The penguin feathers as bioindicator of Antarctica environmental state

摘要: Abstract Concentrations of biogenic and toxic elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Se, Ni, Sr, Al, Cd, Pb, As) were determined for the first time in feathers gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chinstrap antarctica) from Antarctica. A comparison element levels was performed among these species years 2002–2003. Penguins molt annually this fact allows defining precisely concentrations accumulated heavy metals plumage every year. continual environmental biomonitoring could establish a possible trend to contamination Antarctica sea zones. The feather is an excellent subject monitoring because penguins have long life span, permanent ecological niche dominate aviafauna Because its remoteness, believed be unpolluted. relatively elevated Cd established are due Cd-enrichment Antarctic marine food chain. great bioaccumulation lead feathers, concentration Pb higher (4–8 times) compared that Cd. In both Zn 1.9 times than respective Fe levels. most investigated significantly P. papua antarctica probably explained by different diet feeding habit species.