Presence of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in Caracara (Polyborus) plancus living in an airport area in southern Brazil.

The aviation sector is believed to be responsible for considerable environmental damage attributed to emission of a large number and amount of pollutants. Airports are often surrounded by forest fragments and humid areas that attract birds of prey and hence may potentially serve as useful bioindicators. The aim of the present study was to examine genotoxic potential in raptors exposed to airport pollution using the micronucleus (MN) test and morphological changes as evidenced by bilateral symmetry. This investigation was conducted at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre - RS as well as in private and zoological breeding grounds. The presence of metals was measured in the blood cells of the collected birds. Seventeen birds (Caracara (Polyborus) plancus) were used in this study 11 from exposed and 6 from non-exposed group. The nuclear alterations clearly indicate that organisms exposed to airport pollution exhibited a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage compared to non-exposed birds. Further, manganese and chromium were detected exclusively in the blood of the exposed group. In contrast, the analysis of bilateral symmetry did not detect any significant morphologic differences between the two groups. Therefore, data indicate that blood genotoxic stress occurs in birds of prey living in civil aviation areas as evidenced by MN frequency increase and presence of manganese and chromium.

PFAS in fish from AFFF-impacted environments: Analytical method development and field application at a Canadian international civilian airport.

Methods targeting anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic biota are well established, but commonly overlook many PFAS classes present in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). Here, we developed an analytical method for the expanded analysis of negative and positive ion mode PFAS in fish tissues. Eight variations of extraction solvents and clean-up protocols were first tested to recover 70 AFFF-derived PFAS from the fish matrix. Anionic, zwitterionic, and cationic PFAS displayed the best responses with methanol-based ultrasonication methods. The response of long-chain PFAS was improved for extracts submitted to graphite filtration alone compared with those involving solid-phase extraction. The validation included an assessment of linearity, absolute recovery, matrix effects, accuracy, intraday/interday precision, and trueness. The method was applied to a set of freshwater fish samples collected in 2020 in the immediate vicinity (creek, n = 15) and downstream (river, n = 15) of an active fire-training area at an international civilian airport in Ontario, Canada. While zwitterionic fluorotelomer betaines were major components of the subsurface AFFF source zone, they were rarely detected in fish, suggesting limited bioaccumulation potential. PFOS largely dominated the PFAS profile, with record-high concentrations in brook sticklebacks (Culaea inconstans) from the creek (16000-110,000 ng/g wet weight whole-body). These levels exceeded the Canadian Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines (FEQG) for PFOS pertaining to the Federal Fish Tissue Guideline (FFTG) for fish protection and Federal Wildlife Diet Guidelines (FWiDG) for the protection of mammalian and avian consumers of aquatic biota. Perfluorohexane sulfonamide and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate were among the precursors detected at the highest levels (maximum of ∼340 ng/g and ∼1100 ng/g, respectively), likely reflecting extensive degradation and/or biotransformation of C6 precursors originally present in AFFF formulations.

Enfermedades pediátricas con mayor frecuencia en un Aeropuerto Internacional de México

La frecuencia de personas que realizan viajes internacionales aumenta el potencial de transmismión de enfermedades infecciosas; las principales causas de enfermedad en niños y adolescentes varían de acuerdo con el grupo etario. La prevención es la acción más importante en salud pública; no se puede llevar a cabo si las enfermedades no son detectadas oportunamente. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las enfermedades pediátricas más frecuentes en el Servicio Médico de Urgencias de un aeropuerto internacional de México; el diseño fue observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, y transversal. Se concluye que las enfermedades de origen digestivo (gastroenteritis probablemente infecciosa) y respiratorio (faringitis) fueron las más frecuentes. gastroenteritis probablemente infecciosa. Esta información puede ser utilizada como base para decisiones en el caso de salud pública y por otra parte para selección de equipos e insumos en el servicio médico de un aeropuerto (atención prehospitalaria), además del tipo de capacitación que requiere el personal médico.

