Examination of Toxic Metals (mercury) in Coot (Fulica atra) and Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) Collected in Anzali and Gomishan Wetlands, Iran

Background: Present study was carried out in north of Iran to investigate the concentration of mercury (Hg) as one of the most toxic metals in tissues of two species of birds. Methods: In this study, 15 birds from coot (Fulica atra) and 18 birds from cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) were hunted in Anzali and Gomishan wetlands. Data-analyses carried out using SPSS software version 17 licenced by Tarbiat Modares University. Data-test normality performed based on Sharpiro-Wilk’s test and P-value was set on P < 0.05. Results: Based on the study, for two species, mercury concentration in feather was in maximal and in muscles it was in minimal concentration. For coot muscles, kidney, liver tissues and feathers, it was 0.03, 0.07, 0.09, and 0.23 mg/kg, and for cormorant it was 2.26, 3.59, 5.67, and 8.68 mg/kg. In general, mercury (Hg) concentrations in coot were lower than cormorant (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between them in terms of sex (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Concentration of mercury was not the same in two species. Statistical analysis didnot show a significant differences between male and female tissues of them.Our data can contribute to develop management programs for understanding the ecotoxicological status of the Caspian basin and its coastal environment.