Analysis of micronucleated erythrocytes in heron nestlings from reference and impacted sites in the Ebro basin (N.E. Spain)

7 pages, 3 figures.-- PMID: 18063255 [PubMed].-- Printed version published on Sep. 2008.The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral erythrocytes was tested for 59 heron nestlings (Ardea purpurea, Egretta garzetta and Bubulcus ibis) sampled at two areas (polluted and reference) on the River Ebro (NE Spain) and at its Delta during Spring 2006. Flow-cytometry analysis revealed higher (three- to six-fold) MN counts in samples from the most polluted site relative to samples from the reference area. Samples from the Delta showed intermediate values. Age, morphometric parameters (weight, tarsus size and bill-head length) and maturation status showed no significant differences among the different populations for each species; nor were they correlated with MN levels. The data suggest that elevated levels of MN in chicks in impacted areas reflected the chemical pollution of their nesting sites. The use of nestlings for this assay appears to be a convenient, non-destructive method to assess the impact of pollution in natural bird populations.Frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes in peripheral blood of waterbird nestlings correlates with chemical pollution loads in their nesting sites.We thank Direcció General de Medi Natural de la Generalitat de Catalunya and INAGA del Gobierno de Aragón for permission to work at the heronries. This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (BIO2005-00840), the Spanish Ministry for the Environment, and the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The contribution of the Centre de Referència en Biotecnologia de la Generalitat de Catalunya is also acknowledged.Peer reviewe