Concentrations of chemical elements in two species of aquatic birds : moorhen (Gallinula choropus)‎ and teal (Anas crecca)‎

Abstract EN

This study included the determination of six chemical elements (Cadmium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Nickel) in the muscles , liver and digestive canal for two male and female species of aquatic birds Moorhen (Gallinula choropus) and Teal ( Anas crecca).

Samples were collected from marshes of Kahla district within Maysan Governorate.

Chemical elements were detected by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Recorded Copper and lead concentrations were found to be the highest in the range ( 8.275 - 120.780) and (12.321- 54.085) µg / gm dry weight respectively, being the highest values in liver of the Teal ( Anas crecca ) .

Nickel is found in the concentration of ( 26.24 and 31.49) µg / gm dry weight for males and females respectively in liver of Teal ( Anas crecca ).

The concentrations values of Cadmium, Cobalt, and Manganese ranged (ND-2.676), (ND-23.195), (ND-19.480) µg / gm dry weight respectively.

The results showed that the liver tissues of both birds recorded high concentrations compared with the muscle tissues and digestive canal, and chemical elements reported higher concentrations during winter compared to their concentrations during spring.

The concentrations of all studied chemical elements in muscles were within the tolerance limits with the exception of Lead, which was higher compared to the literature.