Levels of zinc, cadmium, and lead in liver, kidney, and feathers of Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) from Spain

Abstract Zinc, cadmium, and lead in livers, kidneys, and feathers of 48 young and adult Atlantic puffins found dead or dying off the coast of Galicia (Northwest Spain) were determined. The most abundant between the three elements was the essential metal zinc, with highest mean levels (173 ± 9 mg/kg dry weight) in livers. For the two non-essential metals, the highest mean levels of cadmium were found in kidneys (22.1 ± 1.0 mg/kg dry weight), and of lead in feathers (1.31 ± 0.10 mg/kg dry weight). For some birds, concentrations of zinc and cadmium exceeded established risk levels. The concentrations of the three metals were positively correlated in livers. In kidneys and livers, cadmium levels were correlated. With respect to age, the levels of the three metals in adults were higher than in young animals. Female birds showed significantly higher levels than males. The results are useful for establishing baseline data of the concentrations of the three metals for this species. Graphical Abstract