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Dr. Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
University of Murcia

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0 Forensic Toxicology
0 Risk Assessment
0 biomonitoring
0 Toxicology And Pharmaceutics
0 analytical toxicology

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Review
Published: 24 June 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
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The COST Action ‘European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility’ (ERBFacility) aims to develop pan-European raptor biomonitoring in support of better chemicals management in Europe, using raptors as sentinel species. This presents a significant challenge involving a range of constraints that must be identified and addressed. The aims of this study were to: (1) carry out a comprehensive review of the constraints that may limit the gathering in the field of raptor samples and contextual data, and assess their relative importance across Europe; and (2) identify and discuss possible solutions to the key constraints that were identified. We applied a participatory approach to identify constraints and to discuss feasible solutions. Thirty-one constraints were identified, which were divided into four categories: legal, methodological, spatial coverage, and skills constraints. To assess the importance of the constraints and their possible solutions, we collected information through scientific workshops and by distributing a questionnaire to stakeholders in all the countries involved in ERBFacility. We obtained 74 answers to the questionnaire, from 24 of the 39 COST participating countries. The most important constraints identified were related to the collection of complex contextual data about sources of contamination, and the low number of existing raptor population national/regional monitoring schemes and ecological studies that could provide raptor samples. Legal constraints, such as permits to allow the collection of invasive samples, and skills constraints, such as the lack of expertise to practice necropsies, were also highlighted. Here, we present solutions for all the constraints identified, thus suggesting the feasibility of establishing a long-term European Raptor Sampling Programme as a key element of the planned European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility.

ACS Style

Maria Dulsat-Masvidal; Rui Lourenço; Silvia Lacorte; Marcello D'Amico; Tamer Albayrak; Jovan Andevski; Arianna Aradis; Emanuel Baltag; Oded Berger-Tal; Philippe Berny; Yael Choresh; Guy Duke; Silvia Espín; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson; Veerle Jaspers; Ulf Johansson; Andras Kovacs; Oliver Krone; Madis Leivits; Emma Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Richard F. Shore; Jari Valkama; Al Vrezec; Stavros Xirouchakis; Lee A. Walker; Chris Wernham. A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 793, 148599 .

AMA Style

Maria Dulsat-Masvidal, Rui Lourenço, Silvia Lacorte, Marcello D'Amico, Tamer Albayrak, Jovan Andevski, Arianna Aradis, Emanuel Baltag, Oded Berger-Tal, Philippe Berny, Yael Choresh, Guy Duke, Silvia Espín, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson, Veerle Jaspers, Ulf Johansson, Andras Kovacs, Oliver Krone, Madis Leivits, Emma Martínez-López, Rafael Mateo, Paola Movalli, Pablo Sánchez-Virosta, Richard F. Shore, Jari Valkama, Al Vrezec, Stavros Xirouchakis, Lee A. Walker, Chris Wernham. A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 793 ():148599.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Dulsat-Masvidal; Rui Lourenço; Silvia Lacorte; Marcello D'Amico; Tamer Albayrak; Jovan Andevski; Arianna Aradis; Emanuel Baltag; Oded Berger-Tal; Philippe Berny; Yael Choresh; Guy Duke; Silvia Espín; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson; Veerle Jaspers; Ulf Johansson; Andras Kovacs; Oliver Krone; Madis Leivits; Emma Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Richard F. Shore; Jari Valkama; Al Vrezec; Stavros Xirouchakis; Lee A. Walker; Chris Wernham. 2021. "A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility." Science of The Total Environment 793, no. : 148599.

Review
Published: 17 April 2021 in Ecotoxicology
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Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are commonly used to control rodent populations and frequently involved in wildlife and domestic animal poisoning. These poisoning cases (especially for ARs) are a challenge for forensic toxicologists, and adequate post-mortem examination and toxicological analyses become essential for a proper diagnosis. Publications describing different analytical methods for AR analysis in biological samples are growing, and a clear compilation of the overall picture is needed to standardize methodologies in future research. This review aims to compile and compare the analytical procedures applied for AR determination in the literature. Using this information, a scoring system was developed for those techniques using liver and blood as matrices, and the techniques were ranked considering different criteria (i.e. sample amount required, recoveries, limits of quantification (LOQs), number of ARs analysed, points of the calibration curve and multi-class methods). This review shows an overview of the main methods used for AR analysis in forensic toxicology and will help to elucidate future directions to improve multi-residue techniques to detect the ARs involved in wildlife lethal poisoning.

ACS Style

Irene Valverde; Silvia Espín; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Isabel Navas; Pedro María-Mojica; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Pedro Jiménez; María Y. Torres-Chaparro; Antonio J. García-Fernández. Wildlife poisoning: a novel scoring system and review of analytical methods for anticoagulant rodenticide determination. Ecotoxicology 2021, 30, 767 -782.

AMA Style

Irene Valverde, Silvia Espín, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Isabel Navas, Pedro María-Mojica, Pablo Sánchez-Virosta, Pedro Jiménez, María Y. Torres-Chaparro, Antonio J. García-Fernández. Wildlife poisoning: a novel scoring system and review of analytical methods for anticoagulant rodenticide determination. Ecotoxicology. 2021; 30 (5):767-782.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irene Valverde; Silvia Espín; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Isabel Navas; Pedro María-Mojica; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Pedro Jiménez; María Y. Torres-Chaparro; Antonio J. García-Fernández. 2021. "Wildlife poisoning: a novel scoring system and review of analytical methods for anticoagulant rodenticide determination." Ecotoxicology 30, no. 5: 767-782.

