The aim of this study was to investigate heavy metals concentrations in feathers of a griffon vulture population (Gyps fulvus, Linnaeus 1758) present in the central Italy. Body feathers of 27 live griffon vultures were examined for lead, chromium and cadmium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) while for mercury by thermal decomposition amalgamation and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA-AAS). The heavy metals concentrations did not differ significantly between juveniles and adults neither between males and females. The analysed samples showed a lower Hg concentration than those found elsewhere for this species. Furthermore, for Cr, Cd and Hg levels were not significant correlations between tarsus length and body weight. Contrary Pb was negatively correlated with tarsus length, showing the absence of recent exposure of the birds.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METALS IN EURASIAN GRIFFON VULTURES (GYPS FULVUS) FROM CENTRAL ITALY
PERUGINI, MONIA;AMORENA, Michele;
2016-01-01
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate heavy metals concentrations in feathers of a griffon vulture population (Gyps fulvus, Linnaeus 1758) present in the central Italy. Body feathers of 27 live griffon vultures were examined for lead, chromium and cadmium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) while for mercury by thermal decomposition amalgamation and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA-AAS). The heavy metals concentrations did not differ significantly between juveniles and adults neither between males and females. The analysed samples showed a lower Hg concentration than those found elsewhere for this species. Furthermore, for Cr, Cd and Hg levels were not significant correlations between tarsus length and body weight. Contrary Pb was negatively correlated with tarsus length, showing the absence of recent exposure of the birds.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