The frequency in which people travel internationally increases the potential for transmission of infectious diseases. The main causes of disease in children and adolescents vary according to the age group. Prevention is the most important action to take in public health, as it cannot be carried out if the diseases are not detected in a timely manner. The purpose of this study was to identify the most frequent pediatric diseases in the Emergency Medical Service of an international airport in Mexico. The study was observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional. It is concluded that diseases of digestive (presumed infectious gastroenteritis) and respiratory origin (pharyngitis) were the most frequent. This information can be used not only as a basis for decisions regarding public health, but also for the selection of equipment and supplies to be used in the medical service of an airport (pre-hospital care), in addition to the type of training required by the medical personnel.

Impacto de las políticas públicas en el desarrollo de la industria del transporte aéreo. el caso de colombia / Impacto das políticas públicas no desenvolvimento do setor de transporte aéreo. o caso da colômbia / Impact of public policies on the development of the air transport industry. the case of colombia

Resumen Siguiendo la tendencia mundial y regional, Colombia liberalizó el sector o industria del transporte aéreo, a principios de década de 1990, y con ello dio inicio a una ininterrumpida (hasta el presente) batería de políticas públicas para dicho sector, paralelamente acompañadas de varias reformas a nivel institucional, todas ellas basadas en la concepción de que el estado colombiano considera el transporte aéreo un servicio público esencial, y que contribuye al desarrollo económico nacional. Por lo tanto, este trabajo, cuyo carácter es de análisis de un estudio de caso, presenta y analiza el impacto de las políticas públicas en el desarrollo y evolución de la industria del transporte aéreo en Colombia. Para ello el análisis se centra, por un lado, en el enfoque y planteamiento de las autoridades colombianas en el diseño e implementación de dichas políticas públicas, y por otro, en la evaluación del desarrollo y crecimiento del sector del transporte aéreo y su directa influencia en otras industrias relacionadas e indicadores socioeconómicos. El principal resultado de las políticas implementadas es: el alto y continuo crecimiento del tráfico aéreo, principalmente a nivel doméstico, lo que consolidó y fortaleció la conectividad y cohesión territorial; aportación a la riqueza nacional; generación de empleo; y apoyo a industrias muy relacionadas entre sí.

Resumo Seguindo a tendência mundial e regional, a Colômbia liberalizou o setor de transporte aéreo, ou indústria, no início da década de 1990, e assim deu início a uma bateria ininterrupta (até o momento) de políticas públicas para esse setor, acompanhada paralelamente por diversas reformas no nível institucional, todas baseadas no conceito de que o Estado colombiano considera o transporte aéreo um serviço público essencial e que contribui para o desenvolvimento econômico nacional. Portanto, este trabalho, cujo caráter é a análise de um estudo de caso, apresenta e analisa o impacto das políticas públicas no desenvolvimento e evolução da indústria do transporte aéreo na Colômbia. Para tanto, a análise se concentra, por um lado, na abordagem e abordagem das autoridades colombianas na formulação e implementação das referidas políticas públicas e, por outro, na avaliação do desenvolvimento e crescimento do setor de transporte aéreo e sua influência direta. em outros setores relacionados e indicadores socioeconômicos. O principal resultado das políticas implementadas é: o elevado e continuado crescimento do tráfego aéreo, principalmente a nível doméstico, que consolidou e reforçou a conectividade e a coesão territorial; contribuição para a riqueza nacional; geração de empregos; e apoio a setores intimamente relacionados.

Abstract Following the global and regional trend, Colombia liberalized the air transport sector at the beginning of the 1990s. This measure unleashed an uninterrupted (until now) set of public policies for the sector, accompanied by several reforms at the institutional level, all in the belief that the Colombian state considers air transport an essential public service that contributes to national economic development. This work uses the case study method to present and analyze the impact of public policies on the development and evolution of the air transport sector in Colombia. The analysis focuses on the approach of the Colombian authorities in the design and implementation of public policies, and the evaluation of the development and growth of the air transport sector and its direct influence on other related industries and socio-economic indicators. The main results of the implemented policies are: high and continued growth of air traffic, mainly at the domestic level, which consolidated and strengthened connectivity and territorial cohesion; contribution to national wealth; generation of employment; and support to closely related industries.