Journal article
Published: 07 November 2020 in Toxics
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Bromadiolone is a second generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) used to control pest rodents worldwide. SGARs are frequently involved in secondary poisoning in rodent predators due to their persistence and toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the persistence of bromadiolone in liver at different stages of carcass decomposition in experimentally-dosed common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) to understand the possibility of detecting bromadiolone in cases of wildlife poisoning and the potential risk of tertiary poisoning. Twelve individuals were divided into the bromadiolone-dose group (dosed with 55 mg/kg b.w) and the control group. Hepatic bromadiolone concentrations found in each stage of decomposition were: 3000, 2891, 4804, 4245, 8848, and 756 ng/g dry weight at 1–2 h (fresh carcass), 24 h (moderate decomposition), 72 h, 96 h (advanced decomposition), seven days (very advanced decomposition), and 15 days (initial skeletal reduction) after death, respectively. Liver bromadiolone concentrations in carcasses remained relatively stable over the first four days and raised on day 7 of decomposition under the specific conditions of this experiment, presenting a risk of causing tertiary poisoning. However, at the initial skeletal reduction stage, liver bromadiolone concentration declined, which should be considered to interpret toxicological analyses and for proper diagnosis. This experimental study provides for the first time some light to better understand the degradation of SGARs in carcasses in the wild.

ACS Style

Irene Valverde; Silvia Espín; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Isabel Navas; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; María Torres-Chaparro; Pedro Jiménez; Pedro María-Mojica; Antonio García-Fernández. Temporal Persistence of Bromadiolone in Decomposing Bodies of Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Toxics 2020, 8, 98 .

AMA Style

Irene Valverde, Silvia Espín, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Isabel Navas, Pablo Sánchez-Virosta, María Torres-Chaparro, Pedro Jiménez, Pedro María-Mojica, Antonio García-Fernández. Temporal Persistence of Bromadiolone in Decomposing Bodies of Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Toxics. 2020; 8 (4):98.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irene Valverde; Silvia Espín; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Isabel Navas; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; María Torres-Chaparro; Pedro Jiménez; Pedro María-Mojica; Antonio García-Fernández. 2020. "Temporal Persistence of Bromadiolone in Decomposing Bodies of Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)." Toxics 8, no. 4: 98.

Article
Published: 26 October 2020 in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
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Mercury (Hg), particularly as methylmercury (MeHg), is a nonessential, persistent, and bioaccumulative toxic element with high biomagnification capacity and is considered a threat to marine environments. We evaluated total Hg concentrations in liver, kidney, and brain in 62 individuals of 9 bird species linked to marine ecosystems from western Mediterranean admitted in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) (Alicante, Spain, 2005–2020). Age- and sex-related differences in Hg levels, as well as the cause of admission to the WRC, were also evaluated in certain species. The species studied were: northern gannet (Morus bassanus), European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), razorbill (Alca torda), common tern (Sterna hirundo), and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). Concentrations in feathers of 27 individuals, and concentrations in internal tissues in 7 other individuals of 7 different species were also reported but not statistically evaluated due to the limited number of samples. Results suggest that individuals were chronically exposed to Hg through diet. The differences in Hg concentrations among species may be explained by their diet habits. Mercury concentrations strongly correlated between tissues (r = 0.78–0.94, p < 0.001, n = 61–62). Some individuals of certain species (i.e., European shag, northern gannet, and great cormorant) showed Hg concentrations close to or above those described in the literature as causing reproductive alterations in other avian species. Consequently, certain individuals inhabiting western Mediterranean could be at risk of suffering long-term, Hg-related effects. Some of the species evaluated are listed within different categories of threat according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are endangered at a national level, so this study will provide valuable information for assessors and authorities in charge of the management of the environment and pollution.

ACS Style

Silvia Albertos; Neus I. Berenguer; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro Jiménez; María Y. Torres-Chaparro; Irene Valverde; Isabel Navas; Pedro María-Mojica; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Silvia Espín. Mercury Exposure in Birds Linked to Marine Ecosystems in the Western Mediterranean. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2020, 1 -19.

AMA Style

Silvia Albertos, Neus I. Berenguer, Pablo Sánchez-Virosta, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Pedro Jiménez, María Y. Torres-Chaparro, Irene Valverde, Isabel Navas, Pedro María-Mojica, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Silvia Espín. Mercury Exposure in Birds Linked to Marine Ecosystems in the Western Mediterranean. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2020; ():1-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Albertos; Neus I. Berenguer; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro Jiménez; María Y. Torres-Chaparro; Irene Valverde; Isabel Navas; Pedro María-Mojica; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Silvia Espín. 2020. "Mercury Exposure in Birds Linked to Marine Ecosystems in the Western Mediterranean." Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology , no. : 1-19.

Journal article
Published: 06 June 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Pharmaceuticals are still considered emerging pollutants affecting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Scavenging bird species may be exposed to veterinary drugs when they feed on livestock carcasses provided at supplementary feeding stations, as these are often stocked with ailing and/or recently medicated animals. Because those animals may be a source of several different pharmaceutical compounds, analytical methods to evaluate residue levels and exposure potential should enable detection and quantification of as many different compounds as possible, preferably from small sample volumes. Four different extraction methods were tested to conduct HPLC-MS-TOF analysis of some of the most common veterinary drugs used in livestock in Spain. The method deemed most viable was a simple extraction, using methanol and 100 µL of plasma, that allowed quantification of seven antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, sulfadiazine) and five nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (meloxicam, flunixin, carprofen, tolfenamic acid, phenylbutazone). The method was then applied to analysis of 29 Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) nestling samples, wherein enrofloxacin and tolfenamic acid were most commonly detected (69% and 20%, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first study including NSAIDs in the exposure assessment of different classes of veterinary pharmaceuticals in live avian scavengers.

