Biomonitoring of coastal areas in Tunisia: Stable isotope and trace element analysis in the Yellow-legged Gull |
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Authors: | Aida Abdennadher Francisco Ramírez Xavier Ruiz Lluis Jover |
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Institution: | a Dept. Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain b Dept. Salut Pública, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain c Dept. Des Ressources Animales, Halieutiques et Technologies Agro-Alimentaires, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Université du 7 Novembre, 43, Avenue Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis - Mahrajène, Tunisia |
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Abstract: | We used Yellow-legged Gull (YLG) chicks to monitor trace elements in Tunisian areas subject to different pollution stresses: urban contamination (Chikly), industrial pollution (Thyna) and an unpolluted area (Kneis).We measured trace element concentrations (Hg, Se and Pb) in chick feathers. We also assessed their feeding ecology by analyzing both regurgitates and stable isotopes (SIA) in chick feathers and in their prey, to determine the main entry route of pollutants. SIA revealed that YLG feed mainly on aquatic resources from the Lake of Tunis (Chikly colony) and the Gulf of Gabès (Thyna and Kneis colonies). Moreover, the enriched δ15N found in feathers from Chikly are attributed to the eutrophication of the Lake of Tunis. Hg and Se were higher in Kneis and Thyna colonies, in agreement with the higher consumption of marine resources and the greater availability of these elements resulting from the impact of the industrial activity in the area. Pb concentrations were higher in Chikly, related to the heavier traffic around the Lake of Tunis and the use of leaded gasoline. |
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Keywords: | Yellow-legged Gull Tunisia Trace elements Stable isotopes Eutrophication |
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