PBMS generated data on lead (Pb) concentrations in common buzzard (Buteo buteo) has been presented as part of a comparative study examining spatiotemporal patterns of lead exposure in English wildlife. The study, conducted by Holly Hulme (Cardiff University) as part of the ECORISC PhD programme, used data from the Cardiff University Otter Project (CUOP) and the PBMS, to compare exposure patterns in otters and buzzards.
Holly found that the location of hotspots of contamination differed between the two species. A stronger degree of seasonality was observed in buzzards than otters with differing peaks in residue levels between the two species. Higher concentrations of Pb were measured in the livers of buzzards in winter while for otters the peak was observed in the autumn.
The study was presented, as a poster, at the European Conference for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) and the annual conference of the ECORISC PhD programme.
Poster Title: Spatiotemporal Patterns of Lead Exposure in English Wildlife: A Comparative Study of Otters and Buzzards
Link to ECORISC programme website: https://ecorisccdt.york.ac.uk/
Link to SETAC conference website: https://www.setac.org/discover-events/global-meetings/setac-europe-35th-annual-meeting.html