ACS Style

Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Guillermo Blanco; Antonio Juan García-Fernández. Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Quantification of Antibiotics and NSAIDs in Avian Scavengers by Using Small Amounts of Plasma in HPLC-MS-TOF. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4058 .

AMA Style

Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Guillermo Blanco, Antonio Juan García-Fernández. Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Quantification of Antibiotics and NSAIDs in Avian Scavengers by Using Small Amounts of Plasma in HPLC-MS-TOF. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (11):4058.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Guillermo Blanco; Antonio Juan García-Fernández. 2020. "Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Quantification of Antibiotics and NSAIDs in Avian Scavengers by Using Small Amounts of Plasma in HPLC-MS-TOF." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 11: 4058.

Perspective
Published: 12 May 2020 in Ambio
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Birds of prey, owls and falcons are widely used as sentinel species in raptor biomonitoring programmes. A major current challenge is to facilitate large-scale biomonitoring by coordinating contaminant monitoring activities and by building capacity across countries. This requires sharing, dissemination and adoption of best practices addressed by the Networking Programme Research and Monitoring for and with Raptors in Europe (EURAPMON) and now being advanced by the ongoing international COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. The present perspective introduces a schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors. We provide guidance on sample collection with a view to increasing sampling capacity across countries, ensuring appropriate quality of samples and facilitating harmonization of procedures to maximize the reliability, comparability and interoperability of data. The here presented protocol can be used by professionals and volunteers as a standard guide to ensure harmonised sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in raptors.

ACS Style

Silvia Espín; Jovan Andevski; Guy Duke; Igor Eulaers; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Gunnar Thor Hallgrimsson; Björn Helander; Dorte Herzke; Veerle L. B. Jaspers; Oliver Krone; Rui Lourenço; Pedro María-Mojica; Emma Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Richard F. Shore; Christian Sonne; Nico W. Van Den Brink; Bert Van Hattum; Al Vrezec; Chris Wernham; Antonio J. García-Fernández. A schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors. Ambio 2020, 50, 95 -100.

AMA Style

Silvia Espín, Jovan Andevski, Guy Duke, Igor Eulaers, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Gunnar Thor Hallgrimsson, Björn Helander, Dorte Herzke, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Oliver Krone, Rui Lourenço, Pedro María-Mojica, Emma Martínez-López, Rafael Mateo, Paola Movalli, Pablo Sánchez-Virosta, Richard F. Shore, Christian Sonne, Nico W. Van Den Brink, Bert Van Hattum, Al Vrezec, Chris Wernham, Antonio J. García-Fernández. A schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors. Ambio. 2020; 50 (1):95-100.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Espín; Jovan Andevski; Guy Duke; Igor Eulaers; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Gunnar Thor Hallgrimsson; Björn Helander; Dorte Herzke; Veerle L. B. Jaspers; Oliver Krone; Rui Lourenço; Pedro María-Mojica; Emma Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Pablo Sánchez-Virosta; Richard F. Shore; Christian Sonne; Nico W. Van Den Brink; Bert Van Hattum; Al Vrezec; Chris Wernham; Antonio J. García-Fernández. 2020. "A schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors." Ambio 50, no. 1: 95-100.

Original article
Published: 02 April 2019 in European Journal of Wildlife Research
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Worldwide, predators and humans are in conflict for resources such as game species or livestock, especially in the case of wild canids. One non-lethal method to reduce predation is conditioned food aversion (CFA), in which animals learn to avoid a food due to the illness after ingestion, caused by the addition of an undetected chemical compound. CFA can be enhanced by adding an artificial odour cue, in a process known as taste-potentiated odour aversion (TPOA). We tested CFA and TPOA with three experimental groups of penned dogs. Food was offered with a combination of microencapsulated levamisole + vanilla odour (ODO), microencapsulated levamisole (LEV), or plain food as a control. The aims were (a) to test whether dogs detected the microencapsulated levamisole, (b) to analyse the strength and extinction time of CFA induced by microencapsulated levamisole, and (c) to analyse the strength and extinction time of TPOA. Two-choice tests were carried out during 11 post-conditioning months, and two reinforcements with microencapsulated levamisole were performed during the first post-conditioning month. In the first post-conditioning test, ODO and LEV groups ate significantly less untreated food than control group. After reinforcement, the dogs in LEV group resumed eating the food. Three of four dogs in ODO group showed long-lasting CFA until the 11th month. These results show that TPOA could be used to induce odour aversion on canids and that the odour cue overshadows the slight bitter taste of microencapsulated levamisole. These results show TPOA as a promising tool to reduce predation by wild canids.

ACS Style

Jorge Tobajas; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro María-Mojica; Isabel Navas; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Pablo Ferreras; Rafael Mateo. Conditioned food aversion mediated by odour cue and microencapsulated levamisole to avoid predation by canids. European Journal of Wildlife Research 2019, 65, 32 .

