Metal Analysis in Feathers and Blood of Birds

ABSTRACT

Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem often as a result of human activities such as industrial processes, mining, agriculture, and waste disposal, causing the release of metals into the environment. These metals can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to ecosystems, human health, and wildlife. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of heavy metals in birds feathers and blood and to determine the metabolites in the feaces. In this study, fifteen (15) individual birds sample were collected and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for metal analysis. The metabolites were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Cadmium, lead and iron had high concentrations than WHO in both feather and blood. Essential metals such as Copper, Zinc, Iron concentrations were found higher than non-essential metals such as Lead and Cadmium in both feathers and blood. Almost the same pattern of concentration of metals were detected in both blood and feather. (Zn>Fe>Cu>Pb>Cd)- Lonchura bicolor and Lonchura cucullata had the highest concentration of heavy metals in both blood and feathers while Eurillas latirostris had the lowest. Lonchura bicolor and Lonchura cucullata can be used as environmental bio-indicators within Elizade University. The metabolites in the feaces of Lonchura cucullata were not indicators of stress.