The patterns of heavy metal retentions in the kidney and urinary metal elimination in mallard (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) exposed to iron ore reject runoffs

Abstract

Goa, India has several active mining belts, majority being iron ore mines As a result, large stock piles of the rejects are dumped around. The runoffs from such piles contaminate the surrounding waterbodies during monsoon. Birds from such areas are likely to get exposed to heavy metals present in such water-bodies. Also there is hardly any data on the retention patterns of heavy metals as well as urinary excretions in birds. It is known that heavy metals are excreted through urine or faeces. The kidney of Anas Platyrhynchos domesticus retained Zn, Mn. Fe and Cr at high levels. These metals are eliminated through urine depending upon their retention levels in the kidney as well as on their degree of intake.