AMA Style

Jorge Tobajas, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Pedro María-Mojica, Isabel Navas, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Pablo Ferreras, Rafael Mateo. Conditioned food aversion mediated by odour cue and microencapsulated levamisole to avoid predation by canids. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 2019; 65 (3):32.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jorge Tobajas; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro María-Mojica; Isabel Navas; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Pablo Ferreras; Rafael Mateo. 2019. "Conditioned food aversion mediated by odour cue and microencapsulated levamisole to avoid predation by canids." European Journal of Wildlife Research 65, no. 3: 32.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2018 in Science of The Total Environment
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Antibiotics have been beneficial for human and animal health. However, an excessive use in livestock and a deficient management of the carcasses can lead to adverse effects in the scavengers that ingest them, especially in "supplementary feeding sites" (SFS). The aim of this study was to assess the potential risk of exposure to antibiotics for an endangered population of Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) from southeastern Portugal. Hence, a multi-residue method based on QuEChERs was adapted and validated to analyse, in small volumes of tissues, the most frequent antibiotics used in livestock. The method was applied to 87 samples of liver, muscle and kidney from 7 goats and 25 sheep disposed in SFS. According to questionnaires to farmers, the animals had not been treated with antibiotics, but analyses showed residues in 29% of the samples. Antibiotics were more frequent in goats (42.9%) than in sheep (24.2%), and oxytetracycline and trimethoprim were the most common (both 13.8%). Oxytetracycline, the most common antibiotic for livestock in Portugal, showed the highest concentration (1452.68 ng g). To our knowledge, this is the first study of presence of antibiotics in carrion from SFS. The concentrations of antibiotics in carrion do not seem to pose a risk of acute intoxication for adult Cinereous vultures. However, subtle and likely chronic exposure with unknown health consequences may occur, which requires more research. Moreover, the results of this first study can be used in future studies to assess the risk for avian scavengers.

ACS Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro Javier Jiménez Montalbán; D. Delgado; Emma Martínez-Lopez; P. María-Mojica; A. Godino; Antonio J. García-Fernández. Development of a QuEChERS method for simultaneous analysis of antibiotics in carcasses for supplementary feeding of endangered vultures. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 626, 319 -327.

AMA Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez, Pedro Javier Jiménez Montalbán, D. Delgado, Emma Martínez-Lopez, P. María-Mojica, A. Godino, Antonio J. García-Fernández. Development of a QuEChERS method for simultaneous analysis of antibiotics in carcasses for supplementary feeding of endangered vultures. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 626 ():319-327.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Pedro Javier Jiménez Montalbán; D. Delgado; Emma Martínez-Lopez; P. María-Mojica; A. Godino; Antonio J. García-Fernández. 2018. "Development of a QuEChERS method for simultaneous analysis of antibiotics in carcasses for supplementary feeding of endangered vultures." Science of The Total Environment 626, no. : 319-327.

Research article
Published: 06 March 2018 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
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Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in food chains and is associated with adverse effects in both humans and wildlife. We used feather samples from bird scavengers to evaluate Hg concentrations in two different areas of Northern Patagonia. Hg concentrations were analyzed in feathers obtained from turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus), and southern crested caracaras (Caracara plancus) from the two areas of Northern Patagonia (Argentina): Bariloche and El Valle. Hg was detected in all the samples analyzed, but the concentrations can be considered low for the three species in both sampling areas. The mean concentration of Hg in Bariloche was 0.22 ± 0.16 mg/kg dry weight (d.w.) in black vulture, 0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg d.w. in turkey vulture, and 0.13 ± 0.09 mg/kg d.w. in southern crested caracara; in El Valle, the mean concentration of Hg was 1.02 ± 0.89 mg/kg d.w. in black vulture, 0.53 ± 0.82 mg/kg d.w. in turkey vulture, and 0.54 ± 0.74 mg/kg d.w. in southern crested caracara. Hg concentrations in feathers were explained by the sampling area but not by the species. The concentrations of Hg contamination were comparable to those obtained in other studies of terrestrial raptors and aquatic bioindicator raptors. The species of the present study occur throughout much of North and South America. Thus, they may be appropriate bioindicators across the species’ range, which is particularly useful as a surrogate, especially in distribution areas shared with endangered scavengers such as the California condor (Gymnopsys californianus) and the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus).

ACS Style

Alessandro Di Marzio; Pilar Gomez-Ramirez; Facundo Barbar; Sergio Agustín Lambertucci; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Emma Martínez-López. Mercury in the feathers of bird scavengers from two areas of Patagonia (Argentina) under the influence of different anthropogenic activities: a preliminary study. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2018, 25, 13906 -13915.

AMA Style

Alessandro Di Marzio, Pilar Gomez-Ramirez, Facundo Barbar, Sergio Agustín Lambertucci, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Emma Martínez-López. Mercury in the feathers of bird scavengers from two areas of Patagonia (Argentina) under the influence of different anthropogenic activities: a preliminary study. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018; 25 (14):13906-13915.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alessandro Di Marzio; Pilar Gomez-Ramirez; Facundo Barbar; Sergio Agustín Lambertucci; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Emma Martínez-López. 2018. "Mercury in the feathers of bird scavengers from two areas of Patagonia (Argentina) under the influence of different anthropogenic activities: a preliminary study." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25, no. 14: 13906-13915.

Published erratum
Published: 01 November 2017 in Environmental Research
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ACS Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; J.O. Bustnes; Igor Eulaers; D. Herzke; T.V. Johnsen; G. Lepoint; Juan Manuel Pérez-García; A.J. García-Fernández; V.L.B. Jaspers. Corrigendum to “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from Northern Norway” [Environ. Res. 158 (2017) 277–285]. Environmental Research 2017, 159, 648 -649.

