Assessment of genotoxic damage by the comet assay in white storks (Ciconia ciconia) after the Doñana Ecological Disaster.
Single cell gel electrophoresis, the so-called "Comet" assay, was performed as a genotoxicity test in white storks sampled in an area heavily contaminated after the ecological disaster in south western Spain. This disaster occurred as a consequence of a massive toxic spillage of acid waste rich in heavy metals that impacted on the Doñana National Park. The importance of this protected area as a breeding and wintering site for many endangered bird species makes this analysis of DNA damage of special interest. Our results clearly show that white storks born in the contaminated area 1 year after the toxic spill bear a high burden of genetic damage as compared with control individuals. The possible implications for future survival as well as reproductive rate are discussed.
Pastor
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N
Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Avda. Reina Mercedes No. 6, 41012 Seville, Spain.
López-Lázaro
M
M
Tella
J L
JL
Baos
R
R
Hiraldo
F
F
Cortés
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005260:Female; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000009:adverse effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009153:Mutagens; D013030:Spain
D006256:Hazardous Waste; D009153:Mutagens