Toxic metals and other elements in Svalbard reindeer: Establishing baselines and assessing non-invasive sampling for biomonitoring

Abstract

Pollutants emitted from all over the world may reach pristine areas, such as the Arctic. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) has been the subject of a few studies reporting toxic metal concentrations. However, these studies either date back a few decades or exclusively used non-invasive samples (e.g., faeces and fur), leaving us without an updated assessment of the concentrations in internal tissues and target organs.

This study is the first to present the concentrations of the toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in both invasive and non-invasive samples from female Svalbard reindeer. The highest concentrations of both Hg and Cd were found in the kidneys (x̄=0.68 μg/g and 16.3 μg/g dw, respectively). The highest concentration of Pb was found in faeces (x̄=2.62 μg/g dw), followed by liver (x̄=0.28 μg/g dw). While both Cd and Pb concentrations in Svalbard reindeer were comparable to levels reported in other reindeer subspecies or circumpolar wildlife, Hg concentrations were lower than those reported in most other studies on reindeer. Conversely, Hg levels in Svalbard reindeer were still higher than levels reported in wildlife from central Europe, demonstrating the influence of long-range transport of Hg to the Arctic.

By comparing the toxic metal concentrations in different sample types, we confirm a relationship between Hg concentrations in invasive and non-invasive samples, with faeces being the most promising proxy for soft tissue Hg concentrations. Consequently, future Hg biomonitoring efforts may be carried out with relatively simple sampling procedures and without sacrificing Svalbard reindeer.