Work

Comparative analysis of heavy metal accumulation in urban pigeon feathers: A case study in the Zinc Industrial Town of Zanjan

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study assesses heavy metal pollution in Zanjan's Zinc Industrial Town by analyzing cadmium, zinc, and lead in feathers from 200 pigeons (80 males and 80 females, both living and deceased) and 40 control samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry . The results revealed significantly higher concentrations of these metals in pigeons from the industrial area compared to controls. Specifically, cadmium levels reached 1.927 μ g g − 1 in deceased female pigeons, compared to 0.729 μ g g − 1 in the control group. Lead concentrations were 17.455 μ g g − 1 in the feathers of deceased pigeons, compared to 2.895 μ g g − 1 in controls. Zinc levels in deceased female pigeons were as high as 378.75 μ g g − 1 , compared to 61.995 μ g g − 1 in controls. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant correlation between metal accumulation and the gender of the pigeons, underscoring the impact of industrial pollution on local wildlife. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using pigeon feathers as bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution .

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102849

Authors: Fariba Asgari, Nooshin Sajjadi, Mojgan Zaeimdar, Mostafa Sadeghi, Mahnaz Mirza Ebrahim Tehrani

Institutions: Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, University of Tehran

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,490

Funder: Islamic Azad University