On the accumulation of heavy metals and arsenic in the feathers of the rock pigeon (Columba livia var. urbana) in different districts of Moscow

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Abstract

We analyzed the concentrations of 9 ions related to heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb and metalloid As) (HM) in the feathers of pigeons captured in four districts of Moscow (VDNKh, Vykhino, Izmailovo, Orekhovo). In addition, the features of HM accumulation in the black and gray parts of the feather in a particular bird were evaluated. Significant differences in the concentration of HM were found between locations in Moscow, which indicates a spatial heterogeneity of pollution. The analysis showed that the concentrations of all HM were significantly higher in the black parts of the feathers than in the gray ones. This confirms the chelating role of melanin, which accumulates in melanosomes. It has been shown that the shape and number of melanosomes also differ in the black and gray parts of the feather (in gray, the ratio of rod-shaped and rounded melanosomes is 1 : 3, and in black – 5 : 1). The results confirm the possibility of using pigeon feathers for biomonitoring of HM and emphasize the critical importance of taking into account the type of pigmentation of the feather when interpreting pollution data.

About the authors

A. V. Surov

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119071, Russia

E. A. Katsman

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119071, Russia

V. V. Belenkova

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119071, Russia

R. M. Khatsaeva

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119071, Russia

A. A. Mosalov

Moscow Pedagogical State University

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119435 Russia

N. Y. Feoktistova

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: surov@sevin.ru
Moscow, 119071, Russia

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