Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review

Haskins, David L.; Gogal, Robert M.; Tuberville, Tracey D.

doi:10.1007/398_2019_26

Title: Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review

Journal Article · Sun Mar 17 00:00:00 EDT 2019 · Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/398_2019_26· OSTI ID:1817360

^[1]; Gogal, Robert M. ^[2]; Tuberville, Tracey D. ^[1]

Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Ecology Lab. (SREL); Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States)
Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States)

Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that has been reported in many wildlife species worldwide. The organic form of Hg bioaccumulates in higher trophic levels, and thus, long-lived predators are at risk for higher Hg exposure. Although ecological risk assessments for contaminants such as Hg include pertinent receptor species, snakes are rarely considered, despite their high trophic status and potential to accumulate high levels of Hg. Our current knowledge of these reptiles suggests that snakes may be useful novel biomarkers to monitor contaminated environments. The few available studies show that snakes can bioaccumulate significant amounts of Hg. However, little is known about the role of snakes in Hg transport in the environment or the individual-level effects of Hg exposure in this group of reptiles. This is a major concern, as snakes often serve as important prey for a variety of taxa within ecosystems (including humans). Here, we compiled and analyzed the results of over 30 studies to discuss the impact of Hg on snakes, specifically sources of exposure, bioaccumulation, health consequences, and specific scientific knowledge gaps regarding these moderate to high trophic predators.

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Research Organization:: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Ecology Lab. (SREL)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: FC09-07SR22506; EM0004391

OSTI ID:: 1817360

Journal Information:: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 249; ISSN 0179-5953

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Anthropogenic contamination
Aquatic
Bioaccumulation
Biomagnification
Biomarker
Colubridae
Ecological risk assessment
Ecotoxicology
Heavy metal
Immunotoxicology
Maternal transfer
Mercury
Mercury pollution
Metal toxicity
Nerodia sipedon
North America
Northern watersnake
Predator
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Title: Snakes as Novel Biomarkers of Mercury Contamination: A Review

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