Analysis of micronucleated erythrocytes in heron nestlings from reference and impacted sites in the Ebro basin (N.E. Spain).
The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral erythrocytes was tested for 59 heron nestlings (Ardea purpurea, Egretta garzetta and Bubulcus ibis) sampled at two areas (polluted and reference) on the River Ebro (NE Spain) and at its Delta during Spring 2006. Flow-cytometry analysis revealed higher (three- to six-fold) MN counts in samples from the most polluted site relative to samples from the reference area. Samples from the Delta showed intermediate values. Age, morphometric parameters (weight, tarsus size and bill-head length) and maturation status showed no significant differences among the different populations for each species; nor were they correlated with MN levels. The data suggest that elevated levels of MN in chicks in impacted areas reflected the chemical pollution of their nesting sites. The use of nestlings for this assay appears to be a convenient, non-destructive method to assess the impact of pollution in natural bird populations.
Institute of Molecular Biology (IBMB-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
Laia
L
Quirós
Xavier
X
Ruiz
Carolina
C
Sanpera
Lluis
L
Jover
Benjamin
B
Piña
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001717:Birds / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004900:Erythroblasts; D004913:Erythrocytes, Abnormal; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000633:toxicity; D009425:Nesting Behavior; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity; D045483:Rivers; D013030:Spain; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls