A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review
Abstract Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that has been reported in many wildlife species worldwide. The organic form of Hg bioaccumulates in higher trophic levels, and thus, long-lived predators are at risk for higher Hg exposure. Although ecological risk assessments for contaminants such as Hg include pertinent receptor species, snakes are rarely considered, despite their high trophic status and potential to accumulate high levels of Hg. Our current knowledge of these reptiles suggests that snakes may be useful novel biomarkers to monitor contaminated environments. The few available studies show that snakes can bioaccumulate significant amounts of Hg. However, little is known about the role of snakes in Hg transport in the environment or the individual-level effects of Hg exposure in this group of reptiles. This is a major concern, as snakes often serve as important prey for a variety of taxa within ecosystems (including humans). In this review, we compiled and analyzed the results of over 30 studies to discuss the impact of Hg on snakes, specifically sources of exposure, bioaccumulation, health consequences, and specific scientific knowledge gaps regarding these moderate to high trophic predators.
Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review
Abstract Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that has been reported in many wildlife species worldwide. The organic form of Hg bioaccumulates in higher trophic levels, and thus, long-lived predators are at risk for higher Hg exposure. Although ecological risk assessments for contaminants such as Hg include pertinent receptor species, snakes are rarely considered, despite their high trophic status and potential to accumulate high levels of Hg. Our current knowledge of these reptiles suggests that snakes may be useful novel biomarkers to monitor contaminated environments. The few available studies show that snakes can bioaccumulate significant amounts of Hg. However, little is known about the role of snakes in Hg transport in the environment or the individual-level effects of Hg exposure in this group of reptiles. This is a major concern, as snakes often serve as important prey for a variety of taxa within ecosystems (including humans). In this review, we compiled and analyzed the results of over 30 studies to discuss the impact of Hg on snakes, specifically sources of exposure, bioaccumulation, health consequences, and specific scientific knowledge gaps regarding these moderate to high trophic predators.
Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review
Haskins, David L. (author) / Gogal, Robert M. Jr. (author) / Tuberville, Tracey D. (author)
2019-01-01
20 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
Agkistrodon piscivorus , Anthropogenic contamination , Aquatic , Bioaccumulation , Biomagnification , Biomarker , Colubridae , Ecological risk assessment , Ecotoxicology , Heavy metal , Immunotoxicology , Maternal transfer , Mercury , Mercury pollution , Metal toxicity , Nerodia sipedon , North America , Northern watersnake , Predator , Receptor species , Reptile , Serpent , Snake , Terrestrial , Toxicology Environment , Ecotoxicology , Environmental Management , Water Quality/Water Pollution , Environmental Chemistry
Online Contents | 2011
Mercury contamination of the Kastela Bay
| British Library Online Contents | 2000
Fish Metalloproteins as Biomarkers of Environmental Contamination
| Springer Verlag | 2012
Sources and remediation for mercury contamination in aquatic systems-a literature review
| Online Contents | 2004