Biomonitoring of heavy metals in birdsinIran in relation to trophic levels

ABSTRACT: This study presents concentrations of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn)in tail feathers of57 birds (10families) in Shadegan wetland in southwest Iran. Concentrations of heavy metals weremeasured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) (Fillips, Model PU 9400). Concentrations of metals were studied in relation to trophic levels.In this study, bird species were classified in five groups of diet habitat namely herbivorous, omnivorous, invertebrate predators, piscivorous and carnivorous.We found a significant difference between Cd concentration across carnivores and omnivores birds with other trophic levels (p=0.00). Statistically significant difference was seen in Pb concentration between herbivores and other groups (p=0.00). Moreover the results showed that the statically significant differenceobtained between Cu concentration in feathers of herbivores and other trophic levels. But there was no significant difference for Znin trophic levels. It seems the carnivores and omnivores species are useful bioindicators for Cd and herbivorous birds are suitable birds for Pbpollution in Shadegan wetland.