AMA Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez, J.O. Bustnes, Igor Eulaers, D. Herzke, T.V. Johnsen, G. Lepoint, Juan Manuel Pérez-García, A.J. García-Fernández, V.L.B. Jaspers. Corrigendum to “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from Northern Norway” [Environ. Res. 158 (2017) 277–285]. Environmental Research. 2017; 159 ():648-649.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; J.O. Bustnes; Igor Eulaers; D. Herzke; T.V. Johnsen; G. Lepoint; Juan Manuel Pérez-García; A.J. García-Fernández; V.L.B. Jaspers. 2017. "Corrigendum to “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from Northern Norway” [Environ. Res. 158 (2017) 277–285]." Environmental Research 159, no. : 648-649.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2017 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
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Information on trace element pollution in the terrestrial environment and its biota is limited compared to the marine environment. In the present study, we collected body feathers and blood of 37 Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Tromsø (northern Norway), Trondheim (central Norway), and Murcia (southeastern Spain) to study regional exposure, hypothesizing the potential health risks of metals and other trace elements. Blood and body feathers were analyzed by a high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) for aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). The influence of regional differences, urbanization and agricultural land usage in proximity to the nesting Northern goshawks was investigated using particular spatial analysis techniques. Most trace elements were detected below literature blood toxicity thresholds, except for elevated concentrations (mean ± SD µgml(-1) ww) found for Zn (5.4 ± 1.5), Cd (0.00023 ± 0.0002), and Hg (0.021 ± 0.01). Corresponding mean concentrations in feathers (mean ± SD µgg(-1) dw) were 82.0 ± 12.4, 0.0018 ± 0.002, and 0.26 ± 0.2 for Zn, Cd and Hg respectively. Multiple linear regressions indicated region was a significant factor influencing Al, Zn, Se and Hg feather concentrations. Blood Cd and Hg concentrations were significantly influenced by agricultural land cover. Urbanization did not have a significant impact on trace element concentrations in either blood or feathers. Overall metal and trace element levels do not indicate a high risk for toxic effects in the nestlings. Levels of Cd in Tromsø and Hg in Trondheim were however above sub-lethal toxic threshold levels. For holistic risk assessment purposes it is important that the concentrations found in the nestlings of this study indicate that terrestrial raptors are exposed to various trace elements.

ACS Style

Kevin J. Dolan; Tomasz Ciesielski; Syverin Lierhagen; Igor Eulaers; Torgeir Nygård; Trond V. Johnsen; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Jan O. Bustnes; Manuel Eloy Ortiz Santaliestra; Veerle L.B. Jaspers. Trace element concentrations in feathers and blood of Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Norway and Spain. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2017, 144, 564 -571.

AMA Style

Kevin J. Dolan, Tomasz Ciesielski, Syverin Lierhagen, Igor Eulaers, Torgeir Nygård, Trond V. Johnsen, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Jan O. Bustnes, Manuel Eloy Ortiz Santaliestra, Veerle L.B. Jaspers. Trace element concentrations in feathers and blood of Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Norway and Spain. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2017; 144 ():564-571.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kevin J. Dolan; Tomasz Ciesielski; Syverin Lierhagen; Igor Eulaers; Torgeir Nygård; Trond V. Johnsen; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Jan O. Bustnes; Manuel Eloy Ortiz Santaliestra; Veerle L.B. Jaspers. 2017. "Trace element concentrations in feathers and blood of Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Norway and Spain." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 144, no. : 564-571.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2017 in Environmental Research
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Plasma samples from nestlings of two top predators, White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) from northern Norway were analysed for a wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Body feathers from the White-tailed eagles were also analysed and significant associations between specific PFASs in blood plasma and body feathers were found (0.36

ACS Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; J.O. Bustnes; Igor Eulaers; D. Herzke; T.V. Johnsen; Gilles Lepoint; Juan Manuel Pérez-García; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Veerle Jaspers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from northern Norway. Environmental Research 2017, 158, 277 -285.

AMA Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez, J.O. Bustnes, Igor Eulaers, D. Herzke, T.V. Johnsen, Gilles Lepoint, Juan Manuel Pérez-García, Antonio J. García-Fernández, Veerle Jaspers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from northern Norway. Environmental Research. 2017; 158 ():277-285.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; J.O. Bustnes; Igor Eulaers; D. Herzke; T.V. Johnsen; Gilles Lepoint; Juan Manuel Pérez-García; Antonio J. García-Fernández; Veerle Jaspers. 2017. "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from northern Norway." Environmental Research 158, no. : 277-285.

Validation study
Published: 01 October 2017 in Science of The Total Environment
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Neonicotinoid pesticides have gained great interest in the last years both for agricultural and domestic use. Since the information on their environmental distribution or the effects derived from exposure to ecosystems and biota is scarce, new analytical techniques are being developed for monitoring studies. In this sense, two extraction techniques based on QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) methodology to detect the neonicotinoids authorised in Spain (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram and thiamethoxam) were adapted and compared: a) using acetate buffer (AB); and b) using citrate buffer (CB). For detection and quantification, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/TOF-MS) was used. The CB method provided a wide range of recoveries (68-134%) and accuracy (4-9%). The AB method provided good recoveries (59-76%, 59% corresponded to clothianidin) precision (4-11%) linearity (0.987-0.998%) and limit of quantification (2-10ng/mL) for all the compounds. To test the effectiveness of the technique, we analysed 30 blood samples of free-ranging nestlings of Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo). The only compound detected, in one nestling from a dry land farming area, was imidacloprid, with a concentration of 3.28ng/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first study of neonicotinoid pesticides in free-ranging birds of prey using non-destructive samples, providing the first insight for biomonitoring studies. Further studies, including toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, are recommended to assess the risk for these species.

