SREL Reprint #3352

Hepatic and renal trace element concentrations in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) following chronic dietary exposure to coal fly ash contaiminated prey

Tracey D. Tuberville1, David E. Scott1, Brian S. Metts1, John W. Finger Jr.1,2, and Matthew T. Hamilton1,3

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
2Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
3Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

Abstract: Little is known about the propensity of crocodilians to bioaccumulate trace elements as a result of chronic dietary exposure. We exposed 36 juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to one of four dietary treatments that varied in the relative frequency of meals containing prey from coal combustion waste (CCW)-contaminated habitats vs. prey from uncontaminated sites, and evaluated tissue residues and growth rates after 12 mo and 25 mo of exposure. Hepatic and renal concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) varied significantly among dietary treatment groups in a dosedependent manner and were higher in kidneys than in livers. Exposure period did not affect Se or As levels but Cd levels were significantly higher after 25 mo than 12 mo of exposure. Kidney As and Se levels were negatively correlated with body size but neither growth rates nor body condition varied significantly among dietary treatment groups. Our study is among the first to experimentally examine bioaccumulation of trace element contaminants in crocodilians as a result of chronic dietary exposure. A combination of field surveys and laboratory experiments will be required to understand the effects of different exposure scenarios on tissue residues, and ultimately link these concentrations with effects on individual health.

Keywords: Crocodilian, Bioaccumulation, Chronic dietary exposure, Growth, Coal combustion waste

SREL Reprint #3352

Tuberville, T. D., D. E. Scott, B. S. Metts, J. W. Finger Jr., and M. T. Hamilton. 2016. Hepatic and renal trace element concentrations in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) following chronic dietary exposure to coal fly ash contaiminated prey. Environmental Pollution 214(2016): 680-689.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).