Heavy Metals, Hematology, Plasma Chemistry, and Parasites in Adult Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis)

Abstract

Ozark (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) and eastern hellbenders (C. a. alleganiensis) from seven rivers in Missouri, USA, were collected to investigate essential information on hematology, parasites, and plasma chemistry and levels of select heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Co) in the animals' blood. The body masses of Ozark hellbenders were much smaller than those of eastern hellbenders. Blood parasites were detected in Ozark hellbenders, but not eastern hellbenders. The higher frequency in occurrence of eosinophils in Ozark hellbenders (8.8-16.8%) than in eastern hellbenders (highest at 6.6%) might result from the infection of parasites. Seven of the 18 hematology and plasma parameters (hematocrit, basophils, eosinophils, K, P, Ca, and chloride) showed significant differences between subspecies. The blood levels of heavy metals Co, Hg, and Pb differed significantly between subspecies. Ozark hellbenders had higher blood levels of Co (p < 0.001), while blood levels of Hg and Pb were higher in eastern hellbenders. The levels of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) were not different between subspecies and among rivers. The eastern hellbenders at Niangua River and the Ozark hellbenders at the North Fork of the White River had lower Hg levels compared to eastern and Ozark hellbenders at other sites. All together, our findings provide important baseline information for managing this endangered species.

Department(s)

Chemistry

Second Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords and Phrases

Animals; Blood; Calcium; Chemistry; Chlorine Compounds; Chromium; Conservation; Lead; Mercury (Metal); Metals; Rivers; Blood Levels; Body Mass; Endangered Species; Hellbender; Higher Frequencies; Missouris; Parasite-; Plasma Chemistries; Plasma Parameter; Cadmium; calcium; Chloride; Chromium; Cobalt; Heavy Metal; Lead; Mercury; Phosphorus; Potassium; Heavy Metal; Water Pollutant; Missouri; United States; White River [United States]; Animalia; Cryptobranchidae; Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis; Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis; Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi; Animals; Body Weight; Metals, Heavy; Missouri; Urodela; Water Pollutants, Chemical

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0730-7268

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2010 SETAC Press, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 2010

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