Passageiros com deficiência visual no transporte aéreo: avaliação da acessibilidade em aeroportos / Passengers with visual disability in air transport: evaluation of airports' accessibility

Resumo Introdução Nas últimas décadas ocorreram mudanças no entendimento da deficiência e avanços no que tange aos direitos humanos das pessoas com deficiência. Apesar disso, estudos mostram que essas pessoas ainda encontram barreiras que restringem sua participação nos diversos contextos sociais, como o transporte aéreo. Objetivo Analisar as condições e procedimentos de acessibilidade em aeroportos brasileiros e compreender as experiências de viagem de pessoas com deficiência visual nas fases de pré-voo, embarque e desembarque. Método Pesquisa com abordagem quantitativa-qualitativa realizada a partir de observação participante em viagens aéreas, entrevista de autoconfrontação com passageiros com deficiência visual e verificação do cumprimento das regras sobre condições e procedimentos de acessibilidade por meio de checklists baseados na norma ABNT NBR-9050/2015 e na Resolução ANAC nº 280/2013. Resultados Participaram do estudo sete passageiros com deficiência visual, incluindo pessoas com cegueira ou com baixa visão, e 30 gerentes de base e supervisores vinculados a quatro companhias aéreas que operam no transporte aéreo doméstico brasileiro. Foram analisados 10 aeroportos, nos quais os passageiros vivenciaram dificuldades que se relacionam, principalmente, a inadequação, descontinuidade e insuficiência das informações e sinalizações, descumprimento e desconhecimento dos procedimentos relativos à acessibilidade, impropriedade da alocação de assentos preferenciais e do atendimento prestado aos passageiros. Conclusão O estudo evidenciou descumprimento das normas e resoluções relativas à acessibilidade além de problemas que afetam a orientação espacial, o deslocamento e a comunicação nas viagens aéreas. Espera-se contribuir para a transformação da acessibilidade nos aeroportos brasileiros, visando favorecer a participação das pessoas com deficiência nas viagens aéreas.

Abstract Introduction In the last decades, there have been changes in the understanding of disability and advances in the human rights of people with disabilities. Nevertheless, studies show that disabled people still encounter barriers which restrict their participation in various social contexts, such as air transportation. Objective To analyze accessibility conditions and procedures in Brazilian airports and to understand the travel experiences of people with visual impairment in the pre-flight, embarkation and disembarkation phases. Method Quantitative-qualitative research based on participant observation in air travel, auto-confrontation interview with visually impaired passengers, and verification of rules compliance of accessibility conditions and procedures through checklists based on ABNT NBR-9050/2015 and ANAC Resolution nº 280/2013. Results The participants were seven passengers with visual impairment, either blind or with low vision plus 30 managers and supervisors linked to four different airlines that operate in the Brazilian air transportation. Ten airports were analyzed, in which passengers experienced difficulties related, mainly, to the inadequacy, discontinuity and insufficiency of information and signage; noncompliance with and lack of knowledge of accessibility procedures; inappropriate allocation of preferential seats and attendance to passengers. Conclusion Besides evidencing the noncompliance with the norms and resolutions related to accessibility, the study also evidenced problems that affect the spatial orientation, the displacement and the communication in travels. Having all this compiled data, contributions to transformation of accessibility in Brazilian airports is expected, with a view to favoring the participation of people with disabilities in air travel.

Aspecto médico veterinário legal das lesões em aves silvestres promovidas por colisões com aeronaves / Medico-legal veterinary aspect of lesions in bird strike

The objective of this study was to describe lesions in four birds, victims of collisions with aircraft, coming from the International Airport of Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brazil. Contused wounds were predominant in birds in this study, characterized by the presence of fractures, bruises and hematomas and justified by the blunt action promoted by the type of vulnerant agent involved (aircraft). The analysis under medico-legal veterinary aspect of lesions in bird strike is essential, because in addition to the attempt to establish a standard for differentiating the aircraft lesions, it can guide the bird strike hazard management programs at airports, since the necropsy allows the identification of the species involved or at least facilitates the obtaining biological material for identification.(AU)

