Bioindikation mit Federn ausgewaehlter Vogelarten - zum Nachweis von Nahrungsketteneffekten bei Quecksilber sowie atmosphaerischen Blei- und Cadmiumdepositionen : Pflanzenschutzmittel und Vogelgefaehrdung. Ornithologisches Rundgespraech

1992

S. 148-160

25 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200049782

Feathers of selected bird species have been used as integrated pollution biomonitors. Lead, cadmium and mercury were analysed by ZEEMAN SSAAS in feather vanes of selected bird species with different ecologies. The distribution pattern of mercury in feather vanes is quite different than in the case of lead and cadmium. Lead and cadmium show a strong affinity to feather parts with a high exposure to atmospheric influences, whereas mercury is distributed homogenously within the feathers. The different distribution patterns of Pb and Cd on the one hand Hg on the other, indicate that quite different incorporation pathways exist. Lead and cadmium are deposited exogenously, pointing to atmospheric pollution as the source. Mercury in feathers is accumulated endogenously through food and physiological processes. Most of the mercury analysed in birds' feathers is the ecotoxic methylated form and its concentration in the feathers depends on the bioaccumulation in food chains. Feathers are suitable indicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution and yield useful information on incorporation pathways and ecotoxic effects.