File(s) under permanent embargo
The Little penguin (Eudyptula minor) as an indicator of coastal trace metal pollution
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 13:08 authored by Finger, A, Jennifer Lavers, Dann, P, Nugegoda, D, Orbell, JD, Robertson, B, Scarpaci, CMonitoring trace metal and metalloid concentrations in marine animals is important for their conservation and could also reliably reflect pollution levels in their marine ecosystems. Concentrations vary across tissue types, with implications for reliable monitoring. We sampled blood and moulted feathers of the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) from three distinct colonies, which are subject to varying levels of anthropogenic impact. Non-essential trace metal and metalloid concentrations in Little Penguins were clearly linked to the level of industrialisation adjacent to the respective foraging zones. This trend was more distinct in blood than in moulted feathers, although we found a clear correlation between blood and feathers for mercury, lead and iron. This study represents the first reported examination of trace metals and metalloids in the blood of any penguin species and demonstrates that this high trophic feeder is an effective bioindicator of coastal pollution.
History
Publication title
Environmental PollutionVolume
205Pagination
365-377ISSN
0269-7491Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Elsevier Sci LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1GbRights statement
© 2015 ElsevierRepository Status
- Restricted