Ecotoxicoparasitology: Understanding mercury concentrations in gut contents, intestinal helminths and host tissues of Alaskan gray wolves (Canis lupus)

摘要: Some gastrointestinal helminths acquire nutrients from the lumen contents in which they live; thus, may be exposed to non-essential elements, such as mercury (Hg), during feeding. The objectives of this study were: 1) determine total concentrations ([THg]) Gray wolves (Canis lupus) and their parasites, 2) use stable isotopes evaluate trophic relationships within host. [THg] (C N) were determined for helminths, host tissues, 88 wolves. Sixty-three contained grossly visible (71.5%). prevalence taeniids ascarids was 63.6% (56/88) 20.5% (18/88), respectively. Nine these 63 both (14.3%). All Toxascaris leonina. Taenia species present included T. krabbei hydatigena. Within GI tract, proximal small intestine significantly lower than distal intestine. There a significant positive association between hepatic taeniid [THg]. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) ranged <1 22.9 taeniids, 1.1 12.3 Taeniid ascarid BAF higher 1, suggesting that groups are capable THg accumulation wolf δ13C liver skeletal muscle. conjunction with isotope values, provides insight into food-web dynamics aids elucidating ecotoxicoparasitologic relationships. Variation throughout parasitic groups, underscores need further effect(s) feeding niche, nutritional needs relate toxicant exposure distribution