Illegal animal-origin products seized in baggage from international flights at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU / SBGR), Brazil / Apreensão de produtos de origem animal ilegais em bagagem de voos internacionais no Aeroporto de São Paulo - Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR)

Air transportation is one of the most important means to introduce illegally imported animal-origin products into a country. Studies have demonstrated that these items pose a risk of disseminating diseases. São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) is the main international airport in Brazil in terms of people movement and it has the largest number of seizures of animal-origin products. The aim of the present work was to describe the dynamics of the seizure of illegally imported animal-origin products in baggage from international flight passengers at GRU / SBGR Airport in Brazil. Five hundred and eighty-nine different flights from 43 airlines, arriving from 117 countries were analyzed between 2006 and 2009. The total number of seized items increased from 2006 to 2009 and a single flight from France had the highest number of seizures, followed by flights from South Africa and Germany. Countries were grouped into regions or continents to facilitate the analysis. This grouping was based on historical and cultural ties rather than geographical aspects. Seafood was the most frequently seized product, followed by dairy products, as well as processed and raw meat.

O transporte aéreo é um dos meios mais importantes de introdução ilegal de produtos de origem animal importados em um país e estudos têm demonstrado que esses itens representam um risco para a disseminação de doenças. O Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo - Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR) é o principal aeroporto internacional no Brasil em termos de movimento de pessoas e tem o maior número de produtos de origem animal apreendidos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar análise descritiva da dinâmica de apreensão de produtos de origem animal importados ilegalmente em bagagens de passageiros de voos internacionais no Aeroporto GRU / SBGR. Foram analisados 589 diferentes voos de 43 companhias aéreas, que chegaram de 117 países entre 2006 e 2009. O montante total de itens apreendidos aumentou entre 2006 a 2009 e um voo da França teve o maior número de apreensões, seguido de voos da África do Sul e Alemanha. Países foram agrupados em regiões ou continentes para facilitar a análise. Este agrupamento foi baseado em laços históricos e culturais em vez de relações geográficas. Frutos do mar foi o tipo de produto mais apreendido, seguido por produtos lácteos e carnes processadas e cruas.

ILLEGAL ANIMAL-ORIGIN PRODUCTS SEIZED IN BAGGAGE FROM INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS AT SAO PAULO GUARULHOS AIRPORT (GRU / SBGR), BRAZIL

Abstract Air transportation is one of the most important means to introduce illegally imported animal-origin products into a country. Studies have demonstrated that these items pose a risk of disseminating diseases. São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) is the main international airport in Brazil in terms of people movement and it has the largest number of seizures of animal-origin products. The aim of the present work was to describe the dynamics of the seizure of illegally imported animal-origin products in baggage from international flight passengers at GRU / SBGR Airport in Brazil. Five hundred and eighty-nine different flights from 43 airlines, arriving from 117 countries were analyzed between 2006 and 2009. The total number of seized items increased from 2006 to 2009 and a single flight from France had the highest number of seizures, followed by flights from South Africa and Germany. Countries were grouped into regions or continents to facilitate the analysis. This grouping was based on historical and cultural ties rather than geographical aspects. Seafood was the most frequently seized product, followed by dairy products, as well as processed and raw meat.

Resumo O transporte aéreo é um dos meios mais importantes de introdução ilegal de produtos de origem animal importados em um país e estudos têm demonstrado que esses itens representam um risco para a disseminação de doenças. O Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo - Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR) é o principal aeroporto internacional no Brasil em termos de movimento de pessoas e tem o maior número de produtos de origem animal apreendidos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar análise descritiva da dinâmica de apreensão de produtos de origem animal importados ilegalmente em bagagens de passageiros de voos internacionais no Aeroporto GRU / SBGR. Foram analisados 589 diferentes voos de 43 companhias aéreas, que chegaram de 117 países entre 2006 e 2009. O montante total de itens apreendidos aumentou entre 2006 a 2009 e um voo da França teve o maior número de apreensões, seguido de voos da África do Sul e Alemanha. Países foram agrupados em regiões ou continentes para facilitar a análise. Este agrupamento foi baseado em laços históricos e culturais em vez de relações geográficas. Frutos do mar foi o tipo de produto mais apreendido, seguido por produtos lácteos e carnes processadas e cruas.

