Assessing the influence of Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) by excrements on the levels of trace and rare earth elements in the soil

Rare earth elements (REE) and some transition metals (e.g. Nb) are a group of chemicals that have recently been widely used in industrial processes due to the increasing demand for new technologies. As result, these increasingly being released into environment, which could mean pollutants modify marine terrestrial ecosystems. Seabirds, such as penguins, can biotransport nutrients from sea land through excreta. However, there is no information about role Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) bio-transporting emerging contaminants REE. This study aimed assess any possible contribution penguins geochemical composition areas. Excreta samples were collected Chañaral Island, one most important sites Chile conservation penguins. The results showed this species tends contribute soil enrichment with REE (Ce, La, Nd, Pr) Nb excreta, well carbon. More studies needed see potential impacts on soil.