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Seabird-Transported Contaminants Are Reflected in the Arctic Tundra, But Not in Its Soil-Dwelling Springtails (Collembola)
journal contribution
posted on 2019-10-17, 19:49 authored by Silje
M. Kristiansen, Hans P. Leinaas, Dorte Herzke, Ketil Hylland, Geir W. Gabrielsen, Mikael Harju, Katrine BorgåArctic-breeding
seabirds contain high levels of many anthropogenic
contaminants, which they deposit through guano to the tundra near
their colonies. Nutrient-rich soil in vicinity to seabird colonies
are favorable habitats for soil invertebrates, such as springtails
(Collembola), which may result in exposure to seabird-derived contaminants.
We quantified a wide range of lipid-soluble and protein-associated
environmental contaminants in two springtail species (Megaphorura
arctica and Hypogastrura viatica) and their
respective habitats (soil/moss) collected underneath seabird cliffs.
Although springtails are commonly used in laboratory toxicity tests,
this is the first study to measure concentrations of persistent organic
pollutants (POPs) and mercury (Hg) in springtails from the field,
and to study biotransportation of contaminants by seabirds to soil
fauna. We categorized the sites a priori as of low, medium, or high
seabird influence, based on the seabird abundance and species composition.
This ranking was reflected in increasing δ15N values
in soil/moss and springtails with increasing seabird influence. We
found clear indications of seabirds impacting the terrestrial soil
environments with organic contaminants, and that concentrations were
higher in soil and moss close to the bird cliff, compared to farther
away. However, we did not find a relationship between contaminant
concentration in springtails and the concentrations in soil/moss,
or with level of seabird influence. Our study indicates a low uptake
of contaminants in the soil fauna, despite seabird-derived contamination
of their habitat.