Aspecto médico veterinário legal das lesões em aves silvestres promovidas por colisões com aeronaves

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe lesions in four birds, victims of collisions with aircraft, coming from the International Airport of Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brazil. Contused wounds were predominant in birds in this study, characterized by the presence of fractures, bruises and hematomas and justified by the blunt action promoted by the type of vulnerant agent involved (aircraft). The analysis under medico-legal veterinary aspect of lesions in bird strike is essential, because in addition to the attempt to establish a standard for differentiating the aircraft lesions, it can guide the bird strike hazard management programs at airports, since the necropsy allows the identification of the species involved or at least facilitates the obtaining biological material for identification.

Illegal animal-origin products seized in baggage from international flights at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU / SBGR), Brazil / Apreensão de produtos de origem animal ilegais em bagagem de voos internacionais no Aeroporto de São Paulo - Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR)

Air transportation is one of the most important means to introduce illegally imported animal-origin products into a country. Studies have demonstrated that these items pose a risk of disseminating diseases. São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) is the main international airport in Brazil in terms of people movement and it has the largest number of seizures of animal-origin products. The aim of the present work was to describe the dynamics of the seizure of illegally imported animal-origin products in baggage from international flight passengers at GRU / SBGR Airport in Brazil. Five hundred and eighty-nine different flights from 43 airlines, arriving from 117 countries were analyzed between 2006 and 2009. The total number of seized items increased from 2006 to 2009 and a single flight from France had the highest number of seizures, followed by flights from South Africa and Germany. Countries were grouped into regions or continents to facilitate the analysis. This grouping was based on historical and cultural ties rather than geographical aspects. Seafood was the most frequently seized product, followed by dairy products, as well as processed and raw meat.(AU)

O transporte aéreo é um dos meios mais importantes de introdução ilegal de produtos de origem animal importados em um país e estudos têm demonstrado que esses itens representam um risco para a disseminação de doenças. O Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo - Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR) é o principal aeroporto internacional no Brasil em termos de movimento de pessoas e tem o maior número de produtos de origem animal apreendidos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar análise descritiva da dinâmica de apreensão de produtos de origem animal importados ilegalmente em bagagens de passageiros de voos internacionais no Aeroporto GRU / SBGR. Foram analisados 589 diferentes voos de 43 companhias aéreas, que chegaram de 117 países entre 2006 e 2009. O montante total de itens apreendidos aumentou entre 2006 a 2009 e um voo da França teve o maior número de apreensões, seguido de voos da África do Sul e Alemanha. Países foram agrupados em regiões ou continentes para facilitar a análise. Este agrupamento foi baseado em laços históricos e culturais em vez de relações geográficas. Frutos do mar foi o tipo de produto mais apreendido, seguido por produtos lácteos e carnes processadas e cruas.(AU)

Heavy metal concentrations in free-living southern caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...](AU)

Heavy metal concentrations in free-living southern caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...]

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Profile of international air passengers intercepted with illegal animal products in baggage at Guarulhos and Galeão airports in Brazil.

Protection against biological material entering a country or region through airports is important because, through them, infectious agents can quickly reach exotic destinations and be disseminated. Illegal products of animal origin may contain hazardous infectious agents that can compromise animal and public health. The aim of this study was to identify associations between possession of illegal animal products in baggage and demographic characteristics of the passengers, as well as characteristics of their travel plans in the two main Brazilian international airports. A total of 457 passengers were divided into two groups: passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products and control. Passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products not stated on the accompanied baggage declaration completed a questionnaire, to aid in profiling. Nationality, origin, age and residency of passengers were analyzed using chi square, logistic regression and odds ratios. Passengers from Eastern Europe were the most likely to enter with animal products as were those aged between 35 and 55 years. When evaluating the departure point, the highest frequency was seen in those coming from Portugal. Passenger group, reasons for travel, amount and type of baggage were available only for passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products, noting that they prefer traveling alone, for leisure, bringing few bags. Such information can contribute to the early identification of passengers that have illegal animal products in baggage at Brazilian airports.