The Study of Heavy Metals (Pb, Zn, Cd) Accumulation in Different Tissues of Sebria Gull (Larus heuglini) from Hara Bisophere

Waterbirds are exposed to many contaminants. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are known as most important toxic pollutants in aqutic ecosystem. Elements poisoning had never been reported in Larus birds (Larus heuglini) in Iranian Mangrove Biosphere. The aim of this investigation was the measurment of metal concentration on Liver, Kidney and muscle tissues of larus in Mangrove Biosphere. Fifteen birds were collected on November 2010. The result indicated that the average lead, cadmium and zinc level were highest in kidney and lowest in muscle. For male and female, there was no significant difference in tissues concentrations for Cd and Pb. In the present study, levels of Cd and Pb in tissues no change with age. However, the concentrations of trace elements in Larus heuglini were generally comparable to values reported in other studies. The results of the investigation do not show an excessive exposure to cadmium, whereas some interesting data have emerged in the case of lead. The concentration of the latter in the liver and the kidney of larus seem to suggest the possibility of recent exposure.