title: Assumption and elimination of trace elements in Adélie penguins from Antarctica: a preliminary study.
abstract: The concentration and distribution of some trace elements were determined in stomach contents, excreta and feathers of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding at Edmonson Point (Terra Nova Bay-Antarctica). In these materials obtained by non-destructive methods, concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead measured were used to establish natural levels of these metals in the penguins' diet. An intake-excretion hypothesis was formulated.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Uomo e dell' Ambiente, Università di Pisa, Italy. ancora@unisi.it
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ancora
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Olmastroni
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Focardi
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leonzio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D005241:Feathers / Q000737:chemistry; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012016:Reference Values; D013270:Stomach / Q000737:chemistry; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014131:Trace Elements