Concentração de metais pesados e número de micronúcleos em Cygnus melanocoryphus (Anatidae) na Estação Ecológica do Taim, RS

Abstract

The black necked swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) belongs to the Anseriforme order, Anatidae family, which includes swans, ducks and geese. This swan is endemic to South America and it is present in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. In Brazil this swan is found in the southern region, remaining throughout the year in Ecological Station Taim (ESEC TAIM). The objective of this study was to identify the concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in feather samples is related to sex and age and determine the amount of micronuclei varies with the concentration of Cu, Cd and Pb and with age and sex. Were captured 18 individuals of black necked swan in the summer of 2012 and 39 individuals in the summer of 2013. Of these, 22 adult males, 19 adult females, nine chicks males, four chicks females and three chicks with indeterminate sex. Samples of blood and feathers were collected. The blood samples were used for sex molecular and preparation of cytologic slides for analysis of micronucleus. The feather samples were used to measure the presence of heavy metals Cu, Cd and Pb. Significant differences between ages were found for concentrations in feathers of Cu, Cd and Pb (p <0.05). There was no significant differences between sex for concentrations in feathers of Cu, Cd and Pb(p > 0.05). There was no relationship between the amount of micronuclei in the concentration of these metals feathers and with age and sex (p> 0.05).