Assumption and elimination of trace elements in Adélie penguins from Antarctica: a preliminary study.
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.
Ancora
Stefania
S
Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Uomo e dell' Ambiente, Università di Pisa, Italy. ancora@unisi.it
Volpi
Valerio
V
Olmastroni
Silvia
S
Focardi
Silvano
S
Leonzio
Claudio
C
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*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014131:Trace Elements