Estimation of heavy metals in muscle tissues of Anas species in Al-Hawizah marshes, southern Iraq

In the present study, concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) were estimated in muscle tissues of two economic bird species of Anas platyrhynchos and Anas crecca from Al-Hawizah Marshes, southern of Iraq during the autumn 2021 and winter 2022. The results showed that Cd concentration in muscle tissues were 1.27 and 8.073ppm in females of A. platyrhynchos in winter and autumn, respectively. Pb values were 0.075 and 0.23ppm in winter in mmales and females of A. platyrhynchos, respectively. Cr values varied from 0.21 to 4.65ppm in females of A. crecca during winter and autumn, respectively. Ni values were 0.013 and 1.609ppm in females of A. platyrhynchos and A. crecca in winter and autumn, respectively. Co concentrations were 0.05 and 1.611ppm in the males of A. crecca and females of A. platyrhynchos in autumn and winter, respectively. Mn values ranged from 0.08 to 3.17ppm in males and females of A. crecca during autumn and winter respectively. In this study, concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cr, and Mn were more than the permissible limits, and those of Co, Mg, and Pb were within permissible limits according to FAO. According to the results and since they occupy the higher trophic levels of the food chains, the studied birds can serve as useful bioindicators for environmental monitoring in marshes.