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Hydeskov, H.B. 
ORCID: 0000-0002-5917-4182,
2023.
Exposure and impacts of lead (Pb) in Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos).
PhD, Nottingham Trent University.
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Helle Bernstorf Hydeskov 2023.pdf - Published version Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic, non-essential element known for its negative effects on
human, animal and environmental health. Previous studies have shown that free-ranging Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos) have blood Pb at concentrations that would cause concern in humans. However, no studies have been carried out to investigate the health effects of Pb in this population. This thesis determines the gaps of knowledge concerning Pb exposure and its health effects in wild mammals and uses both free-ranging and captive Scandinavian brown bears to investigate 1) Pb exposure and if any commonly used blood variables are correlated with Pb concentration, 2) how Pb is distributed in different tissues and if any potential histopathological changes are present, 3) if Pb concentration is affected by hibernation.
The findings of this thesis show that while many wild mammalian species are exposed to Pb, there are significant knowledge gaps in regard to Pb exposure and its health effects in wild mammals. Two blood variables indicative of chronic kidney disease and two indicative of liver disease were correlated with Pb. Pb was present in all brown bear tissues analysed and the results suggest a body distribution similar to humans (three-compartment model). However, no histopathological changes were identified in liver, kidney or spinal cord tissues, so the definite health effects of Pb in the species are still undetermined. Pb concentration during hibernation is significantly higher than during the active state, potentially posing a higher risk of health effects in hibernating animals. When monitoring Pb exposure, studying wildlife at high trophic levels is desirable, and the Scandinavian brown bear is a good sentinel species given its varied diet and easy access to samples.
In a One Health context, Scandinavian brown bear products pose a risk to human health if consumed. The author advises against eating or selling products from the Swedish annual licensed hunt and supports the need for regulations of Pb in ammunition and in wild/game products to protect the consumers.
| Item Type: | Thesis | ||||||||||||||||
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| Description: | This research programme was carried out in collaboration with the Scandinavian Brown Bear Research Project and the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad Campus | ||||||||||||||||
| Creators: | Hydeskov, H.B. | ||||||||||||||||
| Contributors: |
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| Date: | June 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Rights: | The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author. | ||||||||||||||||
| Divisions: | Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Record created by: | Laura Ward | ||||||||||||||||
| Date Added: | 19 Feb 2024 13:46 | ||||||||||||||||
| Last Modified: | 19 Feb 2024 15:24 | ||||||||||||||||
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/50883 |
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