ACS Style

A. Taliansky-Chamudis; P. Gómez-Ramírez; M. León-Ortega; A.J. García-Fernández. Validation of a QuECheRS method for analysis of neonicotinoids in small volumes of blood and assessment of exposure in Eurasian eagle owl ( Bubo bubo ) nestlings. Science of The Total Environment 2017, 595, 93 -100.

AMA Style

A. Taliansky-Chamudis, P. Gómez-Ramírez, M. León-Ortega, A.J. García-Fernández. Validation of a QuECheRS method for analysis of neonicotinoids in small volumes of blood and assessment of exposure in Eurasian eagle owl ( Bubo bubo ) nestlings. Science of The Total Environment. 2017; 595 ():93-100.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Taliansky-Chamudis; P. Gómez-Ramírez; M. León-Ortega; A.J. García-Fernández. 2017. "Validation of a QuECheRS method for analysis of neonicotinoids in small volumes of blood and assessment of exposure in Eurasian eagle owl ( Bubo bubo ) nestlings." Science of The Total Environment 595, no. : 93-100.

Journal article
Published: 09 June 2017 in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
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The objective of this study was to assess metal exposure in the Mediterranean Pond Turtle (Mauremys leprosa) inhabiting a watercourse in an ancient mining district polluted by different metals ("Rambla de Las Moreras", southeastern Spain) and included in the Ramsar Convention. For this purpose, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) were analysed in blood samples from 42 M. leprosa healthy adults (27 males and 13 females). The highest median concentrations were found for Zn, followed by Cu, Pb, Hg and Cd (366, 33, 9, 0.83 and 0.14 µg/dL, respectively). Although the literature regarding toxic metals in freshwater turtles is relatively scarce, Pb may cause deleterious effects in our population. In general, males presented higher levels than females, which could be due to maternal transfer during egg formation. The significant correlations between Cu-Cd and Cu-Hg suggest the implication of an efficient mechanism of detoxification involving metallothioneins.

ACS Style

Emma Martínez-Lopez; P. Gómez-Ramírez; S. Espín; M. P. Aldeguer; A. J. García-Fernández. Influence of a Former Mining Area in the Heavy Metals Concentrations in Blood of Free-Living Mediterranean Pond Turtles (Mauremys leprosa). Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2017, 99, 167 -172.

AMA Style

Emma Martínez-Lopez, P. Gómez-Ramírez, S. Espín, M. P. Aldeguer, A. J. García-Fernández. Influence of a Former Mining Area in the Heavy Metals Concentrations in Blood of Free-Living Mediterranean Pond Turtles (Mauremys leprosa). Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2017; 99 (2):167-172.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emma Martínez-Lopez; P. Gómez-Ramírez; S. Espín; M. P. Aldeguer; A. J. García-Fernández. 2017. "Influence of a Former Mining Area in the Heavy Metals Concentrations in Blood of Free-Living Mediterranean Pond Turtles (Mauremys leprosa)." Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 99, no. 2: 167-172.

Journal article
Published: 03 May 2017 in Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A
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Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) were exposed in ovo to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP; 500 ng/µl), Dechlorane Plus (DP; 500 ng/µl), or a 1:1 mixture of these two to investigate the effects on liver and thyroid gland morphology. Histological examination of 14-day-old quails showed that exposure to TDCIPP or the mixture induced hepatic sinusoidal dilatation. No marked effects were seen for DP alone. In addition, the mixture produced divergence of thyroid gland follicles and proliferation of follicular cells. Our study is the first demonstrating histopathological alterations as a result of exposure during early development to the flame retardants TDCIPP or a TDCIPP-DP mixture suggesting the need for further research efforts to investigate potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to these environmental chemicals in wild birds.

ACS Style

Mona L. Jacobsen; Veerle L. B. Jaspers; Tomasz Ciesielski; Bjorn Munro Jenssen; Mari Engvig Løseth; Nathalie Briels; Igor Eulaers; Pall S Leifsson; Frank F. Rigét; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Christian Sonne. Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) liver and thyroid gland histopathology as a result of in ovo exposure to the flame retardants tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A 2017, 80, 525 -531.

AMA Style

Mona L. Jacobsen, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Tomasz Ciesielski, Bjorn Munro Jenssen, Mari Engvig Løseth, Nathalie Briels, Igor Eulaers, Pall S Leifsson, Frank F. Rigét, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Christian Sonne. Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) liver and thyroid gland histopathology as a result of in ovo exposure to the flame retardants tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A. 2017; 80 (9):525-531.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mona L. Jacobsen; Veerle L. B. Jaspers; Tomasz Ciesielski; Bjorn Munro Jenssen; Mari Engvig Løseth; Nathalie Briels; Igor Eulaers; Pall S Leifsson; Frank F. Rigét; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Christian Sonne. 2017. "Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) liver and thyroid gland histopathology as a result of in ovo exposure to the flame retardants tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A 80, no. 9: 525-531.

