RESUMO
Concentrations of six trace metals were determined in the eggshells of American oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) from the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. All metals measured in selected samples presented concentrations above the detection limit. Means found for Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and Ni were as follow: 2.02±0.52, 7.23±2.33, 0.78±0.03, 2.22±1.13 and 6.05±0.89mg/kg dw. The mean concentrations of Cd found were surprisingly high: 13.28±3.38mg/kg dw. Previous studies made on prey items of the American oystercatchers showed low to medium concentrations of the six trace metals. This may indicate a possible transfer of the metals that are available in the environment through food chains. Our study indicates that American oystercatchers sequester heavy metals in their eggshells. Therefore the eggshells may be useful as biomonitors for trace metal contamination in the Bahía Blanca estuary.
Assuntos
Cádmio/análise , Charadriiformes , Casca de Ovo/química , Metais Pesados/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Argentina , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Estuários , Cadeia AlimentarRESUMO
Esta nota registra a ocorrência e nidificação do Haematopus palliatus na costa sul do Estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos de observações diretas dos ninhos no período de agosto de 2005 a dezembro de 2008. Um total de 22 ninhos, cada um com dois ovos, foram monitorados, incluindo 20 na Ilha Comprida e dois na Ilha do Cardoso. Destes, 13 chegaram a produzir filhotes. Este é um registro inédito sobre a reprodução de Haematopus palliatus na costa sul de São Paulo.
This note reports the occurrence and nesting of Haematopus palliatus in southern coast of São Paulo State. Data were obtained from direct observations of nests between August/2005 and December/2008. A total of 22 nests, every one with two eggs, were monitored, including 20 at Ilha Comprida and two at Ilha do Cardoso. Of these, 13 produced at least one chick. These are the first data about breeding of Haematopus palliatus in southern São Paulo State.