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Inter-Island Variability in Trace Elements and Trophic Ecology of Brown Booby (Sula Leucogaster) in the South Atlantic

SSRN, ISSN: 1556-5068
2024
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  • Usage
    157
    • Abstract Views
      118
    • Downloads
      39

Article Description

This study investigates the essential (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Ni) and non-essential (Li, Be, Cr, Rb, Sr, Cs, Cd, Sn, Ba, and Pb) element concentrations and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) compositions in the feathers of Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) from three distinct Brazilian islands: the Archipelagos of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (SPSP), Abrolhos, and Cagarras. We aimed to investigate the ecological and environmental factors influencing these seabird populations and assess potential variations in contaminant exposure and dietary habits based on location, sex, and maturity stages. Our finding revealed significant geographical differences in trace element concentrations. The Brown Boobies from Cagarras had higher concentrations (mean ± SD, µg g) of Fe (29 ± 20), Mn (0.82 ± 0.82) compared to Abrolhos (Fe: 21 ± 20; Mn: 0.24 ± 0.09) and SPSP (Fe: 15 ± 16; Mn: 0.21 ± 0.06). Copper and tin concentrations were also higher in Cagarras (Cu: 8.02 ± 2.50, Sn: 0.02 ± 0.01) than in SPSP (Cu: 6.41 ± 0.94, Sn: 0.01 ± 0.01). Our analysis revealed significant differences in Li, Mg, Rb, and Zn concentrations between adults and juveniles. However, there were no significant differences in metal concentrations between sexes within each locality. SIBER analysis revealed distinct dietary differences among the three Brown Booby populations, with the Cagarras population occupying a higher trophic position compared to the SPSP population. This study highlights the importance of considering different populations to understand contaminant exposure and ecological dynamics in Brown Boobies along the Atlantic. The Cagarras population shows significantly higher contaminant levels, likely due to coastal proximity. These results highlight the necessity for ongoing monitoring to evaluate long-term effects on the more impacted population and to ensure seabird health and sustainability in the Atlantic Ocean.

Bibliographic Details

Janeide de Assis Guilherme Padilha; Mariana Silva; Thaís de Castro Paiva; Gabriel Prohaska Bighetti; André P. Almeida; Larissa S.T. Cunha; Paulo R. Dorneles; Juliana Souza-Kasprzyk; Tuany A. Soares; João Paulo M. Torres; Loïc N. Michel; Krishna Das; Gilles Lepoint

Elsevier BV

Multidisciplinary; Contaminant Exposure; stable isotopes; Bioaccumulation; Seabirds

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