperación de Fauna Salvaje de ambas comunidades. Tras la digestión de las muestras por vía húmeda, el contenido de elementos inorgánicos fue determinado por medio de Espectrometría de Masas con fuente de plasma a copl ado por inducción (ICP-MS). L as concentraciones cuantificadas de los cuatro elementos se situaron en general dentro de los niveles considerados como normales para las aves, no causando efectos patológicos directos. Destaca el hecho de que de los cuatro elementos considerados , las concentraciones de Cd y Zn cuantificadas en Galicia fueron siempre ligeramente superiores a las obtenidas en Extremadura. Por otra parte, considerando la especie a estudio, destaca el hecho de que los valores más elevados de los cuatro elementos analizados se correspondieran con ejemplares de Busardo ratonero procedentes de Galicia (AU)

Raptors are predators located at the top of food chains, which offers the possibility of use these species as adequate bioindicators within the environmental biomonitoring programs, in order to assess the presence and effect of a broad spectrum of contaminants on the ecosystems. In the present work, heavy metal and metalloid (As, Cd, Pb and Zn) contents in liver of different raptor species from Galicia and Extremadura have been determined, using animals that arrived died or that were sacrificed after their arrival to the Wildlife Recovery Centres of both communities. After wet digestion of the sample, inorganic element content was determined using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of all the analyzed elements were in general close to those considered as normal in avian species, and therefore do not produce direct pathological effects. It must be emphasized that the hepatic concentrations of Cd and Zn quantified in Galicia were slightly higher than those corresponding to Extremadura. Moreover, and when considering the studied species, it must be signalled that the highest values for the four analyzed elements were observed in Common buzzard from Galicia (AU)

Contenido de metales pesados en hígado y plumas de aves marinas afectadas por el accidente del "Prestige" en la costa de Galicia / Heavy metal content in liver and feathers of seabirds affected by the "Prestige" accident on the Galician coast

Las aves marinas son organismos situados en la cumbre de las cadenas alimentarias oceánicas, lo que permite su empleo en programas de biomonitorización para evaluar el efecto de los más diversos contaminantes sobre estos sensibles eco-sistemas. En el presente trabajo se han analizado las concentraciones de distintos metales pesados (Pb, Zn, Cd y Cu) en hígado y plumas de tres especies de aves marinas (arao, frailecillo y alca) directamente afectadas por el vertido de crudo del “Prestige” en noviembre de 2002, empleando para ello animales que murieron a lo largo de la costa de Galicia. Las concentraciones cuantificadas de los cuatro elementos fueron en general bajas para los dos tipos de muestras analizadas (hígado y plumas), situándose en niveles comparables a los cuantificados en estas mismas especies marinas en otras zonas geográficas, no excediendo los niveles que pudieran indicar un incremento en la exposición medioambiental a estos contaminantes inorgánicos (AU)

Heavy metal content in liver and feathers of seabirds affected by the “Prestige” accident on the Galician coast. Seabirds are organisms considered to be top consumers in marine foodchains and therefore can be used in biomonitoring programs in order to assess the effect of a broad spectrum of contaminants on those highly sensitive ecosystems. In this work, heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu) content in liver and feathers of three different seabird species (common guillemot, Atlantic puf-fin and razorbill) directly affected by the “Prestige” oil spill in November 2002 have been analyzed. The samples were obtained from animals which died along the Galician coast. In general, the levels of these four analyzed elements were low in both analyzed samples (liver and feathers), representing levels comparable to those quantified for the same seabird species in other geographical areas; the levels were not indicative of increased environmental exposure to such inorganic pollutants (AU)