Metals and trace elements in feathers: A geochemical approach to avoid misinterpretation of analytical responses

摘要: Assessing trace metal pollution using feathers has long attracted the attention of ecotoxicologists as a cost-effective and non-invasive biomonitoring method. In order to interpret concentrations in considering external contamination due lithic residue particles, we adopted novel geochemical approach. We analysed 58 element wild Eurasian Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus fledglings, from 4 colonies Western Europe (Spain, France, Sardinia, North-eastern Italy) one group adults zoo. addition, 53 elements were assessed soil collected close nesting islets. This enabled compare wide selection metals among colonies, highlighting environmental anomalies tackling possible causes misinterpretation feather results. Most (Al, Ce, Co, Cs, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Nb, Pb, Rb, Ti, V, Zr, REEs) origin. Some could be constitutive (Cu, Zn) or significantly bioaccumulated (Hg, Se) flamingos. For As, Cr, lesser extent it seems that bioaccumulation potentially revealed by highly exposed birds, provided are well cleaned. comprehensive study provides new dataset confirms Hg been accumulated all sites some extent, with particular concern for Sardinian colony, which should studied further including Cr. The Spanish colony appears critical As urgently investigated depth. Feathers Italy hardest clean, but our methods allowed biological interpretation Cr Pb. Our highlights importance when analysing advances methodological recommendations reduce presence residual particles carrying Geochemical data, available, can represent valuable tool correct analytical