IADO   05364
INSTITUTO ARGENTINO DE OCEANOGRAFIA
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
artículos
Título:
Mercury levels and health parameters in the threatened Olrogs Gull (Larus atlanticus) from Argentina
Autor/es:
LA SALA, L.; PETRACCI, P.; SMITS, J.; BOTTÉ, S.E.; FURNESS, R.
Revista:
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
Editorial:
SPRINGER
Referencias:
Lugar: Netherlands; Año: 2010
ISSN:
0167-6369
Resumen:
Mercury (Hg) exposure was investigated through feathers of Olrogs Gull
and related to health parameters in adults (hematocrit, total plasma
proteins, morphometric measures, sex) and chicks (hematocrit, total
plasma proteins, immunoglobulins G and M) from a colony located in
estuary of Bahía Blanca, Argentina. Mercury concentrations were 5.50 ±
2.59 μg g − 1 (n = 44) in live adults, 1.85 ± 0.45 μg g − 1 (n = 45) in live chicks and 1.81 ± 0.41 μg g − 1 (n
= 41) in dead chicks. Large differences were observed between live
adults and live or dead chicks and small differences between live and
dead chicks. In the adults, the sex of the birds was the variable that
best explained Hg concentrations. Male birds had higher concentrations
than females; this suggests that the clutch provides a sink for mercury
during egg laying. Hg concentrations in both adults and live chicks
were associated with higher hematocrits. This could be associated with
upregulated erythropoiesis to compensate for increased rate of
destruction of prematurely senescent, Hg-contaminated erythrocytes.
Based on our results, on the levels of Hg pollution in the past in the
study area, and on the dietary specialization of Olrogs Gull, we must
be vigilant about potential negative effects of Hg pollution on this
population and recommend continued monitoring on this threatened
species.