Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 264, P. 120382 - 120382

Published: Nov. 16, 2024

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widely used for pest control, resulting in their pervasive presence the environment and posing significant toxicological risks to a range of predatory scavenging species. Our study mainly aimed evaluate AR exposure effects nestlings eagle owl (Bubo bubo) from Region Murcia (southeastern Spain). We analysed ARs blood samples (n = 106) using high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole (HPLC-TQ), assessed influence potential anthropogenic (presence livestock farms, landfills human population density) environmental (land uses proximity watercourses) variables, measured prothrombin time (PT) plasma biochemical parameters as biomarkers effects. results showed residues 91.5% nestlings, with 70.8% exhibiting multiple (up six compounds single individual). Second-generation (SGARs) were most prevalent compounds. The analysis indicated that sampled individuals good physiological condition. Although PT was positively correlated total concentration (ΣARs), relationship not (Rho 0.04; p 0.49). Regarding factors, higher ΣARs associated urbanised site landfills, likely due increased availability rodent prey. prevalence two SGARs (brodifacoum difenacoum) linked closer riverbeds, suggesting contamination pathway inland aquatic ecosystems, where these may concentrate water scarcity. This underscores widespread owls highlights importance effective monitoring management pollutants protect conservation-concern wildlife Mediterranean semiarid regions.

Language: Английский