Journal article
Published: 17 March 2017 in Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry
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Blood clinical-chemical parameters (BCCPs) are used to investigate physiological consequences attributed to exposure to anthropogenic stressors, such as exposure to Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and Dechlorane Plus (DP), which are flame retardants (FRs), on avian health. Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were used as a model species to investigate individual and mixture effects of both FRs by injecting different concentrations (5, 50, or 500 ng/µL) of either of these compounds as well as a 1:1 mixture of both into fertilized eggs. To estimate post-hatching effects, 18 BCCPs were evaluated from 101 chicks at day 14. Albumin levels were found to be significantly elevated in the groups exposed to high doses of TDCIPP alone as well as a mixture of TDCIPP and DP. However, during the course of the study, the initial corn-based feed had to be substituted by a fishmeal-based feed. The 8 days consuming the new feed played a significant role on 12 of 18 BCCPs measured. Consequently, it is recommended that dietary habits need to be considered when investigating the physiological impact of contaminants using BCCPs as biomarkers in growing nestlings both in controlled in vivo and field experiments.

ACS Style

Mona L. Jacobsen; Veerle Jaspers; Tomasz Ciesielski; Bjorn Munro Jenssen; Mari Engvig Løseth; Nathalie Briels; Igor Eulaers; Anne Kirstine Havnsøe Krogh; Adrian Covaci; Govindan Malarvannan; Giulia Poma; Frank F. Rigét; Jan O. Bustnes; Dorte Herzke; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Torgeir Nygård; Christian Sonne. Blood clinical-chemical parameters and feeding history in growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks exposed to Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus in ovo. Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry 2017, 99, 938 -952.

AMA Style

Mona L. Jacobsen, Veerle Jaspers, Tomasz Ciesielski, Bjorn Munro Jenssen, Mari Engvig Løseth, Nathalie Briels, Igor Eulaers, Anne Kirstine Havnsøe Krogh, Adrian Covaci, Govindan Malarvannan, Giulia Poma, Frank F. Rigét, Jan O. Bustnes, Dorte Herzke, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Torgeir Nygård, Christian Sonne. Blood clinical-chemical parameters and feeding history in growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks exposed to Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus in ovo. Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry. 2017; 99 (5-6):938-952.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mona L. Jacobsen; Veerle Jaspers; Tomasz Ciesielski; Bjorn Munro Jenssen; Mari Engvig Løseth; Nathalie Briels; Igor Eulaers; Anne Kirstine Havnsøe Krogh; Adrian Covaci; Govindan Malarvannan; Giulia Poma; Frank F. Rigét; Jan O. Bustnes; Dorte Herzke; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Torgeir Nygård; Christian Sonne. 2017. "Blood clinical-chemical parameters and feeding history in growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks exposed to Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Dechlorane Plus in ovo." Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry 99, no. 5-6: 938-952.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2016 in European Journal of Wildlife Research
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ACS Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Emma Martínez-Lopez; S. Espín; P. Jiménez; P. María-Mojica; J. M. Pérez-García; M. León-Ortega; A. J. García-Fernández. Haematocrit and blood biochemical parameters in free-living Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) from Southeastern Spain: study of age and sex differences. European Journal of Wildlife Research 2016, 62, 557 -564.

AMA Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez, Emma Martínez-Lopez, S. Espín, P. Jiménez, P. María-Mojica, J. M. Pérez-García, M. León-Ortega, A. J. García-Fernández. Haematocrit and blood biochemical parameters in free-living Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) from Southeastern Spain: study of age and sex differences. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 2016; 62 (5):557-564.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Emma Martínez-Lopez; S. Espín; P. Jiménez; P. María-Mojica; J. M. Pérez-García; M. León-Ortega; A. J. García-Fernández. 2016. "Haematocrit and blood biochemical parameters in free-living Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) from Southeastern Spain: study of age and sex differences." European Journal of Wildlife Research 62, no. 5: 557-564.

Article
Published: 05 March 2016 in Ecotoxicology
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Biomonitoring using birds of prey as sentinel species has been mooted as a way to evaluate the success of European Union directives that are designed to protect people and the environment across Europe from industrial contaminants and pesticides. No such pan-European evaluation currently exists. Coordination of such large scale monitoring would require harmonisation across multiple countries of the types of samples collected and analysed-matrices vary in the ease with which they can be collected and the information they provide. We report the first ever pan-European assessment of which raptor samples are collected across Europe and review their suitability for biomonitoring. Currently, some 182 monitoring programmes across 33 European countries collect a variety of raptor samples, and we discuss the relative merits of each for monitoring current priority and emerging compounds. Of the matrices collected, blood and liver are used most extensively for quantifying trends in recent and longer-term contaminant exposure, respectively. These matrices are potentially the most effective for pan-European biomonitoring but are not so widely and frequently collected as others. We found that failed eggs and feathers are the most widely collected samples. Because of this ubiquity, they may provide the best opportunities for widescale biomonitoring, although neither is suitable for all compounds. We advocate piloting pan-European monitoring of selected priority compounds using these matrices and developing read-across approaches to accommodate any effects that trophic pathway and species differences in accumulation may have on our ability to track environmental trends in contaminants.

ACS Style

Silvia Espín; Antonio J. García-Fernández; D. Herzke; Richard Shore; B. Van Hattum; Emma Martínez-Lopez; M. Coeurdassier; Igor Eulaers; C. Fritsch; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Veerle Jaspers; O. Krone; Guy Duke; B. Helander; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Christian Sonne; Nico Van Den Brink. Tracking pan-continental trends in environmental contamination using sentinel raptors—what types of samples should we use? Ecotoxicology 2016, 25, 777 -801.

