Bioaccumulation of Heavy Elements in the Organs of Red-Wattled Lapwing in Shadegan Wetland

Background & Aims: Heavy metals are highly stable in wetland and marine environments and can be toxic to organisms. Wetland birds play a vital role in the life cycle and food chain. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) in the organs of red-wattled lapwings in Shadegan wetland in 2019. Materials and Methods: Pb, Hg, Ni, and Cu were studied in this descriptive-applied study. Ten red-wattled lapwings were randomly prepared in Western Shadegan wetland and with the coordination of the environmental unit of the region through hunting in December 2019. A graphite furnace spectrometer, GBcA made in Australia, was used to determine the amounts of these elements in liver, kidney, and tail feathers. The LOD and relative standard deviation of sampling were also determined, and finally, the results were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: Based on the results, the highest cumulative concentration belonged to Cu. Its mean values in the liver, kidney, and tail feathers were 4.16%, 3.95%, and 1.77 mg/kg, respectively. The highest and lowest means of Pb, Hg, Ni, and heavy Cu elements in the kidney tissue were 1.974 and 1.08 mg/kg, respectively. Based on these results, the kidney was the most important tissue accumulating heavy elements in red-wattled lapwing. Conclusion: Overall, there were significant amounts of heavy elements in various organs of the red-wattled lapwing present in Shadegan wetland. These results indicated the relatively high levels of pollution in Shadegan wetland compared to some other bird habitats in Iran, which is probably attributed to the oil, gas, petrochemical, and sugarcane industries around Shadegan wetland.