Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) as a bioindicator of trace element pollution in Tunisian aquatic ecosystems.

摘要: The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, has breeding colonies in the island of Chikly (in lake Tunis) and Thyna saltpans gulf Gabes), two important Tunisian wetlands that are strongly affected by anthropogenic activity. Here, we used E. garzetta chick feathers for environmental monitoring grounds this species. Since trophic ecology is fundamental when interpreting contamination levels, our approach combined both trace-element (Hg, Pb, Cd, Se) stable-isotope analysis δ13C, δ15N, δ34S. Hg, Se, δ15N levels were higher specimens collected on than Thyna. These observations highlight degree eutrophication Tunis. Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) same areas also feeds attains similar concentrations Hg Se. In Thyna, egrets exploit distinct foraging habitats, as demonstrated stable isotope analysis. highest Se found This result consistent with greater exploitation marine resources from Gabes.