AMA Style

Silvia Espín, Antonio J. García-Fernández, D. Herzke, Richard Shore, B. Van Hattum, Emma Martínez-Lopez, M. Coeurdassier, Igor Eulaers, C. Fritsch, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Veerle Jaspers, O. Krone, Guy Duke, B. Helander, Rafael Mateo, Paola Movalli, Christian Sonne, Nico Van Den Brink. Tracking pan-continental trends in environmental contamination using sentinel raptors—what types of samples should we use? Ecotoxicology. 2016; 25 (4):777-801.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Espín; Antonio J. García-Fernández; D. Herzke; Richard Shore; B. Van Hattum; Emma Martínez-Lopez; M. Coeurdassier; Igor Eulaers; C. Fritsch; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Veerle Jaspers; O. Krone; Guy Duke; B. Helander; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; Christian Sonne; Nico Van Den Brink. 2016. "Tracking pan-continental trends in environmental contamination using sentinel raptors—what types of samples should we use?" Ecotoxicology 25, no. 4: 777-801.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2015 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
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The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to organochlorine compounds (OC) in 91 primary wing feathers of avian scavengers, Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Southern crested caracaras (Polyborus plancus) from the southern tip of South America, in the Argentinean Patagonia. We analyzed for a series of OC including hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, endosulfan, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), heptachlor and heptachlor-epoxide. This is the first study on OC in feathers of three terrestrial top carnivores from South America. OC concentrations found in the studied species were much higher than those found in feathers of raptors from Europe and Asia, which likely indicate their high use in the region, specifically in agriculture, and other possible uses of OC in this area. ∑HCH had the highest median concentration, followed by ∑Drins, ∑DDT, ∑Heptachlor, and ∑Endosulfan, similar to those reported in several food samples in Argentina. On the other hand, differences in OC profiles between species and areas may be related to feeding and migratory habits, as well as the molt period. Three individuals showed ∑DDT (DDT, DDD and DDE) concentrations in feathers related to sublethal effects. However, this comparison should be used with caution due to problems with extrapolating such data across tissues and species.

ACS Style

E. Martínez-López; S. Espín; F. Barbar; S.A. Lambertucci; P. Gómez-Ramírez; Aj. García-Fernández. Contaminants in the southern tip of South America: Analysis of organochlorine compounds in feathers of avian scavengers from Argentinean Patagonia. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2015, 115, 83 -92.

AMA Style

E. Martínez-López, S. Espín, F. Barbar, S.A. Lambertucci, P. Gómez-Ramírez, Aj. García-Fernández. Contaminants in the southern tip of South America: Analysis of organochlorine compounds in feathers of avian scavengers from Argentinean Patagonia. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2015; 115 ():83-92.

Chicago/Turabian Style

E. Martínez-López; S. Espín; F. Barbar; S.A. Lambertucci; P. Gómez-Ramírez; Aj. García-Fernández. 2015. "Contaminants in the southern tip of South America: Analysis of organochlorine compounds in feathers of avian scavengers from Argentinean Patagonia." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 115, no. : 83-92.

Journal article
Published: 13 March 2014 in Environment International
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Biomonitoring using raptors as sentinels can provide early warning of the potential impacts of contaminants on humans and the environment and also a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures. Examples include detection of heavy metal-induced immune system impairment, PCB-induced altered reproductive impacts, and toxicity associated with lead in shot game. Authorisation of such releases and implementation of mitigation is now increasingly delivered through EU-wide directives but there is little established pan-European monitoring to quantify outcomes. We investigated the potential for EU-wide coordinated contaminant monitoring using raptors as sentinels. We did this using a questionnaire to ascertain the current scale of national activity across 44 European countries. According to this survey, there have been 52 different contaminant monitoring schemes with raptors over the last 50 years. There were active schemes in 15 (predominantly western European) countries and 23 schemes have been running for > 20 years; most monitoring was conducted for > 5 years. Legacy persistent organic compounds (specifically organochlorine insecticides and PCBs), and metals/metalloids were monitored in most of the 15 countries. Fungicides, flame retardants and anticoagulant rodenticides were also relatively frequently monitored (each in at least 6 countries). Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), tawny owl (Strix aluco) and barn owl (Tyto alba) were most commonly monitored (each in 6–10 countries). Feathers and eggs were most widely analysed although many schemes also analysed body tissues. Our study reveals an existing capability across multiple European countries for contaminant monitoring using raptors. However, coordination between existing schemes and expansion of monitoring into Eastern Europe is needed. This would enable assessment of the appropriateness of the EU-regulation of substances that are hazardous to humans and the environment, the effectiveness of EU level mitigation policies, and identify pan-European spatial and temporal trends in current and emerging contaminants of concern.

ACS Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Richard Shore; Nico Van Den Brink; B. van Hattum; J.O. Bustnes; Guy Duke; C. Fritsch; Antonio J. García-Fernández; B.O. Helander; Veerle Jaspers; O. Krone; E. Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; C. Sonne. An overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activities in Europe. Environment International 2014, 67, 12 -21.

AMA Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez, Richard Shore, Nico Van Den Brink, B. van Hattum, J.O. Bustnes, Guy Duke, C. Fritsch, Antonio J. García-Fernández, B.O. Helander, Veerle Jaspers, O. Krone, E. Martínez-López, Rafael Mateo, Paola Movalli, C. Sonne. An overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activities in Europe. Environment International. 2014; 67 ():12-21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Gómez-Ramírez; Richard Shore; Nico Van Den Brink; B. van Hattum; J.O. Bustnes; Guy Duke; C. Fritsch; Antonio J. García-Fernández; B.O. Helander; Veerle Jaspers; O. Krone; E. Martínez-López; Rafael Mateo; Paola Movalli; C. Sonne. 2014. "An overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activities in Europe." Environment International 67, no. : 12-21.